7th August 2025
Marking this year’s Cycle to Work day, Annette Moore, who works at Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast has been setting a sterling example for her Trust colleagues, showcasing the benefits of alternative transport methods.
Annette lives just two miles from her workplace at Musgrave Park Hospital. Through Sustrans’ Leading the Way programme which is funded by the Public Health Agency, Annette took part in a series of lunchtime cycles at the nearby Musgrave Park. She hadn’t cycled since she was a child but found the lunchtime cycles to be really enjoyable.
“I like walking, and I’d previously completed the Couch to 5km and had taken up jogging,” Annette said.
“I found there is a freedom that comes with cycling – you can go a bit further and it’s good to get outside. Cycling is beneficial for both physical and mental health.”
Annette then stepped up a gear by enrolling in Sustrans’ six-week Women into Cycling course and achieved her Level 2 on-road cycle training. She says this gave her the confidence to try cycling on roads.
“I’m now focusing on my fitness and trying to get my stamina up to ensure a safe cycling speed on main roads.”
“I think having a cycle buddy at the same stage as me would help me with venturing out on the bike.”
Annette has borrowed a foldable e-bike from Sustrans and is planning to continue her journey to get more active.
“I would totally recommend people take up cycling to avail of cycling schemes in the workplace to enable cycling to work if they can.”
“Providing safe routes for cycling is vital. As well as that, sometimes all you need is that bit of support and confidence to get on your bike.”
Cycle to Work Day is a nationwide celebration of commuting by bicycle—promoting health, sustainability, and eco-conscious travel.
It encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to ditch the car or train and choose their bikes for the daily commute.
In Belfast, 12% of residents cycle at least once a week – just 7% of women cycle at least once a week compared to 16% of men. More than 700 long-term health conditions are prevented by people walking & cycling in Belfast.
