TODAY is Cycle to Work Day, the UK’s biggest cycle commuting event.
Many staff at Bradford Teaching Hospitals cycle to work across our sites. We spoke to three to find out more about why they decided to put their best pedal forward and get on their bikes.
Nicky Kime, Senior Research Fellow, said: “Cycling helps keep me fit and I think it’s a great way to combine coming to work and exercising at the same time.
“It also sets me up for the day and is good fun!”
Dr Oliver Todd, Registrar, said rush-hour traffic meant cycling to work was just as quick as driving to Bradford Royal Infirmary.
“It would take me just as long to get here in the car as it does to cycle, and I actually think it’s safer because cars are involved in more accidents.
Carbon footprint
“It also keeps me fit, there’s no carbon footprint, and it’s a lot more fun as well. It’s win-win!”
And Alan Wright, Research Fellow, added: “I think the thing I feel most strongly about is mood. Cycling sets me up for the working day.
“I feel good after I arrive at work – the cycle in in the morning and home again in the evening are the best bits of the day.”
Bradford Teaching Hospitals recently held cycling proficiency courses to encourage more staff to travel to work on two wheels, and is set to open two new secure cycle compounds, funded by Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, later in the summer.
A new shelter at Bradford Royal Infirmary will hold 30 bikes, with a further 20 accommodated at St Luke’s Hospital.
Cycle racks
Both sites already feature cycle racks and shelters which are available to staff and visitors. For more information see bit.ly/3ai2kxd and bit.ly/3aggS0C.
Visit the Cycle to Work Day website for more info on the benefits of cycling to your place of work.
Bradford Council, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, is also looking to make improvements to cycle connectivity in west Bradford and would like your feedback on the proposed plans.
The West Bradford – Cycle Superhighway Extension is an ambitious proposal to build a direct, largely segregated cycle route between Bradford city centre and Thornton village along Thornton Road.
The proposed route is complete with spurs connecting people to Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI) and Queensbury, making it easier for those living in the west of Bradford to get around by cycling, and helping to reduce congestion and pollution in the area.