Bradford hospital staff saddled up for the launch of two new cycle compounds, which were officially opened on Wednesday (16 Nov).
The compounds are at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI) and St Luke’s Hospital, both part of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and will provide safe, secure and undercover bicycle storage for staff.
The compounds are part of the Trust’s commitment to becoming a sustainable healthcare provider, being a greener NHS and its mission to Net Zero.
First to be officially unveiled at 12 noon will be the 20-bike unit, built on land in front of the Horton Wing at St Luke’s Hospital.
Consultant Nephrologist and keen cyclist, Russell Roberts performed the honours by cutting the green ribbon.
He was then joined by other cycling colleagues who rode their bikes to BRI, where the 30-bike compound, built close to Gate 6, off Smith Lane, was opened by Bradford Bulls star, Elliot Hall.
Full back, Elliot, signed by Bulls last month, is the grandson of former Australian great Duncan Hall, who was named in the NRL Hall of Fame and the Australian Team of the Decade.
Both compounds have been funded by the Trust’s own Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, and feature electric charging lockers for e-bike batteries, cameras, and swipe-card access, plus exterior tool stations which will also be available to members of the public.
Estates and Facilities Officer, Jake Ratcliffe said: “We have been working with the Trust’s Bicycle and Runners’ User Group (BRUG) on the cycle compounds which will be of great benefit to our cycling colleagues.
“We also have the opportunity to expand both compounds if we need to, which will also be protected by high-impact bollards and lighting.
“They will be great for staff and great for the environment, and will hopefully help encourage even more staff to get on their bikes and commute to and from either hospital.”
Both new compounds are covered by CCTV and if the doors of either unit are ever forced open, an alert will be sent to the security team, who will then be able to view the camera in question and react to any potential break-in. They are cladded with toughened glass to aid visibility. White lines and signs warning motorists to watch out for cyclists have been installed
BRUG Chairperson, Amandeep Singh said: “The BRUG and its members are ecstatic with the new cycle compounds. Local cyclists and runners have worked on the project over several years alongside the Trust’s Environment and Sustainability Manager, Craig Wilson because we wanted safe and secure facilities.
“Cycling is great for health and the environment. It’s a passion and a way of life which we believe each staff member should be allowed to experience, safe in the knowledge that their bike is secure while they work.
“Having these facilities on both sites will make cycle travel a viable alternative to the car which, along with new changing and shower facilities and even e-bike charging points, should make the trip into work a pleasurable experience in spite of the hilly terrain!”
Craig Wilson added: “The compounds are fantastic facilities which will encourage cleaner and greener ways of commuting to the Trust.
“Following the launch of the Trust’s #GetOnYourBicycle campaign last autumn, the compounds will allow more colleagues to commute by bike and take advantage of all the associated health benefits as well as play their role in reducing the Trusts carbon footprint.”
Hayley Collis, Head of Fundraising at Bradford Hospitals’ Charity said: “We’re delighted to fund these staff cycle sheds in their entirety. Over the last 20 months our staff heroes have worked tirelessly to ensure they have been there to look after patients. We are pleased to fund a project which has a focus on staff’s health and well-being as well as doing something towards Bradford’s green plans.”
ENDS …