Dr Bike sessions have traditionally been a major initiative in promoting cycling at NHS Trusts. During the Bike Week in June 2010, 7 Trusts ran events that included Dr Bike servicing, with around 100 bikes checked. This shows that there is an extremely high level of interest in the initiative amongst Trusts, particularly during the spring/summer months. Three Trusts have expressed specific interest in being part of this proposal: St George’s Hospital, Epsom & St Helier and West Middlesex University Hospital.
St George's update:
Our Bike Day was very successful. We filled all the sessions allocated by Tony on the day – 18/20 bikes. We even had to turn away a number of staff as Tony can only fit in a number of bikes in on the day. This was despite the weather, which was pretty gloomy.We always combine Dr Bike with promoting our Cycle to Work Scheme as well as getting the local police involved to security mark bikes. The event had a very positive effect and we were asked whether we could provide Dr Bike sessions at our sister sites as well as have more sessions throughout the year. We also have a Medical School on site and they to have expressed an interest in doing a joint venture.We have been doing Bike Day for a number of years and have learnt a lot of lessons. I feel we have got the advertising and location site (Main Entrance – front of house) perfected!
St George's Hospital
Dr Bike
We would be grateful if we could secure more funded sessions, however in this current climate we know that these sessions will become limited. Our General Manager is aware of the popularity of the sessions re and she has advised that she would look at securing funding to provide Dr Bike sessions for SGH..