Cycling Towards Healthier Future: Free Bike Giveaway at Basildon Hospital
Free bikes have been distributed to Basildon Hospital staff thanks to a programme offered by local councils working with the NHS.
The first of 150 bikes were handed over to staff at an event held at Basildon Hospital to promote physical activity, encourage active travel, and provide access to employment and education opportunities.
Basildon Council Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing, Leisure, Arts and Culture, Councillor Jeff Henry, said: “This is a really fantastic initiative that will transform the lives of our residents that receive the bikes.
“The scheme will support residents across the borough, such as our local hospital staff and through our community organisations, to enable residents to be able to cycle to work, school, or college rather than take a long walk or by using other transport.
“It will save residents money, improve their health and fitness, and hopefully get them to see how beneficial active travel can be. It will also reduce carbon emissions from transport – supporting our aim of becoming a carbon net zero borough by 2050.”
Fiona Ryan, Managing Director at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Essex Pedal Power is a ground-breaking initiative that will help our Basildon-based staff travel sustainably – and all for free. Initiatives such as this, which is in partnership with Basildon Council and Essex County Council, have been made possible by our Anchor Programme and the joint work of our Estates, Sustainability, Workforce, and Wellbeing teams.”
The free bike giveaway scheme is run by the Essex Pedal Power project, which is delivered by The Active Wellbeing Society and supported by Essex County Council, Active Essex, Sport England, Basildon Borough Council, and Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.
To obtain a free bike, staff only need to complete an online application form to see if they are eligible. The bikes are initially offered to hospital staff as part of a six-month loan scheme, and if used regularly, they are theirs to keep.
Staff taking part do not have to use the bikes only for work; instead, they can use them for various day-to-day activities or leisure, promoting sustainable travel and improving fitness levels at the same time.