A Free Bikes programme has provided 30 bikes for staff across the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust as part of a Public Health initiative to support staff health and wellbeing.

Funded by Active Black Country and Dudley Council’s Commonwealth Games legacy funding, the initiative will provide eligible staff with everything they need to start cycling. Whether they’re cycling with the family or commuting on their bikes, it’s all about creating healthier, more affordable, and more environmentally friendly lifestyles.

Rachel Barlow, Group Chief Development Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“I’m really excited to see more staff have access to bikes and training, not only from a sustainable travel perspective but also the long-term impacts on their health and lives. Whether they’re cycling to work, just popping to the shops, or cycling with the family, it’s another car off the road, movement embedded in their routine, and it helps save them time and money. 

“The project will support a range of staff from those on lower bands to those who never learnt to cycle. By providing the bikes and everything they need to get cycling, we are opening the door to more active lives, movement and freedom, especially for those who are burdened with the high running costs of the car or unsuitable bus routes and times. 

“Projects like these tie in many strategy goals for the Trust, from staff retention, health and wellbeing, improving local air quality and delivering our Green Plan.”

Ninette Harris, Sustainability Lead for The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“Staff have been beaming as they receive their bikes, as well as bubbling interest from visitors and other staff members. It won’t stop here; we will continue to support staff throughout their cycling journey, and hopefully we will see more staff dusting off their bikes and joining the new group. Thanks to our Charity, who has supported the project by funding hairdryers for changing rooms as well as providing funding for additional accessories and support for events. It is the little details that can make a difference.”

The initiative was inspired by pilot schemes facilitated by The Active Wellbeing Society (TAWS) at Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham and Basildon Hospital in Essex.

Megan Smith, Head of Development and Delivery (Central) at The Active Wellbeing Society, said:

“Providing free bikes to NHS staff helps make active travel a realistic option for their journey to work. Not only will it benefit staff health and wellbeing, but it benefits the wider system by reducing car dependency and easing pressure on staff parking.

“Thanks to the groundwork we have conducted with Big Birmingham Bikes and Essex Pedal Power to facilitate other hospital schemes in the UK, we have been able to support Dudley Council and The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust to deliver their own initiative to those doing vital work in our NHS.”

The first hospital pilot, in Basildon, Essex, showed that bike recipients benefitted from improved commute times, reduced car journeys, and a reported overall increase in regular exercise.

Ruth, a Children’s Community Nurse who received a bike, said:

“I used to ride a bike years ago and so I thought this would be a good opportunity to get some exercise. I’m constantly sitting in my car or in the office for work, so now, when I get home, I can get some exercise.”

Adam, who works in the Accident and Emergency Department, said:

“I usually ride to work anyway, but my bike had broken. [Cycling] is a good way for me to wind down after a busy shift in A&E.”

For more information, please contact: dgft.greenteam@nhs.net