This month, we launched a new pilot scheme at Heartlands Hospital (University Hospitals Birmingham) offering free bicycles to promote staff health, wellbeing and sustainable travel.
The pilot aims to provide eligible staff on lower incomes with access to free bikes, alongside cycling support. The programme is designed to make commuting healthier, more affordable, and more environmentally friendly.
Kawun Williams, Head of Sustainability at Heartlands Hospital, said: “Our staff work incredibly hard, and we’re committed to supporting their health and wellbeing in practical ways. This scheme also helps reduce car usage, which in turn lowers emissions, aligning with our efforts to increase sustainability.”
Free bikes give lower income staff more opportunities
Active Travel Commissioner for the West Midlands, Beccy Marston, attended a giveaway at the hospital: “Many lower-band workers are unable to access Cycle to Work salary sacrifice schemes because, even with the tax savings, repayments would reduce their pay below the minimum wage. I am proud to see Birmingham City Council addressing this inequality by giving staff the opportunity to commute in a healthier and greener way.
“Shifting journeys from car to bike will help reduce parking pressures, congestion, and pollution, while ensuring more equitable access to improvements to the local cycling routes. Crucially, it will also support staff health and wellbeing and put much needed money back into the pockets of our NHS heroes.”
The scheme is part of our Big Birmingham Bikes project which provides free bikes and cycling support to people on lower incomes across Birmingham, promoting active travel as a sustainable method of transport.
Megan Smith, Head of Community Delivery and Development (Central) at TAWS, said: “Supporting hospital staff to travel actively benefits both individuals and the wider system. This bike giveaway helps make active travel a realistic option for staff journeys, supporting wellbeing, reducing car dependency, and easing pressure on staff parking.
“With investment from Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone fund and Birmingham City Council, we’re able to support initiatives that contribute to a healthier, more sustainable Birmingham.”
Kelvin, a staff member at Heartlands Hospital and bike recipient said: “My colleague saw the advertisement about applications and told me to apply. Aside from saving me money, it will also be a great help for getting more exercise.”
Free bikes schemes are low-cost, high impact interventions
Our latest report, authored by Volterra Partners LLP, showed that Free Bikes schemes can lead to better health outcomes and greater access to opportunities. our first hospital pilot run in Basildon, Essex, showed improved commute times, a reduction in car journeys, and an increased likelihood of regular exercise among staff who received a bike, compared with those who did not.
At The Active Wellbeing Society, we believe that everyone deserves to lead healthy, happy lives. By providing access to the tools people need to be well, active and healthy, we can move ever closer to that vision. If you’re looking for a delivery partner, strategic support, or a new perspective on leadership, we’d love to chat – head to our Partnerships page for more details.
