As part of efforts to deliver healthcare more sustainably a First Community colleague will trial using an electric bike for work related travel.
Chris Jones, Health Visitor clinical lead, will pilot using the bike for her commute and travel to and from different bases for meetings, as part of the organisation’s efforts to provide healthcare in a more environmentally friendly way.
First Community outlined its ambitious sustainability goals in support of the wider NHS ambition to become the world’s first net-zero health service by 2040, in its Green Plan which launched last year.
As part of efforts to meet its initial interim target to reduce its carbon footprint by 26% by March 2025 against its 2019/20 baseline, First Community purchased a Trek Verve+1 Low step electric bike, which Chris will trial, with a view to purchasing more bikes and launching a pool bike scheme which will enable more colleagues to sign out bikes to use for visits and/or meetings, if the pilot proves successful.
The bike which is battery powered and provides four pedal assist options, can be used as a normal bike, and has had pannier bags fitted to hold Chris’ laptop, paperwork, and any other items needed as part of her role.
Chris, who joined First Community as a student health visitor in 2012, said: “I was keen to be involved as I have always enjoyed cycling and used to bike to work when I lived in London. I had recently tried an e-scooter and found it a lot of fun, so when I heard we were looking at trialling an e-bike I was very keen.
“Ever since my first ride I have absolutely loved it! I have two panniers which have ample waterproof space for everything I need at work, and it is lovely not having to wear a backpack.
“It is a very heavy bike, but when you are riding you don’t feel the weight. There are four settings of extra power such as Eco and Turbo, and you can feel it when you increase the power setting – I fly up hills now!
“One downside is that I don’t get as hot when cycling due to the help it provides, so I’ve had to increase my layers and get some heated gloves! But it’s made me think about not getting the car out and adding to all the pollution. I like that I am doing my bit, as little as it is, to help combat climate change - it is such a lovely way to travel especially now it is getting lighter and warmer.”
The pilot is just one way First Community is demonstrating its commitment to delivering healthcare services sustainably. If it proves successful, a ‘bike to work’ scheme will launch which will give all staff the option to buy a bike and repay the cost via a salary sacrifice scheme.
Helen Dredge, First Community’s Sustainability lead, said: “We know it is imperative to act now on climate change. Business travel is the second largest source of our carbon footprint, making up around 40%.
“We also recognise the impact travel has on air pollution which can have significant health impacts for our communities, so it was a no brainer to trial an electric bike and to seriously consider introducing a bike to work scheme.
“Both electric bikes and cycle schemes not only provide travel solutions that impact less on the environment, but they can also benefit our health and wellbeing whilst enabling better health outcomes in our community. We’re really excited to see how the pilot goes."
Photo caption (L-R): Chris Jones, Health Visitor clinical lead and Helen Dredge, Sustainability lead, with the e-bike.