RD&E staff encouraged to go green

Staff at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust are being encouraged to cycle to work in a ‘go green’ initiative which will also gain more car parking spaces for patients and visitors.

Around 500 members of staff currently bike in and, with a Trust-wide focus on bicycle security, it is hoped that many more will follow suit.

Simon Dallas, security management specialist, said: “We are aware of the problems with car parking at the hospital and are doing all that we can to tackle this. One big way to ease pressure is for more people to cycle to work but many people feel uncertain about this because of bike crime.

“We received a high volume of bike-related thefts and have been working with the police to cut crime. CCTV is an efficient resource as are our increased security patrols and other proactive measures.

"We are now putting on special events where people can come to get their bikes marked with a unique reference number for free. We hope that this will encourage more staff to cycle in to work.”

Luke Mitchell, sustainability officer at the RD&E, said: “Cycling or walking to work is really beneficial to everyone. It keeps you fit and healthy, saves on transport costs, improves the environment for everyone and helps free up car parking spaces for patients who really need them.

"There are a large number of staff who cycle and support is available for those who wish to join them.”

The RD&E has one of the most successful cycle schemes in the country and staff can now use it to buy accessories for their bikes to help make cycling easier in the winter months.