Positively Green

Since the publication of our Green Travel Plan, we have been working hard to promote the benefits of travelling sustainably to our hospital; we’re hopeful that this blog will point staff and patients in the right direction for information about travelling to UHP via active transport.

Where possible, swapping the car for cycling, walking or public transport is super beneficial to the health of people and the planet. Sustrans, the national travel charity, estimates that 28,000 to 36,000 early deaths occur each year in the UK due to air pollution worsening heart and lung disease. Therefore, as the .gov local authority active travel toolkit explains, as more of our short journeys are walked or cycled, the carbon, air quality, noise and congestion benefits will be complemented by significant improvements in public health and wellbeing. The physical activity involved in active travel is known to be beneficial to mental health and physical health: Regular commuting by cycle is linked to a lower risk of cancer or heart disease compared to other forms of transport. This may be partly due to cyclists and walkers being exposed to less air pollution than drivers and passengers.

If these health benefits weren’t enough to convince you, active travel is good for the environment too! Unlike motorised transportation, which relies on fossil fuels, walking, running, and cycling produce zero emissions. By choosing these modes of travel, we decrease our contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, helping to combat climate change.

If you are a patient wanting to find out about cycling (including hiring Beryl bikes), walking or catching the bus to the hospital (including the George Park and Ride), visit our Getting Here page to access all the relevant information.

If you are a member of staff, read about the topics below on StaffHub.

• Cycle to work scheme

• Dr Bike sessions

• Showering/changing facilities

• Renting an e-bike

• Location of bike shelters

• Beryl bikes

We’re always thrilled to hear from staff patients and visitors who have suggestions or comments about the active/public transport provisions for the hospital. Get in touch with us via email to share your views: plh-tr.sustainability@nhs.net