Celebrating our #bikeheroes
Bike Week (10th-16th June) is the UK’s biggest awareness-raising moment of the year for cycling. It’s a time to remind ourselves of all the positives that riding a bike can bring, including boosting communities’ health and wellbeing, as well as the reduction in air pollution and fuel consumption which is good for the planet. To mark the occasion, we caught up with one of our #bikeheros Matthew, a Clinical Research Nurse, and a member of our Bicycle User Group (BUG).
Hey Matthew! Thanks for agreeing to answer some of our questions; we’re hopeful your positive account will encourage others to get pedalling. So without further ado, can you tell us why do you cycle to work?
With a busy family and work life, my cycling commutes are sacred "me" time where I can get some exercise, spend time outdoors and feel the wind in my hair. I love to see the changing seasons and observe nature during my cycle rides. I've seen barn owls, deer, and even a badger up close, which I don't think I would have noticed if I went on the main roads in a car. I feel so much more awake at my desk first thing in the morning compared to commuting by car, and at the end of the day it is the best way for me to wind down and process what has happened during my working day.
What advantages have you noticed?
- Daily exercise, for free, which definitely helps support my physical and mental wellbeing.
- Zero hassle with the ever-diminishing car parking available at the hospital and the awful traffic in this part of Plymouth.
- I save so much money on fuel, parking, and car maintenance, giving me more of the money I earn available for holidays or nice things for our family.
What would your one piece of advice be to those thinking about switching to a cycling commute?
I think the number 1 concern for people is the safety aspect of sharing roads with cars. So, I would say with careful route planning and a willingness to take a slightly longer route you can cycle on traffic free cycle paths and quiet roads all across the city. You will be amazed how much your confidence grows the more you cycle, so start small and build up to commuting. You don't need a fancy bike or gear, more a willingness to give it a go.
What is your cycling routine?
I use the excellent and free facilities at the Derriford Centre for Health and Wellbeing, down near car park C. There is a secure bike shed (Trust ID swipe card access) around the side of the building and there are free changing rooms, showers and lots of free locker space. It really is a good facility so do go and speak to the friendly reception staff there about it.
During this year’s #bikeweekuk, the DCHW are offering free breakfasts 07:00-09:30 for commuting cyclists, use of the showers and the new drying lockers and changing rooms. Breakfasts include granola with yoghurt, toast and jams, croissants and teas and coffees. What’s not to love?!
The Trust has also teamed up with Bike Space Plymouth to deliver a Dr Bike session at the DCHW on 12th June. A fully trained mechanic will be delivering free service and safety checks, conducting minor servicing tasks such as brake pad replacement and advising of any major works that need carrying out. Book your free slot now by emailing m.henry2@nhs.net !
Finally, don’t forget to report your active travel on Choosing Greener. Green points will be boosted for active travel activities- collect points, climb the leaderboard and win vouchers!
