Free cycle training for Belfast Health Trust

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has funded the cycle training which will be delivered by Sustrans from the end of January as part of the ‘Leading The Way’ programme. The free training will help skill up staff ahead of the launch of three new Belfast Bike Share docking stations earmarked for the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast City Hospital and the Mater Hospital.

 

The accredited training aims to equip anyone who can cycle with the confidence and skills to ride safely on the road. The idea is to encourage more staff to hop on the new bikes or their own bikes as part of their daily commute or travel between the Trust’s hospital and community sites. 

 

Séamus Mullen, Head of Health Improvement for Belfast at the PHA, said: “By building physical activity into our daily lives, we can have a really positive impact on our health. With the new Belfast Bike stations appearing at the hospitals, it offers the perfect opportunity for staff to cycle to work or between sites. This training will be fantastic in boosting confidence to take to two wheels and hit the road.” 

 

Karen Mawhinney, Sustrans Cycle Training Coordinator said: “This is a great opportunity for any Belfast Trust staff who hasn’t been cycling recently or needs to improve their skills to get some free training and gain confidence cycling in the city centre in advance of joining the Bike Share Scheme.”

Bryan Nelson Co Director Public Health, Belfast Trust agrees:  “As a healthcare provider, Belfast Trust works to improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. This training supports the Trust Travel Plan which promotes more sustainable forms of travel including cycling, it is a great opportunity for our staff to develop their cycling skills and ensure that they are cycling safely." 

 

The Belfast Bike Share Scheme celebrated 100,000 journeys after just five months and, due to popular demand, additional docking stations were recently launched. The three new docking stations, expected to open at the hospital sites in March 2016.

 

Leading the Way with Active Travel is a three-year programme that has been commissioned by the PHA to encourage and support staff in Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast City Council, Health and Social Care Board, Business Services Organisation, and PHA to travel actively as part of their working day. The training will take place from the end of January, with sessions during the week and weekends.