About Spokes
Spokes was launched in June 2006; this short document (Word, 36KB) is a snapshot of provision and concerns from the initial membership of the network. We will, in the future, produce simple guides for both employers and employees on the benefits of cycling to work, ways of encouraging cycling among staff and the financial options and responsibilities for all involved.
This poll of NHS Networks site users in April 2006 showed that nearly eight per cent of respondents travel to work by bicycle. This is more than twice the national average and, if extrapolated to the larger NHS workforce of approximately 1.3 million, suggests that more than 100,000 NHS staff cycle to work.
Cycling is beneficial to both staff and employers because:
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It is healthy exercise, both physically and mentally
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It is non-polluting
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It is cost-effective
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For short journeys in busy towns and cities, it is often the quickest means of transport
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Cyclists do not require a car parking space
Employers can - and should - provide the following:
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Covered, secure bike racks (and enough of them!)
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Changing facilities with lockers and a shower
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Mileage allowance for the use of a bicycle during work
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Tax concessions for the purchase of bicycles and safety equipment (such as the Cycle to Work scheme - see below)
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Where practical: dedicated cycle paths
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Enforcement of speed limits on NHS property
In return, cyclists have their own responsibilities, including:
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Not cycling on pavements, on footpaths or in pedestrianised areas
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Obeying road markings and signals like any other vehicle
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Ensuring night-time visibility through the use of lights and reflective clothing
Around hospitals and health centres there will naturally be many people who cannot see a bike, hear a bell or jump out of the way. Courteous, responsible, safe cycling benefits our cause and strengthens our argument. Make sure your bike has working lights, that it is fitted with a bell (legally required on all new bikes) and that you always wear a helmet.
Cycle to Work scheme
The government's Cycle to Work scheme allows employers to provide bikes to their staff as a tax-free benefit provided the bikes are used mainly to travel to and from work. At the end of the agreed loan period, employees may then have the opportunity to buy the bike, resulting in an overall saving of up to 40 per cent of the retail price. To find out more, download the press release or read the Cycle to Work page on the Bike for All site.
There are several companies which assist employers and employees to take advantage of Cycle to Work, including CycleScheme, Cycle Solutions, OnYourBike and NHS Bikes. Of particular note is Cycle2WorkNow which operates the scheme online and can cater for individual employees and even self-employed workers such as GPs.
The London Cycling Campaign and the NHS London Travel Planners Network have published a joint report on the Cycle to Work scheme including a list of all the NHS Trusts in England known to be running the scheme. South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust has implemented the scheme with great success and Spokes has been kindly provided with a copy of the paper which was presented to the Trust Executive explaining the benefits of the scheme (including the results of a staff survey).
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Press release (Word, 40KB)
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More information at Bike for All (external link)
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Dept of Transport: Cycle to Work Scheme implementation guidance (external link), also available as PDF (133KB)
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London Cycling Campaign report (PDF, 980KB)
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South London and Maudsley paper (Word, 88KB)
Discounts for Spokes Members and NHS Organisations:
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Cycle storage: Spokes has negotiated a 12% discount for NHS organisations purchasing cycle storage lockers from Elite Composites of Brighton. These are high quality individual bike lockers available in any colour, which can be customised with an organisation's logo. They carry a five year guarantee. For more details, see the attached document (Word, 237KB). For any further enquiries, please contact Elite Composites directly
- Pedalites: Members of Spokes can claim a 15% discount on pedalites, the award-winning kinetic energy bike pedal lights. These normally cost £39.95 but are available for £33.96 to Spokes members who order through the website or the Freephone number (0800 422 0484) quoting the NHS voucher code. (Contact the Spokes Co-ordinator for the code.)
- Cycling Southern France by Richard Peace: Spokes members ordering this book direct from the publisher can receive a 20% discount on the cover price of £12.95. Just call Cordee on 0116 2543579 and quote offer reference 'NHS-Spokes Member'.
For more information about Spokes, or to join the Spokes mailing list, contact Joe Mellor at the e-mail address below. Submissions of useful documents (especially cycling policies of NHS bodies), interesting links or other information, advice and opinions are welcomed. Please complete the Spokes membership questionnaire (Word, 27KB). If you have a staff noticeboard, please post this flier (Word, 37KB).