On Yer Bike!
Last updated: 07/09/2006 - 10:42
Some 700 staff at Kingston Primary Care Trust in London are to be encouraged to make the bicycle a realistic transport option for all their work-related journeys.
The staff - mainly district nurses and other health professionals - are getting incentives such as:
- A £500 interest free loan to get them their new set of two-wheels;
- A new 20p a mile mileage rate, up from the previous 12p;
- A commitment to get car owners to pay for improvements through a slice of all car-parking charges;
- New showering and drying facilities.
Staff aren’t expected to give up their cars if they don’t want to - just use two wheels as much as they can.
The deal was struck after negotiations between Kingston and UNISON trade union representatives.
As the NHS is the UK's largest employer, it generates an estimated 5% of all motor traffic trips, and anything that reduces congestion has to be welcomed by everyone.
And given its emphasis on the need for healthier lifestyles for all the UK population, giving Kingston NHS staff this option underlines the organisation’s commitment to the programme.
The latest medical research shows that regular cycling can help provide protection against serious health risks such as coronary heart disease, strokes, non-insulin dependent diabetes, colon cancer, and health risks associated with being overweight or obese.
"For may years NHS staff using bicycles have felt penalised," says Michael Walker, UNISON regional officer.
"This agreement is a realistic compromise and recognises that staff may which alternate between car and bicycle usage depending on factors such as weather, distance, time of day, and patient equipment required."
More information available in Incentives & Rewards, Job Centre