In response to the current Covid-19 crisis, Green Commute Initiative (GCI) felt compelled to help those that work in the NHS. At this crucial time, many NHS workers are faced with worry about how they will get to work; public transport timetables have been dramatically cut and commuters want to avoid close contact with others. GCI wanted to alleviate some of the worry with the NHS Bike Project.
As a result of GCI’s efforts, the NHS Bike Project will gift 50 pre-loved and refurbished bicycles, free of charge, to NHS staff members, both frontline and behind the scenes, who need a bike to get to work.
The local community was urged to help with GCI’s request for unwanted bikes featured on BBC local radio and on social media. The team, with assistance from local cycling group, Baydon Flyers, refurbished and serviced the bikes, with much friendly competition and camaraderie between the team members.
The bikes will be donated to the following NHS hospitals:
Bristol Royal Infirmary
Great Ormand Street Hospital
Great Western Hospital, Swindon
King’s College Hospital, London
Kingston Hospital
Royal Brompton Hospital, Chelsea
Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton
St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey
Rob Howes, GCI’s director said, “I am delighted that we have been able to help those that work in our brilliant NHS. As a social enterprise, giving back to society is in our DNA, and the NHS Bike Project aimed to help those currently most in need of help with their commutes to work. Hopefully, the gift of a free bike will make their lives that little bit more bearable during these desperate times. Never before has the role of the humble bicycle been so important as to how we move around as a society.”
