Colleagues were introduced to the benefits of sustainable travel choices, when Stockport NHS Foundation Trust joined in a national campaign championing sustainable travel choices benefitting health, community, and the environment.
They were taking part in Mode Shift TravelWise Week (16th – 22nd September) ; a national campaign promoting sustainable travel choices including walking, cycling, car sharing, or using public transport.
Active and sustainable travel can help reduce stress, improve fitness, and cut carbon emissions, all while saving money; an important message for Stockport NHS staff as well as the wider community.
A series of activities were held at Stepping Hill Hospital, with visits from Transport for Greater Manchester promoting active travel and public transport in the area, and Cycle UK , who brought in electric bikes for taster sessions. The trust has an active Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme which allow staff to buy bicycles at reduced rates.
Staff have also been sharing their own experiences of sustainable travel with colleagues. One of these is consultant doctor Matt Jackson who has long been cycling to work at Stepping Hill Hospital. Matt said “Over the years I`ve honed the gear and routine that works for me. While the maximum speed of cycling is slower then driving the average speed is quicker during rush hour - and you don`t need to find a parking space either. Compared with driving 25 minutes. Cycling takes 15 minutes."
Encouraging colleagues, Matt said “Just do it! You don`t have to do it every day, but even once a week has its advantages - you might even like it.”
Laura Swann, Sustainability Manager said “TravelWise Week is all about making smarter, greener travel decisions. This was a great opportunity to share the options we have on offer to support staff to change the way they travel to work. Walking, cycling, are good for our own personal health, along with car sharing, or using public transport they also support our long-term goal of reducing carbon emissions as part of our Green Plan ."