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To cyclists, the benefits of cycling to work need little explanation. However, the management of your Trust may well
take more persuading. The leaders of your hospital may drive to work. They will not perceive cycling as a major issue. In
fact, they may never think about cycling at all.
So, draw their attention!
Follow the 10 point plan on the
next page.
The first step is to form a Bicycle user's group.
Contact the facilities manager of your hospital,
on behalf of the bicycle user's group. Explain how following the 10 point plan will lead to benefits to the staff and the
hospital.
Persuade the facilities/estates manager to bring this important topic up with the Trust Board.
If
your facilities manager will not act for you, then go straight to the top.
Try our sample letter to your
Chief Executive. Cut and paste into a word document. Keep it factual and polite. Remember, write it from all the members of
the Bicycle User's Group.
Sometimes, a Chief Executive is persuaded by this evidence and you may then find changes are implemented which make cycling
to work easier and safer.
If this doesn't happen. we at cycleNHS are often asked what to do next.....
No one is listening. What do I do now?
Carry on with the bicycle user's group. Carry on cycling, regardless. Even if your employer will not make the modifications
to your working environement, you may still enjoy the benefits to be had by regular exercise and not driving your car.
What about more campaigning?
Be careful. Your Trust will have clauses in your contract which make talking to another organisation about your
Trust, difficult. All communication with the press or with your MP, for instance should really be done via your Trust's communication
department.
In-hospital activities are all without risk. Organise friends to cycle to work. Talk at meetings about the health benefits.
Organise something for Bike2Work week. There's plenty to do, even if your employer is difficult to persuade.
If you fail to convince your local Trust, the best advice is to campaign nationally. Climate change and the environment are
high on the Government's agenda. Your trust may not want to do anything now but will be obliged to follow instructions on
sustainability in a few years time.
Bide your time! Follow the advice on national campaigning on the subsequent web page.
10 Point cycle plan
Persuade the NHS
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