Cycling Scotland has awarded a grant of £23,000 to provide ten electric bikes for NHS Dumfries and Galloway staff travelling short journeys during their working day.
The bid for the grant made by Public Health included a report on how well used the existing two electric bikes used by the Board had been since coming into use early this year. At the time of the bid staff had clocked up hundreds of miles travelling between NHS and Council sites, testament to how beneficial the grant for more of the ‘powerbikes’ could be for health, wellbeing and the environment.
David Bryson, General Manager NHS Dumfries and Galloway said:
“We are delighted to be awarded a sum of money that enables us to increase our fleet of electric bikes. They have proved very popular with staff as a means to travel between sites, initially within Dumfries, in a way that’s good for them and for the environment. This initiative is another strand of our strategy to encourage and support active and sustainable travel for staff.”
Rhian Davies, Active Travel Officer NHS Dumfries and Galloway said:
“The electric bike is a great mode of transport for short journeys because it’s as quick as driving and easy to park. The electric bike gives you a little extra power so it flattens out the hills and it’s like you’re riding with the wind behind you. With 60 miles in the battery and a low frame which is easy to step through, the bikes are ideal for travelling for work. There’s no need to break a sweat or change your clothes.”
The extra funding will also be used to maintain these state of the art bikes. Public Health will take delivery of the electric bikes later this year.
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