Cycling revival UK

[snorri]

I had cause to visit my local NHS Health Centre/Hospital/A&E complex today, it was a beautiful day, never seen it so busy.
Decided to do a survey, weather was bright sunshine, negligible wind.
Number of cars parked properly in bays 123
Cars overflowing on to grassed areas 14
Bicycles in stands 1

There might have been some staff bikes hidden indoors, but no sign of any upsurge in cycling here

 

[RichK]

I presume the bike was yours?

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

NHS bike provision! Reminds me of a post I made 7 years ago...

http://deptfordmarmoset.blogspot.co.uk/2009/08/aesthetics-versus-health.html

 

[mjr]

Whereas when I visit the hospital, I have to take my folding bike because it is too hard to find a space among the hundreds of parked bikes! Is there no cycle route to that hospital or some similar probl0em?

 

[snorri]

I presume the bike was yours?

No, my doctor asked me not to cycle in to the centre as he was unable to accurately assess my blood pressure after pushing into a head wind for three miles then up the steepish incline to the front door.

 

[snorri]

Whereas when I visit the hospital, I have to take my folding bike because it is too hard to find a space among the hundreds of parked bikes! Is there no cycle route to that hospital or some similar probl0em?

There is no cycle route, but the roads in the area are not sufficiently busy with motor traffic to deter anyone with any will to cycle. Also there are short cuts available to cyclists which can make it faster to cycle than drive for many residents in the area.

 

[screenman]

I think the NHS has a problem with staff obesity, maybe they all run in to use up more calories.

 

[RoubaixCube]

I think the problem is NHS staff (unless their only employed as receptionists, cleaners & Lesser job roles) are quite often overworked and overstressed. Last thing i would want to do if i was them is cycle home after finishing a 12-14hour shift which 99% of was spent on my feet running about. from ward to ward.

 

[summerdays]

I see quite a few cycling to work in a nearby hospital on my commute, including someone I know (we grimaced at each other in the torrential rain this morning). Staff my have secure parking as I know bikes have gone missing from the hospital.

 

[screenman]

I think the problem is NHS staff (unless their only employed as receptionists, cleaners & Lesser job roles) are quite often overworked and overstressed. Last thing i would want to do if i was them is cycle home after finishing a 12-14hour shift which 99% of was spent on my feet running about. from ward to ward.

Makes you wonder where the obesity bit comes from.

 

[snorri]

I think the NHS has a problem with staff obesity, maybe they all run in to use up more calories.

You did omit the smiley regarding the running, didn't you?

 

[vickster]

Makes you wonder where the obesity bit comes from.

Overgeneralisation?

 

[RoubaixCube]

For the stressed part, I can think of no better way to get home after work.

Depends if youre awake enough to handle the stess of the ride

 

[RoubaixCube]

Agreed about the tired point but my point was that the ride is one of the least stressed part of my day.

Do you work as a nurse for the NHS?

 

[BrumJim]

No, my doctor asked me not to cycle in to the centre as he was unable to accurately assess my blood pressure after pushing into a head wind for three miles then up the steepish incline to the front door.

Had a medical check-up a few years ago. All was OK other than blood pressure. So I came back when I hadn't been battling a head-wind all the way home, and needed to get back, eat, and get out rather quickly.
Thing was, my heart rate was 'OK' according to the spec, even though it was well above normal for me.