Successful cycle safety roadshow event at St Bartholomew's Hospital

A socially distanced cycle safety event for St Bartholomew's Hospital was held on Wednesday 16 September 2020 in the City of London.

Event partners delivered activities to promote cycle safety and to support NHS workers with their cycling commute.

The event was held in partnership with the City of London Police, City of London Corporation, Havebike, Cycle Confident and Sustrans’ Healthy Streets Officers, supported by Barts Health and Serco. The City of London Police delivered bike security marking and an ‘exchanging places’ activity, using virtual reality headsets to show cyclists a viewpoint from other vehicles to help cyclists understand what drivers can and can’t see.

Havebike mechanics delivered a Dr Bike session, and a Cycle Confident instructor discussed route planning, road positioning and provided commuting advice.

The event had a great turnout and there was some wonderful feedback from those who attended the event.

“The cycle event at St Bartholomew’s Hospital was a great success. Cycling has become so popular with our staff during lockdown because it’s a great way to travel and avoid crowds, which helps us to keep our patients safe. Providing cycle maintenance and bike registration in one place at our hospital helps many of our hard-working staff to secure and maintain their bikes easily and for free. Thank you City of London and your partners for keeping our staff cycling.”

Sustainability Programme Coordinator, Barts Health NHS Trust.

“The event was just fantastic, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the weather surely helped! The City of London Police’s VR simulations were amazing, seeing the perspective of a lorry driver in relation to a cyclist was very informative. Supporting our NHS Front Line Workers is something very close to all our hearts, and it was most gratifying to see such a brilliant example of partnership working between so many different agencies.”

Senior Security Lead, Serco Barts Health.

“The event was excellent, there wasn’t a moment that we were there when there wasn’t a queue for the bike repairs! I spoke to several partners from CoL Police and St. Bart’s Hospital and they were all pleased with the turnout and said how successful the event was.”

Healthy Streets Officer for Bexley