May 8, 2020
Keyworkers Lead The Way
(Commuting under Covid.. and afterwards)
Clare: I‘ve been cycling regularly to work since I started with the Trust 18 months ago, but since the pandemic I have upped this to 5 days a week so that I can avoid using public transport.
I’m a Speech and Language Therapist based at the Northern General Hospital, and when I first started my commute I lacked confidence in cycling on the roads and found the hill up to the hospital very hard work!
My confidence has since built up and I’ve been very grateful to other employees who offered advice about my route, where to leave my bike while I’m working, and how to access facilities.
My route now involves quieter residential roads and a short stretch along the river.
I feel as though there have been more people cycling to the Northern General in the last couple of weeks — perhaps due to a combination of the lighter mornings and evenings, warmer weather and quieter roads.
I know that some of my colleagues who have wanted to give cycling to work a go have taken the opportunity while there is less traffic on the roads — and have had positive experiences.
I hope when restrictions are relaxed people will continue to feel confident to travel to work by bike, but I’m not sure everyone will feel safe enough once the traffic builds up again.
We shared a survey with people who work for the Trust last year (with support from the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Travel Planning team), and much of the feedback indicated that people would be more encouraged to cycle or walk to work if there were safer routes across the city.
More Stories from Sheffield Keyworkers:
Sue : “These strange times call for action!”
Jenny: “That feeling of reaching the hospital alone, on my bike, has been wonderful.”
Girish: “An e bike in Sheffield is a boon for people of a certain age, like me!”
Clare: “People would be more encouraged to cycle or walk to work if there were safer routes”
Paul: “My car’s not moved for three weeks.”
Heather: “Be safe. Be happy. Help the planet.”
Liz: “Be brave, a bit of assertiveness helps. And then inspire others.”
