The NHS Bike Project

Update on GCI’s NHS Bike Project

The NHS Bike Project is now closed.  Thank you for your interest and support.

During 2020 and the first national lockdown of the Coronavirus pandemic, Green Commute Initiative (GCI) felt compelled to help those that work in the NHS.  At this crucial time, many NHS workers are faced with worry about how they get to work; public transport timetables have been dramatically cut and commuters want to avoid close contact with others.  GCI wanted to lift some of the worry by launching the NHS Bike Project.

As a result of its efforts, GCI’s NHS Bike Project has gifted 50 pre-loved bicycles, free of charge, to NHS staff members, both front-line and behind the scenes, who needed a bike to get to work.

The local community was urged to help with requests for unwanted bikes featured on BBC local radio and on social media. The team, with assistance from local cycling group, Baydon Flyers, refurbished and serviced the bikes, with much friendly competition and camaraderie between the team members.

Arrangements have been made to donate these bikes to the following NHS hospitals:

  • Great Ormond Street Hospital, London
  • Great Western Hospital, Swindon
  • King’s College Hospital, London
  • Kingston Hospital, Kingston upon Thames
  • Royal Brompton Hospital, Chelsea
  • Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton
  • St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey

“I am delighted that we have been able to help those that work in our brilliant NHS.  As a social enterprise, giving back to society is in our DNA, and the NHS Bike Project aimed to help those currently most in need of help with their commutes to work. Hopefully, the gift of a free bike will make their lives that little bit more bearable during these desperate times. Never before has the role of the humble bicycle been so important as to how we move around.”

Rob Howes, GCI’s Managing Director