Evin

I live near Donnington Bridge and my office is at the Warneford Hospital. As a registered nurse associate with the community adult mental health team, I mostly see patients in their homes. 

Recently, the three community teams at work have got a new electric bike that we all can use to see our patients. It’s much better than my bike! There are two big pannier bags, a huge basket at the back and it makes it so much easier going up the hill.

Cycling helps with my mood, helps me relax between visits and I no longer get stuck in traffic. I’m more active too. Rushing from one appointment to the other in the car means you just don’t get the breathing time. Now I can appreciate the fresh air, the activity. Research shows that people who cycle to work are less likely to use antidepressants; and as someone working in mental health services I know how important it is to look after your mental health.

I know cycling isn’t possible for every journey. I will still cycle home and pick up my car to visit a patient in Abingdon or Bicester. But most visits are possible in under 20 minutes. I get more things done than I ever could if I was driving.

Many people can’t afford to live in Oxford, of course. I have colleagues coming from Birmingham, Gloucester, Milton Keynes but with these pool bikes, they would be able to drive to the office and then cycle out to patients. It might take a bit of training to improve your confidence but if you can try cycling then I’d say, give it a go. You will see the benefit.