Cycle to Work Day 2021

This year, the national ‘Cycle to Work day’ initiative is taking place on Thursday 5 August. The day was originally launched to promote cycling as a good option for commuting to work and to highlight the benefits it brings, which include improved fitness levels and the reduction in carbon footprints of commuters. We spoke to Steve Dunkerley, Executive Director of Consultancy at NHS London Procurement Partnership (NHS LPP), on how he benefits from cycling to the office.

 “I first started cycling into work in 1996 when I worked at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Trust, and then when I moved to NHS LPP, I carried on with my cycling commute.

“For me, the benefits of cycling are mainly for my physical and mental health as it allows me time to switch off but also to think creatively.

“I have two routes, one from my home in Tunbridge Wells which is 38 miles and takes me 2 hours 15 minutes, and the other is driving to a friend’s house in Orpington and riding into London with him which is around 14 miles, taking 45 minutes.

“My top tips for anyone who is getting on the bike saddle for the first time is to make sure you have lights, a helmet and a fluorescent jacket. Always obey the rules of the road and cycle within your limits, the faster you ride the quicker your reactions need to be.

“There are lots of great resources out there for first time cyclists such as Cycling UK, so have a research if you’re thinking about cycling to work. And more importantly, just enjoy it!”

Thank you to Steve for sharing his story. Aligning with Cycle to Work Day, we recently launched our Greener LPP campaign, which is aimed at helping our staff live a more sustainable life both at home and at work. Over the coming months, Greener LPP will focus on different sustainability activities for staff to try and adopt in their daily lives, which may include cycling to work!