Encouraging staff and visitors to swap car journeys for cycling is a high-impact strategy for reducing congestion, cutting emissions, and improving health outcomes.
But for real change to happen, people need cycle parking they can trust. The risk of cycle theft is a major deterrent—Cycling UK estimates that almost 300,000 bikes are stolen annually in England and Wales with11.5% of those stolen outside of the workplace according to the National Crime Survey.
For active travel to be a realistic choice, NHS sites and healthcare facilities need to invest in secure, accessible, and well-integrated cycling infrastructure.
Secure cycle parking: The foundation of active travel
With the widespread availability of battery-powered angle grinders, traditional open cycle racks are only suitable for very short visits with good natural surveillance. For long-term or staff parking, access-controlled, enclosed cycle storage is the best solution.
Large healthcare sites with outdoor space should consider enclosed Cycle Hubs with keyless digital access, CCTV, and weather protection.
Smaller NHS sites can benefit from self-contained solutions like the Bikehangar, which offers six secure spaces per unit with minimal footprint.
NHS sites can remove a key barrier to active travel by providing staff with high-quality cycle parking—ensuring bikes are truly safe from theft.
Case study: Central Health Clinic, Bristol
In 2024, Cyclehoop partnered with Central Health Clinic in Bristol to install three Bikehangars, enabling more staff to commute by bike safely. Like many NHS sites, they struggled with limited car parking and inadequate cycle parking facilities.
Key takeaways from their solution:
- Scalable and cost-effective: The team considered multiple options, but many were too expensive or impractical for the available space. With no groundwork or assembly required, the Bikehangar was the ideal fit.
- Flexible access for rotational staff: Many staff move between multiple sites, making physical keys impractical. Instead, the Bikehangars were fitted with Airkey digital access, allowing staff to unlock any of the three units via fob or smartphone, providing 18 secure spaces in total.
- Simple NHS procurement process: The Bikehangar range is approved on the NHS Shared Business Services Sustainable Infrastructure framework, bypassing lengthy procurement and tendering—a major advantage for public sector organisations.
This approach demonstrates how adaptable and practical secure cycle storage can be for NHS sites with high staff turnover, space constraints, and budget considerations.
Beyond parking: Supporting cycling culture at the NHS
Alongside secure cycle storage, complementary measures can significantly increase cycling uptake:
- Shower and changing facilities – Providing basic end-of-trip facilities makes cycling a more attractive option, particularly for longer commutes.
- On-site bike repair stations – Public Bike Repair Stands and Public Bike Pumps allow staff to fix minor issues quickly, enabling them to keep cycling should they experience an issue.
- Cycle-to-Work schemes – Clear guidance on salary sacrifice schemes helps staff purchase bikes and accessories at reduced cost, with no upfront payment.
The untapped potential of cycling in healthcare
Supporting active travel is an investment in staff well-being, public health, and NHS sustainability goals.
Health benefits for staff: Regular cycling reduces the risk of heart disease, strokes, and mental health issues, leading to a healthier workforce with fewer absences.
Decarbonising the NHS: Encouraging staff to switch from cars to bikes directly contributes to the NHS’s net-zero ambitions, reducing emissions from short, unnecessary car journeys.
Cutting congestion parking demand: Many NHS sites struggle with limited car parking. Investing in cycling infrastructure can alleviate pressure, freeing up spaces for patients and emergency vehicles.
Ready to make active travel work for your NHS site?
By prioritising secure cycle storage, integrating digital access solutions, and providing supporting facilities, NHS sites can unlock the huge potential of active travel.
Get in touch to find out how cycle parking can benefit your site, email info@cyclehoop.com or phone 020 8699 1338.