Publish date: 5 August 2021
As part of cycle to work day, Operational Services Manager, Sathish tells us about the benefits of cycling to work
I’m Sathish Sethuraman, Operational Services Manager for the Northumbria Healthcare Manufacturing and Innovation Hub.
My previous role was as a sustainable transport officer which I did for almost 10 years, and I promoted cycling and walking initiatives as part of the job role. I was involved in organising Dr Bike+ sessions and have always loved cycling. I often do leisurely bike rides with Bike4health and with my family on weekends.
In my previous role I lived very close to my base site, North Tyneside General Hospital, and I didn’t often have the opportunity to cycle to work as it was only a 5-minute walk. I currently work in our new Manufacturing and Innovation Hub, located in Seaton Delaval which is around 6 miles from my house. I hope to begin cycling to work 3 days a week which I plan on starting next week and am really looking forward to.
If you’re thinking about cycling to work too but don’t have a bike, the trusts Recycle your Cycle scheme is a fantastic opportunity to help staff and their families get a bike at a discounted rate. For more information please visit our staff health and wellbeing website.
I know it can be difficult for some staff due to commutes and responsibilities but cycling and walking to work has got great health benefits, as well as cost saving benefits and I would recommend to everyone, if you can, to give cycling to work a try. It’s a great way to fit physical activity into your day, plus you will get to skip searching for a car parking space!
The trust has got a fantastic resource – Dr Bike (Bike4health) who is able to support staff with cycling routes, bike servicing and share advice on safe cycling. I can’t wait to get on my bike and start cycling to work and look forward to sharing more about my experience with you all soon!