Electric Bike Loan Workplace Pilot

Basildon and Brentwood Alliance were pleased to receive an e-bike donated from Ford Motor Company as part of the Electric Bike Loan Workplace Pilot organised by the Find Your Active Basildon partnership. The partnership aims to improve the health and mobility of our frontline primary care support staff. This significant contribution will support their team in delivering essential one-to-one care across the community.

Kelly Herring, a dedicated Social Prescriber from the West Basildon Primary Care Network, is the first recipient of an e-bike. As a non-driver, Kelly faces unique challenges in her role, and this new addition will greatly improve her ability to efficiently reach patients and community projects. She said “I am really excited about getting an e-bike. This is going to transform my working day by enabling me to get out and about in the community, reducing my travel time and therefore giving more time to the people who count.”

During the handover ceremony, Simon Williams, Basildon and Brentwood Deputy Alliance Director, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Kelly is one of our most active and busy Social Prescribers. This e-bike will make a massive impact on her daily work and personal life. We are very happy for Kelly.”

Benefits of the e-bike for Kelly:

• Improved Mobility: The e-bike offers Kelly the freedom to reach patients and community projects with ease.
• Cost-Efficiency: The bike reduces travel expenses, allowing her to serve the community with minimal costs.
• Sustainability: E-bikes are eco-friendly, aligning with our green initiatives.
• Health and Activity: The e-bike enables her to increase her daily physical activity levels as she travels between appointments.

Maria Medina, Basildon and Brentwood Alliance's Community Engagement and Partnerships Officer, has worked closely with all partners involved to bring this initiative to life. She commented, “This is a fantastic opportunity for staff across the Basildon area to increase their activity and reduce costs by saving in petrol and parking or even bus fares.”

About the Electric Bike Loan Workplace Pilot

The pilot will provide long-term, no-cost e-bike loans to staff members, particularly targeting those facing travel barriers or leading less active lifestyles. This initiative aims to promote active and sustainable travel in the long run. A limited number of e-bikes will be available for loan to staff working or living in the Basildon and Brentwood area for a period of approximately six months.

For further information, contact Linzi Young (Basildon and Brentwood Alliance Delivery and Engagement Officer).