Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has opened its new, secure cycle facility for staff at the University Hospital of Wales (UHW) site., as part of its commitment to encourage sustainable travel.
The new hub was developed following feedback from staff on how to improve cycling and active travel facilities across the health board. The cycle hub will contain two-tier storage for 90 bikes as well as changing facilities, two unisex showers, a toilet and a drying room. The new facility has been designed using the latest technology and is timber-clad and well insulated to reduce energy Located opposite Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales, the secure facility will be monitored by CCTV, with staff gaining access via their ID card.
The new hub was developed by local contractors Wernick from Port Talbot with the facility built off site and then delivered and connected to onsite water, drainage and electricity supplies.
Geoff Walsh, Director of Capital, Estates and Facilities said: “This new facility will play an important part in creating a reliable, safe place for cycle storage. We have consulted with colleagues who already cycle to work to ask them to feed into the plans to ensure the facility best meets the needs of cyclists and active travellers. This facility will help open up cycle access to the UHW and backs up our commitments to promoting healthy and sustainable travel as well as Cardiff Council’s sustainable travel plan for the city.”
Mike Mullan, Workforce Information Manager at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, is a cyclist and was involved in the plans for the new facility. He said, “I was very impressed with the plans and suggested a couple of additions including lockers, and also mirrors and hairdryers for staff who may find these useful. I think the facility will encourage more staff to cycle to work at the UHW site.”
Last year, Cardiff Council developed proposals for five Cycleways to support and promote cycling to major destinations across the city. The proposed routes will connect communities to major destinations across the city which also includes a Cycleway from Allensbank Road to UHW.
By working together with a view to the long-term, public-sector organisations in the city aim to increase the proportion of journeys made to and from workplaces which are sustainable, reducing the impact on the environment and improving the health of people in Cardiff and the Vale, now and in future generations.
