Hospital starts free bike loan service

More than half of Queensland adults are not getting enough physical activity for good health but Warwick is bucking the trend with the establishment of a free bike loan service.
Warwick Hospital healthy lifestyle program coordinator Nick Whittle said the hospital had started the service in conjunction with Redback Cycles, a local cycle business.
“The four bikes will allow anyone to borrow a bike and get active. The bike loan scheme can be used in a number of ways to help promote the benefits of cycling and being active,” Mr Whittle said.
“Redback Cycles run free group bike rides on the weekends with a variety of rides for riders of different fitness levels. Not owning a bike to join these rides is no longer a barrier,” he said.
“The scheme allows people to come and join the group rides and try cycling before purchasing their own bike. This can be a starting point for people to get cycling and enjoy the social and motivational benefits of group rides.
“The scheme has also helped promote cycling to work amongst the Warwick Hospital staff.
“Registered nurse/midwife Jane Mitchell-Hill has borrowed one of the bikes to ride to work and into town, during her six-week placement at the Warwick Hospital,” he said.
Ms Mitchell-Hill said, because she isn’t far from work, it’s a quick trip, and “riding to work keeps me active; I like keeping the car at home”.
Physical activity is ranked second only to tobacco control in being the most important factor in health promotion and disease prevention in Australia.
Cycling is an excellent way to get from A to B, allowing people to gain the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
Mr Whittle said anyone interested in the free bike loan scheme should phone (07) 4660 3810 or go to Redback Cycles and ask about the loan bikes available.