The Medical Specialist Group’s cycle to work scheme for its consultants and staff has become a ‘better commute scheme’ with the inclusion of electric mopeds in the interest-free loan offer as well as bicycles and e-bikes.
The move, which coincides with Guernsey’s first Alternative Transport Week, follows feedback from a travel survey that was completed by just under 100 colleagues.
And the survey has also inspired a proposal to purchase Medical Specialist Group (MSG) e-bikes that can be used by consultants and staff during the working day for travel to and from the PEH or into town for meetings. A trial period with four loaned e-bikes is running during Alternative Transport Week to test the idea and resolve any issues.
The objective of the travel survey was to gather data on the carbon emissions that are produced by travel to and from work, and then look at ways in which those emissions could be reduced.
The survey found an average commute per colleague of 9.7km return. Most journeys (75%) are by car, accounting for 81% of the distance travelled and 99% of total emissions.
Two out of three participants said they would consider changing to a more sustainable method of travel for their commute, with cycling the single favourite way to commute that people aspire to.
Since the MSG’s original cycle to work scheme was launched in November 2021, 17 colleagues have obtained bikes, helping to reduce the number of people who drive to work.
Nathan Collenette, People & Organisation business partner, said: “Cycling is a cost-effective way of travelling to work which saves money and, in many cases, time! It helps to keep you fit and healthy, which may also lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
“We recognise that e-bikes are not for everyone which is why we’ve expanded the scheme to include e-mopeds – they significantly reduce on-island emissions, take up little space, are time-saving, low maintenance and noiseless.”
Business adviser Paul Everitt has recently taken delivery of his new e-moped and is enjoying using it, particularly for meetings in town. He said: “I can get there quickly and it’s easy to park, no clock to set. I wasn’t a biker before, but I’ve found it very easy to learn – there’s just one gear! It’s completely silent and quite nippy. With the loan scheme, my payments are spread over 18 months which makes it very affordable.”
Facilities manager Steve Le Prevost has been making the most of the trial of MSG e-bikes this week, using them to collect items from St Martins and from town. He said: “I’ve really enjoyed being able to use the e-bikes this week. The only real downside is the weight of the bikes we have here which means you get to feel every bump but apart from that I think they’re fabulous and an ideal way to get around on a sunny day.”
Pictured: Left to right – Marc Le Page, IT & facilities manager, Paul Everitt, business adviser, and Tom Marrett, IT assistant.
