Thursday, January 18, 2018

The ABC 123 of a Bicycle Friendly Health System


Some steps towards a UC Health system that decisively supports and encourages active transportation.
  • A design-guide for a UC Health branded bike rack in collaboration with UC marketing (color, design, health message on rack, placement according to APBP
  • Review and improve access and attractiveness of staircases for all premises
  • Evaluate the financial benefit for UC as a self-insured employer if more employees use active modes for their commute
  • Pay staff  who commute by bike 10 cents for every mile cycled
  • Normalize cycling and transit options on all "directions and parking" webpages which consistently assume that everybody drives 
  • Create media opportunities for UC Leadership to be shown with a bicycle
  • Evaluate improved productivity and work satisfaction if more staff uses active modes for the commute
  • Conduct an annual Blessing of the Bicycles ceremony 
  • Apply for certification as Bicycle Friendly Business through the League of American Bicyclists (Precedent: Seattle Childrens Hospital, etc)
  • Offer CDC accredited Diabetes Prevention Programs which emphasize safe and confident cycling education
  • Encourage development of "Cycling on Prescription" programs
  • Develop a Public Service Announcement Campaign: "Surgeon General's Warning: Driving causes Obesity and Diabetes, Start Cycling now to Greatly Reduces Serious Risks to Your Health." (Preecedent: Cyclists are always Fragile campaign by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • Create the position of a Sustainable Transport Improver at each medical campus
  • Engage with local agencies to improve transportation infrastructure for active modes in the communities were UC Health operates. Bring the voice of medical experts to the planning process
  • Offer and advertise free bicycle valet parking at all locations that provide valet parking for cars
  • Ensure that Capital Programs reviews all current and new off-campus premises for active transportation improvements
Because these interventions touch many different parts of the organisation, this proposals requires strong leadership.


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