Making cycling e-asier for NHS staff in Sheffield | Sheffield Health and Social Care

3 July 2023

NHS staff in Sheffield have access to month-long e-bike loans as well as skills and confidence sessions through Making cycling e-asier, and lots of team SHSC have been taking up the opportunity!

E-bikes use a battery to give you a boost as you turn the pedals. They're a great mixture which allow you to get the physical and mental health benefits of exercise, while also being able to get to your destination more quickly and easily.

Powered by Cycling UK and funded by Department for Transport, the new scheme aims to encourage people to consider e-cycling for short everyday journeys.

Let's hear from a few of the people who have loaned one of these bikes and taken part in the confidence sessions about how they have found it...

Dr Jaimee Wylam, Public Health Registrar

Jaimee Wylam smiling while stood over a bike (left), Jaimee Wylam riding a bike with the background blurred from motion (right(

My reflections on the experience so far:

I signed up for a free one month e-bike hire via via Cycling UK’s free e-cycle scheme, Making cycling e-asier. I have always been a bit scared of cycling after falling off my bike as a kid. As an adult I have only cycled in places without cars, like the Monsal Trail. I decided to give it a go because Google Maps was always showing a cycle to the office being quicker than driving or the bus. I was worried I wouldn’t be ok cycling on the road so I booked a Cycle Confidence session and found that so useful. They showed me how to use the bike breaks, gears and electrical settings, and we did some practice in a safe space. Despite this I was still really nervous when I collected the bike about the cycle home (which was nearly all uphill). I didn’t need to be, I actually enjoyed the cycle home, this picture was taken as I arrived back.

The high moment:

The weather has been really great so far while I have had the hire and I have really enjoyed the sites of the Five Weirs Walk on my way to Distington House.

The low moment:

I didn’t charge the bike properly one day and had a two mile uphill cycle with no power to assist me to get home. Lesson learned!

Matt Woodward, Communications Officer

My reflections on the experience so far:

I have always wanted to get back into cycling to shed a few pounds and save a few £pounds by leaving the car at home when coming to work. So I jumped at the chance for a free hire - to dip my toe in the ocean and see what happened. Although it's early days so far I'm absolutely loving it. I am reasonably fit so can cycle most of the time through my own pedal power but the electric boost helps tackle Sheffield's unforgiving hills. It also gives that little extra slice of confidence when on busy roads - knowing you have that bit of umph when needed. One week in I've already covered over 40 miles, tackled umpteen hills and seen lots of sunsets. I'd thoroughly recommend a hire to anyone.

Bicycle in front of a sunset in the countryside

The high moment:

I've been able to get out and about across Sheffield after work to soak up the lovely weather.

The low moment:

Flies. Blasted flies. Hitting me in the eye (I now have a pair of glasses to prevent that).

Mat Drew, Communications Officer

My reflections on the experience so far:

I've loved cycling for a long time and spend time on my bike regularly both commuting and for leisure. I've always been intrigued about the extra possibilities e-bikes could open up though, so I jumped at the chance to loan one of these. They're amazing things and I've used it mostly to make journeys in my daily life that bit easier. Whether that's heading on errands or travelling for work, the bike takes the edge off and reduces any stress or trouble you might be facing about journey times - as you fly around the city! I went for the folding bike option so I could have a month off wrestling with bike locks and give my colleagues another team member. It sat quietly in the corner and nobody would have noticed...if I'd been able to shut up about it!

The high moment:

Heading up the wall-like hills of Meersbrook in the recent heatwave and not having even a drop of sweat on my brow.

The low moment:

Standing outside work trying to rebuild the bike from folded for the first time and completely forgetting. Nothing a little Googling couldn't sort though.

Find out more about the Making cycling e-asier scheme from Cycling UK here.