The not-for-profit hospital’s campus features covered and sheltered outdoor bike racks with security cameras and a bicycle fix-it station. An internal communications campaign promotes local, state and national bicycle events to colleagues.
“From an outreach perspective, we promote the benefits of bicycling to all ages through our participation in local community events,” said Darin Buttz, TMH director of community health. “We also give bikes away to local children at our Bike Rodeo event and through the Healthy Kids Day event at the local YMCA.”
Memorial Health hospitals complete a community health needs assessment every three years to identify the highest health priorities in their local areas. Promoting cycling and active transportation is an evidence-based strategy to drive lower rates of obesity and improve health outcomes.
Three Memorial Health affiliates have pursued becoming bicycle friendly businesses. Taylorville Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Memorial Hospital and Jacksonville
Memorial Hospital have worked together to conduct employee surveys and provide educational materials and marketing campaigns to reach employees and their community members about the benefits of cycling.
“We plan to collaborate with city officials to develop an updated bike plan for our community and within the county,” Buttz said. “We hope to model for other businesses how to become more bicycle friendly, and we look forward to developing new local partnerships in an effort to raise awareness about the benefits of cycling.”
The League of American Bicyclists works to create safer roads, stronger communities and a Bicycle Friendly America through education, advocacy and promotion.