The not-for-profit hospital’s campus features a trailhead on the LMH Wellness Trail with a bike fix-it station, bike racks and benches for employees and the public. A bike share program with an app allows up to six employees to use bicycles free of charge.
“We know if people use active transportation to get where they are going, they will be healthier, and there are also benefits to our environment. Our efforts to promote cycling also extend beyond our campus with bike events and education,” said Angela Stoltzenburg, LMH director of community health.
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. Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville Memorial Hospital and Taylorville Memorial Hospital have worked together to conduct colleague surveys and provide educational materials and marketing campaigns to reach employees and community members about the benefits of cycling.
“We hope we can be a resource to other businesses and encourage them to become more bicycle friendly,” Stoltzenburg said. “Our efforts to educate our employees and members of the community have helped raise awareness about the benefits of cycling and even prompted new partnerships.”
The League of American Bicyclists works to create safer roads, stronger communities and a Bicycle Friendly America through education, advocacy and promotion.