The League of American Bicyclists recently awarded Jacksonville Memorial Hospital with a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Business Award.
The nonprofit hospital encourages active transportation with covered bike racks for colleagues and visitors, free meals for colleagues who bike to work during Bike Month celebrations and hands-on community “Bike Rodeos” that teach children valuable bike safety skills.
“Promoting healthy lifestyles and safe riding throughout the community continues to be a priority,” said community health consultant Claire Peak. “We appreciate our colleagues at JMH who strive to create a more bike-friendly community.”
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 through the League of American Bicyclists. Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Memorial Hospital and Taylorville Memorial Hospital have worked together to conduct employee surveys and provide educational materials and marketing campaigns to reach employees and community members 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.