The League of American Bicyclists recently awarded Taylorville Memorial Hospital with a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Business Award, up from the previous bronze designation.
The nonprofit hospital has donated equipment for the Lincoln Prairie Trail, including a bench, storage rack and Fix-It Station with repair tools and a tire pump for riders. The Taylorville Memorial Foundation has also supported healthy living through the Rock the Bike Smoothie and Spin Art Bike, bringing fun, interactive wellness education to community events.
“Promoting active lifestyles and creating a healthier community are goals we share with the foundation,” said community health consultant Jay Boulanger. “This designation reflects the hard work of many at TMH who have prioritized bicycling as a means to better 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 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.