The climate emergency is a healthcare emergency, and we want to play our part in tackling it. North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trusts are both working toward a target of carbon net zero by 2030 - how we choose to travel is a major contributor to our carbon footprint, individually and organisationally, so we’re riding to demonstrate what’s possible with two wheels and some power from our legs (plus some batteries for some of us – ebikes are welcome!)

It’s not just about the ride; it’s an opportunity to talk to colleagues and share thoughts and ideas about how to make our work have less impact on the planet.

Our route takes in each of the two trusts’ main sites, starting at Southmead Hospital and passing the BRI, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and other hospitals in the city centre before leaving the city and crossing the countryside to reach Weston General Hospital after roughly 35 miles of pedalling. People can choose whether to take a train from Weston Super Mare back to Bristol or make it a longer day in the saddle by riding home. We’ve plotted a return route which mostly avoids the busiest roads.

Everyone and every type of bike is welcome to join us. We only ask that your bike is in good enough condition that you can be confident it will get you through the route – we won’t have support from a mechanic on the day, and you should plan to be self-sufficient, but we will do our best to help with any minor issues.

We intend to ride as a group, but depending on how many riders we have and how speedy they are, we may split into two or more groups so that everyone gets to ride at a comfortable pace. We’ll also all have an opportunity to chat together at the beginning of the ride, plus we’ll arrange to meet up at a café along the route and again when we reach Weston.

When: Meet at 8:30 am on Sunday, 1 October, for a 9 am start

Where: Southmead Hospital, grassy area to the front of the Brunel building

Contact: travelsmart@nbt.nhs.uk or Lewis Lippiatt on Teams