‘Better commute’ plans for MSG team

Saturday 20 May 2023

MSG staff joined in with community efforts for Alternative Transport Week with interest-free loans offered to staff wanting to buy bikes, e-bikes and electric mopeds.

The 'better commute scheme' was introduced as part of plans to reduce the carbon footprint of the island's Medical Specialist Group.

The idea for the interest free loans for carbon friendly transport came from feedback submitted to a travel survey that was completed by just under 100 consultants and staff at the MSG.

The survey found an average commute per MSG colleague of 9.7km return. Most of their journeys (75%) were made by car, which in turn accounted for 81% of the distance travelled and 99% of the MSG's total emissions. Most of the staff said they'd prefer to use bikes for their commute if they could.

Pictured: Two out of three participants in the MSG's survey said they would consider changing from their cars to a more sustainable method of travel for their commute, with cycling identified as the most aspirational option.

Following the survey, the MSG's first move was to trial a fleet of four e-bikes during Guernsey's first Alternative Transport Week, which itself is aimed at reducing the island's reliance on cars and other motor vehicles. 

Those e-bikes have been used over the past few days by consultants and staff moving between the MSG and the PEH, or going into town for meetings. Anyone using them was asked to flag up any issues.  

Facilities Manager Steve Le Prevost said they've been very useful this past week when he's had to pick up items from St Martins and Town.

"I’ve really enjoyed being able to use the e-bikes this week. The only real downside is the weight of the bikes we have here which means you get to feel every bump but apart from that I think they’re fabulous and an ideal way to get around on a sunny day."

Pictured: The Medical Specialist Group.

It's not the first time the MSG has tried to change staff habits, with a cycle to work scheme launched in November 2021. Since then, 17 staff have obtained bikes, which is said to have helped to reduce the number of people who drive to work at the Medical Specialist Group. 

Nathan Collenette, People & Organisation Business Partner, said e-bikes and mopeds are another way of encouraging more people to cycle, or scoot to work. 

"Cycling is a cost-effective way of travelling to work which saves money and, in many cases, time! It helps to keep you fit and healthy, which may also lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.  

"We recognise that e-bikes are not for everyone which is why we’ve expanded the scheme to include e-mopeds – they significantly reduce on-island emissions, take up little space, are time-saving, low maintenance and noiseless." 

MSG Business Adviser Paul Everitt has recently taken delivery of his new e-moped and says he has enjoyed using it, particularly for meetings in town.

"I can get there quickly and it’s easy to park, no clock to set. I wasn’t a biker before, but I’ve found it very easy to learn – there's just one gear! It’s completely silent and quite nippy. With the loan scheme, my payments are spread over 18 months which makes it very affordable."

Pictured top: (L to R) Marc Le Page, IT & Facilities Manager, Paul Everitt, Business Adviser, and Tom Marrett, IT Assistant.