Cycle to Work Day 2025: How Kingsbridge Healthcare Group Are Embracing Healthier, Greener Commutes

07th, Aug 2025

Swap the bus or car for two wheels this Cycle to Work Day, taking place Thursday 7 August 2025. At Kingsbridge Private Healthcare Group, we are passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles, sustainable travel, and initiatives that support our team’s wellbeing, and cycling to work does all three.

This year, we’re shining a spotlight on some of our own cycling champions who regularly hop on their bikes. From boosting fitness to reducing stress and cutting down on their carbon footprint, they’re proving that cycling can be an incredibly rewarding hobby or commuting option.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or thinking about dusting off your bike for the first time, Cycle to Work Day is the perfect excuse to give it a go. Read on to meet our staff cyclists, discover their top tips, and see how we are supporting greener, healthier commutes.

Meet Our Cycling Champions

Chris McCaffrey – Graphic Designer

Chris McCaffrey

Although Chris doesn’t currently cycle to our Belfast office (carrying an expensive laptop on a bike commute isn’t worth the risk), he has plenty of experience cycling to work from a previous role in the city centre. He also recently took part in Pedal the Periphery, our Kingsbridge Foundation charity cycling challenge.

“I would drive to the park and ride, leave my car and cycle on the towpath into work which I loved. It was brilliant, I was able to bypass the traffic in the centre of town, get some exercise in and generally feel better mentally.”

If, unlike Chris, you don’t have to take your work device home each day, maybe opt to leave it in the office on days you choose to cycle!

Chris’s Top Tips for Commuter Cycling

Plan ahead: Lay out clothes, food, and essentials the night so there is no running about in the morning.
Dress for the weather: Wear appropriate clothing and since the weather is so changeable, having a raincoat would be advisable.
Be visible and prepared: Being seen is vitally important when cycling and dealing with traffic. Wear bright clothing, use good lights, and carry spare tubes with a pump because inevitably you will get a puncture at some point.
Learn basic maintenance: Knowing how to fix a puncture will save your day!

Why Chris Loves Cycling

For Chris, cycling is about more than just transport:

“Cycling is great as it’s a low impact activity so anyone can take part. You can be adventurous and explore places you have never been before. Join a club and make new friends, cycling with people is much more enjoyable than riding solo. Just being in the fresh air, exercising and enduring the elements makes you feel alive and pushes yourself out of your comfort zone.”

Taking on Pedal the Periphery

Chris took his love of cycling further by joining Pedal the Periphery, a Kingsbridge Foundation challenge, in aid of NIPANC. Chris wanted a personal challenge and opted for the overnight leg from Crossmaglen to Lisnaskea, just shy of 100 miles:

“Not only was the distance and terrain a challenge, but starting at midnight and cycling through the night was something I hadn’t experienced before.”

“As we got closer to the Friday start for the event, it became apparent how powerful an event this was. It brought staff from the Kingsbridge family together whose paths wouldn’t normally cross, and we gelled as a team to complete the challenge. It really brings out the best in humanity with laughter, smiles and great memories whilst raising vital funds for NIPANC.”

Chris encourages anyone to get involved:

“The great thing is anyone can take part and help. You don’t need to be a regular cyclist, just willing to get on your bike and cover a few miles to achieve the final goal. Or you can join the support team who keep the cyclists safe over the 3 days.”

Andrew Spence – Group Lead, Kingsbridge Eye Clinic

For Andrew, cycling isn’t just a way to get from A to B, it’s a lifelong passion. From childhood rides to commuting across Glasgow as a university student, Andrew has always enjoyed cycling – “I have a garage full of bikes,” he says.

Now working across multiple Kingsbridge sites, Andrew regularly cycles to work using a fold-up bike that can easily be carried on the train or packed in the car, making it the perfect option for multi-modal commuting. This is especially beneficial when he has to work between the Kingsbridge Private Healthcare Group offices in Stranmillis and the Kingsbridge Diagnostic and Treatment Centre:

“Especially between Danesfort and KDTC, I just zoom on my bike,” he says. “It’s often quicker than driving when I’m moving between the two buildings.”

Andrew’s Top Tips for Cycling to Work

Find a bike that fits: Comfort is key, so make sure your bike is the right size and set up for your needs.
Make use of the Bike2Work scheme: “It is a really great scheme, it doesn’t just help with the cost of the bike, you can get discounts on safety gear like helmets, jackets, and lights too.”
Be seen and stay alert: Wear a high-vis jacket and keep flashing lights on – even during the day. Be mindful of traffic and potential hazards. “Don’t go too fast – if something does happen, like someone opening a car door, you’re less likely to be badly injured.”

Why Andrew Loves Cycling

For Andrew, it’s all about the freedom and connection to the world around him:

“Just being outside gives you time to think. You notice so much more on a bike than in a car. Malone Park is a little piece of heaven, quiet, full of trees, the smells, the views, it’s just amazing.”

The Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Cycling to Work

Choosing to cycle isn’t just good for the planet, it’s a fantastic way to improve your health and wellbeing. Some of the key health benefits of cycling include:

Cardiovascular fitness: Regular cycling strengthens your heart and lungs, improving stamina.
Weight management & strength: Cycling helps burn calories while being gentle on your joints.
Mental wellbeing: Outdoor exercise is proven to reduce stress and lift your mood, setting a positive tone for the day.

Even cycling just a few times a week can make a big difference to your fitness and energy levels, helping you arrive at work focused and refreshed.

How Kingsbridge Private Healthcare Group Supports Sustainable Travel

We want to make it as easy as possible for our team to choose sustainable travel options.

Bike2Work Scheme: Through this scheme, employees can buy a bike and safety equipment tax-free, saving money and making cycling to work more affordable.
Supporting staff cyclists: Access to secure bike storage and participation in charity cycling initiatives such as Pedal the Periphery.
Environmental commitment: Encouraging cycling and reducing car travel supports our sustainability and corporate social responsibility goals.