A pilot programme to help Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) staff improve their cycling skills has been launched.

The initiative, held at the John Radcliffe Hospital, provides six 'Learn to Ride' sessions for participants delivered by JoyRiders Oxford, a not-for-profit community interest company that offers cycling training.

The programme caters to riders of all levels, from beginners to those mastering road cycling.

One instructor said: "It's such a pleasure to be part of the Learn to Ride sessions at OUH.

"The riders are all motivated to pedal or learn more and are full of interesting questions.

"I’m so grateful to ride this journey with them."

The initiative was born out of interest shown by staff at a pop-up information stand during National Bike Week and the Cycle to Work Day event.

This led to the launch of a cycle training questionnaire in August, which explored the barriers to cycling and the support needed, including onsite training.

The teams also collaborated with Re-Circulate to provide some staff members with free bikes.

New staff changing facilities at the hospital, as well as new lockable covered cycle parking and a bike repair station under the Children's Hospital, will further support staff who cycle to work.

'Active Travel Days' are also being planned to encourage more staff to cycle to work, promoting the health benefits of cycling and the use of public transport.

The teams are now exploring further ways of supporting staff who cycle to work, such as DIY maintenance options and recruiting bike champions.

The feedback from the six-week pilot will be evaluated to see if this could be rolled out on a wider scale, and on other sites.

Laura Di Giacomo, lead instructor from JoyRiders Oxford, said: "Setting up the programme for OUH staff and being the lead instructor in this project is a real honour.

"Cycling represents such an essential skill to tackle all the challenges that our modern society poses, from the environment, cost of living, traffic congestion, and health."

Annette Pattinson, director of JoyRiders Britain CIC, said: "We're delighted to be working closely with the Here for Health and Travel and Transport teams at OUH on this pilot to support staff to cycle to work, the first on-site programme of its kind with a major employer in Oxfordshire."

Wendy Cheeseman, head of sustainability and carbon management at OUH, said: "At OUH, we are committed to supporting our staff.

"The training is a great initiative to support our staff who are interested in cycling to work, and making a positive impact in their lives, the environment, and carbon footprint of the trust.

"Staff can enjoy numerous benefits of cycling to work, including improved physical fitness, reduced stress levels, and significant savings on commuting costs."