NHS staff can cycle to work for free thanks to a new initiative.

Beryl bikes and Veolia, Watford Borough Council’s refuse collection contractor, have announced an initiative that will offer free minutes for the shared bike and e-bike service for NHS staff in Watford.

Overall, 10,000 minutes will be available in 100-minute bundles. As Covid restrictions are eased, this initiative will enable NHS staff to enjoy the benefits of active travel in Watford to get to work, visit local businesses, support the local community and socialise safely with family and friends.

Aimed at promoting use of bikes and e-bikes as a green and healthy way to travel, NHS staff will be able to access the initiative by signing up on the Beryl app with their NHS email address.

Once they have done so, they can enter this code VEOLIANHS100 which will only work with NHS email addresses. They will then be able to access a free 100 minute bundle.

Watford Observer: Veolia's Watford senior contract manager Darren HardingVeolia's Watford senior contract manager Darren Harding

Throughout the Covid pandemic, Beryl has supported over 10,000 free journeys for key workers across the UK with a series of initiatives across their services.

Phil Ellis CEO of Beryl said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Veolia to offer hard-working NHS staff free access to our bikes and e-bikes in Watford.

‘’We’re anticipating a big summer for cycling and active travel, and we want as many people as possible to experience the benefits of travelling in such an enjoyable, healthy and safe manner.

‘’After what has been an exceptionally difficult time for those working in the NHS, both Veolia and Beryl wanted to say thank you.’’

Veolia Watford’s senior contract manager Darren Harding said: “We are delighted to support our local key workers with an opportunity to have a free and flexible transport option to help them save money, encourage exercise and reduce carbon emissions.

“By providing 10,000 minutes in 100-minute bundles we are contributing to the Watford Borough Council’s goal to make the town carbon neutral by 2030.”

The initiative is live from today, July 6, and will run until all 100-minute bundles have been used.