The League of American Bicyclists recently awarded Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center with an honorable mention in the Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) program.
Wake Forest Baptist is one of three businesses in North Carolina to make the list, and is the only hospital listed in the state.
The BFB program recognizes employers’ efforts to encourage a more bicycle friendly atmosphere for employees and customers. The program honors innovative bike friendly efforts and provides technical assistance and information to help companies and organizations become even better for bicyclists. This new initiative complements the League’s Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) program, which has been recognizing cities and towns for their bicycle friendliness since 2003.
“The big reason we want to be more bicycle commuter friendly is to encourage better employee health and wellness. It’s a great way to get out there and move when given the option. It’s also an environmentally friendly way to get around, which is a benefit too,” said Gretchen Bayne, health promotion and special events coordinator at Wake Forest Baptist ActionHealth, an employee wellness program.
Wake Forest Baptist was chosen for the BFB for having bike racks located in covered areas, offering membership incentives for bike commuters at the fitness center, offering classes on pedestrian and bike commuting, and receiving a grant to donate bike helmets to children of under privileged employees.
The Medical Center has received a grant from the City of Winston-Salem to add more bike racks in covered areas, which will take place in the spring. A brochure will be printed with rack locations once installation of the racks is complete.
The Medical Center also will be working more with the city’s bicycle and pedestrian coordinator, who provides support and guidance on new and existing projects that will improve cycling and commuting on foot throughout Winston-Salem’s urban areas.
Media Relations
Lisa Davanzo: news@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-4587
Bonnie Davis: bdavis@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-1597