Cycling to Work: A matched journey through intensive care training
Elaine Yip is a final year dual anaesthetic and intensive care medicine trainee in the West Midlands region. She has worked in a variety of UK regions, including London and Edinburgh, as well as time spent abroad in South Africa and South Sudan. When not working, she is usually cycling, swimming, and juggling after-school/nursery commitments. If climate change and money were no obstacle, she would be a full-time scuba diver.
How it Started
When I left home for medical school, I packed my £79 Halfords bike and headed to Edinburgh. Known for its hilly terrain and charming cobbled streets, Edinburgh wasn’t exactly cyclist-friendly. But for me, cycling was a practical way to get around. As a medical student, every minute counted, and cycling gave me a few extra minutes of sleep—something that felt vital during a jam-packed schedule of lectures and studying.
Cycling was also a cost-effective solution. No expensive bus passes, no waiting at freezing bus stops. I could cycle everywhere—whether it was to the pub, the beach, or parties with friends. Cycling quickly became part of my routine, and I enjoyed the freedom it gave me.
As medical school continued, my cycling became more ambitious. By the time my placements took me further away, I continued cycling as a way to stay active. I vividly remember my fourth-year GP placement, which was 12 miles away, at the top of a massive hill. I had to change in the disabled toilets due to a lack of shower facilities, and on my final placement in the Scottish Borders, I cycled 60 miles to work. One particularly hot day, I ran out of water and had to drink from the River Tweed.
How it Continued
When I began my intensive care training, cycling had already become a key part of my routine. The high-intensity nature of ICU work can be mentally and physically exhausting, so cycling became an essential way to decompress after a stressful shift. It provided me with time to clear my head, manage stress, and transition from the demands of the ICU to the calm of home.
Living in London during the latter half of the 2010s, I saw firsthand how cycling became increasingly popular, especially among healthcare workers. Rising public transport costs and the overcrowded, poorly ventilated underground system made cycling a more attractive option. Over time, the city’s cycling infrastructure grew, with dedicated bike lanes and electric bike-sharing programs making it easier to commute.
When I moved to the West Midlands, I saw a noticeable difference in the local cycling culture. Birmingham, unlike London, still lacks a comprehensive network of bike lanes, but there has been progress. My initial commute to Coventry involved cycling on busy A roads and through residential areas, but in recent years, new cycle lanes have been developed, particularly around hospital areas. It’s encouraging to see that, with time, cycling infrastructure is improving.
For an ICU doctor, cycling to work isn’t just about commuting—it’s a form of self-care. It’s a way to stay active and reduce stress, which is crucial in a high-pressure environment like the ICU. It’s also an opportunity to clear your mind after emotionally taxing shifts and release the tension built up over long hours of patient care.
Potholes, Punctures, and Bike Theft
Of course, cycling comes with its challenges. One night, while rushing to a night shift, I hit a pothole and got a flat tire. I ended up walking miles to the nearest train station while texting my colleagues apologizing for my delay. Since then, I’ve made it a point to invest in puncture-proof tyres to avoid such mishaps.
Bike theft is another constant issue. During my time in Manchester, my bike was stolen when I left it unsecured under a bridge. London, in particular, is notorious for bike theft. I once returned to find my bike stripped of its rear brake set in broad daylight. The thieves had a clear target: Shimano disc brakes. After that, I opted for second-hand bikes, and when I bought a new one, I taped over the brand name to make it less appealing to thieves.
Safety, Showers, and Sustainability for ICU Doctors
Today, there are more incentives and resources available to healthcare workers, especially ICU doctors, to support cycling. The NHS Cycle-to-Work scheme allows employees to purchase bikes tax-free through salary sacrifice, making cycling more affordable. While it can be tricky for trainees with rotational placements, it’s a great option to consider. Many NHS Trusts now offer secure bike storage, showers, and bike safety checks, making it easier for doctors to integrate cycling into their daily routine.
Cycling also has environmental benefits. According to Strava, every 40km cycled saves about 9kg of CO2 emissions compared to driving the same distance in a car. For ICU doctors, who understand the impact of environmental factors on patient health, this is a simple way to contribute to sustainability. As the NHS works toward Net Zero by 2040, cycling offers an opportunity to reduce personal carbon footprints while promoting physical and mental well-being.
While electric vehicles are part of the solution to reducing pollution, they come with their own environmental costs, such as the extraction of raw materials for their batteries. Cycling, on the other hand, is a simple, eco-friendly alternative that benefits both the environment and the cyclist.