Whether it’s raining, windy or snowing, Océane gets on her electric bike to get to work at the Villeneuve-Saint-Georges intercommunal hospital center (CHIV), in Val-de-Marne. This employee is one of dozens of agents who come to CHIV by bicycle. The hospital has just developed a vast cycling plan which has enabled it to obtain the gold level “pro-cycling employer” label from the Federation of Bicycle Users (FUB). It is the first hospital in France to obtain such a level of distinction.
“It takes me fifteen minutes to cycle from my home in Ablon-sur-Seine, 5 km from CHIV,” smiles Océane, a human resources employee and one of the representatives of the cycling plan. Before, I took the car. I started coming by bike during Covid, to continue to exercise because all the gyms were closed. I equipped myself little by little: helmet, reflective vest, high and low ponchos for the rain, danger spreader… I don’t feel like I’m going to work but rather going for my little stroll. Coming to or leaving work by bike helps you unwind and clears your head. »
“On our job descriptions, we can clearly display our bicycle accessibility”
The Villeneuve-Saint-Georges hospital has embarked on the process of promoting soft mobility among its 2,000 agents and patients. “We wanted to respond to an increasingly widespread desire among our fellow citizens, promote the health benefits of this practice and increase the attractiveness of CHIV for staff. From now on, on our job descriptions, we can clearly display our bicycle accessibility,” explains Romain Canalis, the human resources director.
A “CHIVélo” commission of 200 members was launched in 2022. It made it possible to identify the obstacles to practice and the needs on the ground. “For example, we have lowered certain sidewalks, signposted cycle paths, reduced the length of barriers so that bicycles do not have to stop to go around them,” continues the HR director. We have created 44 bicycle parking spaces, including around twenty for agents in secure, sheltered locations, under video protection, accessible by badge. There are also around twenty hoops for patients and a rack for scooters, often used by our students at the Nursing Training Institute (IFSI). »
An inflation station and repair tools are freely available. Two repair workshops take place each year with the Solicycle association as well as two road safety days. A guide called “CHIV, I go there by bike!” » was published. Two referents have been appointed. And a sustainable mobility package reimburses 100 to 300 euros to employees who go to the hospital by bicycle, scooter or carpool.
Océane and a colleague positioned themselves strategically near the canteen that day to inform the agents about cycling to come to CHIV.
Many CHIV agents have taken the plunge recently. Robin, an executive who has since left the establishment, came twice a week by bike from Paris. A colleague of Océane, who lives in Vitry-sur-Seine (Val-de-Marne), decided to swap her car for a bicycle. Laurent, for his part, pedals almost every day to save time in traffic jams: “I live in Brunoy (Essonne), it takes me 19 minutes to cycle. If I come by car, it takes longer. This morning, I had to take it because I need it to go shopping after work: it took me more than an hour…”
“The bicycle lends itself well to hospitals, many agents work there on staggered schedules”
“We reward employers who have implemented real cycling systems for their employees, not just a few one-off actions,” explains Louis Duthoit, responsible for the label at Fub. Cycling lends itself well to hospitals because many agents work shifts there, when there is no longer public transport. And it offers them a break, well-being while allowing them to practice physical activity. »
The CHIV plans to continue its efforts in favor of soft mobility. “New bicycle parking spaces will be added as needed,” announces Romain Canalis. And we are going to launch sponsorships between experienced commuters and beginners to help them find the best route. »
The CHIV has also just contacted neighboring town halls (Crosne in Essonne and Villeneuve-Saint-Georges) to see how to improve cycle paths. “One of the main obstacles to cycling to the CHIV is the lack of cycle paths outside the hospital,” notes Romain Canalis.
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