Publish date: 2 July 2026
A local sustainability scheme that connects donated second-hand bikes with hospital staff has proven a success, with 24 bikes distributed in its latest phase and 52 bikes provided to staff since launching last year.
Recirculate connects public sector organisations and staff to source unwanted bikes, upcycle them and redistribute them to key workers.
Once donated, the bikes are serviced and renovated by prisoners at HMP Ford. Prisoners gain City and Guilds qualifications and build vital skills which can be used for employment when they are released.
Adrian Knight, Group Estates, Facilities and PFI Director at Portsmouth University Hospitals NHS Trust, said:
“As a Trust, we have ambitious targets to reduce our carbon emissions each year. Travel to and from work is one of the biggest single contributors to our carbon footprint.
“This scheme is a great example of working together with corporate partners to reduce our impact on the environment. It helps reduce the number of unwanted bikes going into landfill and encourages staff to travel into work without a car.
“I want to say thank you for the Recirculate bike. I haven’t ridden in years, so this is the perfect opportunity to start again. I am yet to ride to the hospital, but I have gone to the shops with my son who was super excited. I’m looking forward to riding to work in the next few weeks.”
The hospital has also further invested in bike storage and security to increase uptake amongst its staff.
Natalia Poupard, a Managing Director at InfraRed Capital Partners, said:
We are proud of the second successful bike giveaway at Queen Alexandra Hospital, made possible by the positive collaboration between the Portsmouth University Hospitals NHS Trust, Equans FM and InfraRed teams.”
By working with partners and reducing waste, the Trust is taking practical steps to create a more sustainable future for its communities.