The popular Reading Hospital Bike Share Program is returning thanks to funding provided by The Friends of Reading Hospital, following a temporary pause during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On August 16, the Bike Share Program was relaunched. Offering an eco-friendly, low-impact, active mode of transportation that provides many health benefits, employees can take part in creating a healthier environment. Previously, more than 200 employees participated in the program and experienced the many financial, physical, and emotional advantages of biking.
The program encourages employees to engage in sustainability initiatives and reduce their carbon footprint while supporting and raising awareness of local businesses, fostering social interaction and community connection. Additionally, by furnishing efficient transportation to nearby walking and biking trails, the program encourages physical activity, which can help to reduce stress, boost energy levels, and burn calories.
“We are delighted to support the return of the Bike Share Program,” said Sharon Keating, President of The Friends of Reading Hospital. “Our community is connected in so many ways. The reintroduction of this program allows hospital employees to visit and interact with more local businesses and organizations near Reading Hospital.”
How it works:
- Ten bikes have been placed on Reading Hospital’s campus, located at two stations: 7th Avenue Parking Garage (DOB) or Vanity Fair, located outside TowerDIRECT.
- For Tower Health employees, bike rental from a Reading Hospital or WYOways station is free for the first three hours, then $5 per hour for each additional hour.
- Employees are automatically enrolled in the PA Regional Membership, through Tower Health, which provides access to regional bike-share programs including:
- In addition, all community members with a PA Regional Membership to the bike share program have access to the bikes at Reading Hospital.
- The bikes are fully equipped with technology that makes them user-friendly and easily accessible.
- Download the Movatic app, available on both iOS and Android devices, to create an account. Employees may register for the Tower Health membership using their employee email.
- Bikes can be returned to Reading Hospital or WYOways stations after riding.
- All Reading Hospital employees are strongly encouraged to wear helmets when riding a bicycle.
“The Bike Share Program was very successful upon its introduction in 2016,” said Charles F. Barbera, MD, President and CEO of Reading Hospital. “Our employees saw numerous benefits from the program. We are very excited to once again provide our employees with another opportunity to connect with our surrounding community while experiencing all the health benefits of biking.”
About Reading Hospital
Reading Hospital is the flagship, Magnet Recognized, acute care hospital of Tower Health. Located in West Reading, Pa., Reading Hospital is a 697-bed hospital that is home to many top-tier specialty care centers, including Reading HealthPlex, McGlinn Cancer Institute, Miller Regional Heart Center, Emergency Department, Level I Trauma Center and Beginnings Maternity Center, which houses the region's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With more than 1,000 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across 49 locations, Reading Hospital has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across service lines. It has been listed as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for four consecutive years and has been named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals in 2022 and 2023. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.