Reducing road traffic

BMJ 1998;317:212 ( 18 July )

Letters

Reducing road traffic

Trusts can do much to encourage doctors to lead the way

First fatal car crash in Britain occurred in 1898

Trusts can do much to encourage doctors to lead the way

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

EDITOR $---$ The media devote much attention to proposed changes in transport policy, and Roberts has written an editorial on reducingroad traffic.¹ A poll of medical staff in our hospital showed that virtually all of them drive unaccompanied to work. The usual reasons for this were cited, and they were well aware of individualand communal health benefits from possible alternatives. Therewas a strong desire, especially among juniors, to combine exercisewith commuting, but lack of workplace resources, including poorshowering facilities and safe bicycle parks, led to staff continuingto drive.

Doctors are often asked to $---$ and do $---$ lead by example in health issues, so encouraging medical staff to give up their cars isan important early step. Trust boards should provide certain basicrequirements as standard. All we want is a safe home for a bicycleand sweaty clothes.

G E Gamble, Specialist registrar in general medicine.
Department of Medicine, Bolton Hospital, Bolton BL4 0JR

S Basu, Specialist registrar in anaesthesia.
Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester M13 9WL