This fabulous guest article will have you itching to get on your bike for your next doctor or dentist appointment! Many thanks to Jo Johnson of Bike Owairaka for the inspiration.
One not-so-great aspect of getting older is the gradual physical disintegration. It happens even to those of us who do all the right things like exercising regularly and eating well.
This means increasing visits to medical professionals. Most people would also think it means more trips by car or taxi. But is that really true?
The challenge
In mid-May, I realised I had a week of appointments all over the city ahead of me. I wasn’t sure if I could make them work by bike but I was determined to give it a go.
On Monday I rode to my GP consult. I carried my helmet proudly as I entered the clinic and the receptionist beamed at me, saying, “What a great way to get around!”. It gave me a boost and I was keen to keep on cycling to my appointments.
Tuesday loomed with a much longer journey across town to my eye surgeon. (I was having a check-up, not actual surgery on my eyes – that would have been too risky!) This trip had the added fear factor of Auckland’s skinniest bike lane: Green Lane West. It turned out to be the most enjoyable ride of my week, marked by a crisp, sunny autumn morning and the pretty autumn foliage of Maungakiekie, One Tree Hill.
Wednesday involved a quick 5-minute ride to the local lab for a regular blood cholesterol test plus a trip to the dentist. Both were done and dusted before continuing on my usual work commute. So far, so good.
Thursday was another short ride, to the optometrist during my lunch hour for a updated prescription. Once my new glasses arrive, I’ll be able to spy any drivers getting too close more clearly!
Just Friday to go, and a trip to my skin specialist on Remuera’s “Medical Mile”. My delight at making it through the week’s challenge was topped off by getting the all-clear on a possible cancer spot.
Jo’s top tips for healthcare appointments by bike
The locations for these appointments were spread across Tāmaki Makaurau, but no trip was more than 40 minutes by e-bike. They were either quicker or only slightly longer than driving a car. Especially so when you factor in the time taken to find a park.
On the subject of parking, many medical offices and surgeries are located in repurposed suburban houses and bike racks are rarely provided. You may need to hunt for a railing or ask to bring your bike inside.
Punctuality. One of the best things about riding to appointments is knowing traffic won’t hold you up so you won’t miss your slot!
I proudly display my bike helmet on arrival and the receptionist/doctor/specialist/nurse often comment positively. It adds to my feeling of super-virtuousness… well, some might call it smugness!
Common sense above all. If you are feeling poorly or your appointment is likely to include a medical intervention which requires avoiding physical activity immediately afterwards, then riding a bike won’t be the best mode choice.
