Bike Friendly Firsts in Alabama

This post comes to us from Lauren Giddens, of Infirmary Health, which recently became the very first Bicycle Friendly Business in Alabama. Read more about the latest round of Bicycle Friendly Business awardees here.

With Alabama ranking as one of the most obese states in the country, Infirmary Health strives to make a difference in the health and well-being of the communities we serve.

We are very excited to learn that we are the first company in the state of Alabama to have received this designation. As a healthcare provider, it is important for us to keep people in our region active, including our 5,300 employees, by offeringhealthy activities and fun incentives.

At Infirmary Health, we encourage bicycling as an easy option for transportation and provide amenities such as covered bike racks and shower facilities and incentives through our employee wellness program. 

Throughout the year, Infirmary Health sponsors a major race at each of our hospital locations and we encourage physical activity by offering walking paths at each hospital campus. At our largest hospital, Mobile Infirmary, we are in our fifth year of hosting a bicycle race. Proceeds from the Infirmary Twilight Duathlon benefit Team Share the Road, a local bicycle advocacy group that supports initiatives throughout our region.

Infirmary Helath hosted more than 425 professional and amateur athletes from five states, ranging in ages from 8 to 72 gathered at ProHealth Fitness Center located on the campus of Mobile Infirmary on April 26 to compete in the 2014 Infirmary Twilight Duathlon. The Duathlon—a two-mile run, 10-mile bike and two mile-run through the streets in mid-town Mobile is the only race of its kind in our area. Participants were cheered on by “Spirit Teams” stationed at various locations on the course. Post-race festivities included a party with live music by Mobile’s own Figure Eight band, food provided by Wintzell’s Oyster House and beverages by Gulf Distributing Company of Mobile.

The Duathlon raised more than $39,000 that will be used for revitalizing the pulmonary rehabilitation program and RIDEYELLOW for Camp Rap-A-Hope. 

We are looking forward to using the tools and technical assistance from the League to become even more bicycle-friendly.