Yesterday was an exciting day as the 2nd Annual, “Pedaling for Tomorrow,” employee wellness program kicked off for employees of Franciscan St. Francis! We’ve collaborated with the incredible leaders at our largest corporate partner to bring the program to the employees for eight weeks, with the program concluding with a wrap-up event at the hospital on June 9th. The program’s name was chosen to emphasize the importance of long-term health and wellness and how the bicycle can be used as a tool to cultivate this for the employees and their families. In addition, the program focuses on how the bicycle can be used to help preserve the environment, foster social engagement, and lower stress levels.

Pedaling for Tomorrow 3

It was great to get staff from Franciscan on our bikes during the kick-off event in early April!

Furthermore, components of the program include, but are not limited to, the following: 1) Organized group rides that provide a great environment for riders of all ages and ability levels; 2) An interactive and user-friendly app called, “Map My Ride,” to track cycling activities; 3) Three free cycling classes at the Baxter YMCA; 4) Educational and practical information on cycling and cycling events throughout the Central Indiana area; and, 5) Fun and bicycle-related incentives to reward their hard work in the program.

A kick-off event was held on the first week of April at the hospital to promote the program and give staff the opportunity to sign up. Additionally, it was organized as a bicycle donation event for staff members to give any good conditioned, undamaged bikes to be donated to our partner at Freewheelin’ Community Bikes. Freewheelin’ uses bicycles in many ways to capture kids’ interest, engage them in activities that teach them life skills, good health habits and leadership.

If you’re interested in keeping up with the Pedaling for Tomorrow program, make sure you like the page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pedalingfortomorrow. We want to thank everyone at Franciscan for not only this program, but for everything that you do for us here at Nine13sports. We’re honored to have you as a supporter of Nine13 and we’re looking forward to many years of collaboration and friendship!