Five hybrid bicycles were unveiled yesterday and are available for staff to use during work hours to travel to appointments in the city.

The initiative is designed to promote health and fitness as well as save money and reduce carbon emissions. St Luke’s residential care co-ordinator Ben Shue said the idea grew out of a successful Ride to Work Day promotion and activities.

“Our CEO, senior management and the (car) fleet team have been right behind the idea,” he said.

“It’s part of their budget – it will save the organisation money and they want to build on the concept.We want to see staff using bikes for trips up to five kilometres.”

The bikes were supplied by Bendigo Cycles.

Sustainability business mentor Ian McBurney said bike riding could be faster than car travel for short trips.

“La Trobe’s Plan B shows Strathfieldsaye, Huntly, Maiden Gully, Junortoun and Big Hill are all 20 minutes from here on a bike,” he said.