Matt Fieldwalker – VCH GreenCare Commuter of the Year
Matt Fieldwalker, a cardiovascular perfusionist at the Vancouver General Hospital was nominated in the category of Superhero. On Wed Mar 25th, he was presented with the 2014 GreenCare Commuter of the Year Award from Anne Harvey, VP of Employee Engagement.
“I find the idea of car commuting dreadful so it’s really an easy choice to bike,” he said. “I hate being stuck in traffic, or looking for and paying for parking. Biking is so much more simple; cost-wise it’s a drop in the bucket without air pollution. That said, I’m lucky to have a beautiful commute and sometimes when time permits I take a more scenic route home to enjoy the day. Lastly, riding a bike is fun! CBC once interviewed me on the news one night when I was riding home in a snowstorm in Calgary. I told them it was a beautiful night and I was just glad to not be in a car in traffic!”
“The VGH Cycling Centre is a dream facility here for bikes -‐ it’s an extra perk that makes everything easier being right on the 10th Ave Bike Route,” he continued. “The security cameras, great change rooms, intermittent free swag and gratis bike clinics and repairs are great; I’m pressed to come up with a wish list for what VCH could do better, since the current set up is so good. Maybe a hot breakfast? My morning highlight is the door opening up automatically for me. Many of my colleagues in the operating room cycle to work. I think that the high level of acceptance makes it easier for some of the non-‐cyclists to start giving it a try. I tell whomever will listen they will undoubtedly like it better once they’ve made the adjustment; “start on a sunny day and gradually invest in kit until you can make a go of it any day or condition”.
Matt has a good tip for other cyclists.
Matt Fieldwalker accepting the award from Anne Harvey.
“I think VGH is already doing a lot to offer training for cycling to work: info on bike routes, suggestions for appropriate bike and clothing choices, some signage educating about cycling hand signals. I would like it if the diesel delivery trucks didn’t idle while sitting beside the Cycling Centre;” he said. “My bike commuting tip is to plaster your bike and helmet with reflective stickers and get an absurdly bright jacket. Drivers tend to only see other drivers, so not being seen by vehicular traffic is always our biggest danger.”