Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire Blood Bikes deliver urgent supplies to medical settings across the three counties and beyond.
Often relied on in times of emergency, they can provide anything from breast milk for neonatal units to urgent supplies of blood or platelets when hospitals are running low. The service is entirely manned by volunteers, and the team’s 16 motorbikes are a lifeline for its users, covering 350,000 miles a year to support people in need.
Unique solution
When the charity updated their fleet, they needed help to configure a specialist tray which could be fitted to the back of each bike to transport the much-needed blood boxes and containers needed for deliveries.
Alpha Manufacturing designed a specialist modular tray with various fixing kits to fit multiple styles of bike, including the charity’s new BMW and Moto Guzzi models.
“It really has made a difference”, says Fleet Manager Nigel Howells. “We now have a system that can work with any bike we choose. It can be adapted and remodelled as needed to provide a simple solution which can even transport two different products at the same time.”
Collaborative approach
The HEX Group’s expertise in graphics meant they were also able to source and apply specialist motorbike livery that perfectly fit the charity’s new BMW and Moto Guzzi models.
Having clear signage on their fleet of motorbikes is essential in making sure riders are visible on the road and can be safely identified.
“Our 160 volunteer riders rely on clear signage on the Blood Bikes to keep them safe and make them visible on the road,” adds Nigel.
“When we had to change bike models, it was difficult to find a supplier who could provide the livery required. Working with HEX Graphics has made the whole process simpler, and we can now quickly and easily brand up new bikes so our riders can continue to get out on the roads providing the much-needed support to the NHS.”
Updating eight new bikes and with another three in the pipeline, the Group is hoping the idea will become best practice in helping other Blood Bike teams across the country providing a simple solution to keep volunteer riders safe on the road.
