Bike Shifting in MS Ramaiah Nagar

MS Ramaiah Nagar grew around the Ramaiah college and hospital campus, between Mathikere and New BEL Road, and plenty of the people who live here work on the hospital's clock. Resident doctors on long calls, nursing staff on rotating shifts, technicians and faculty with ward rounds and clinics. They rent close to the campus so they can get in quickly, and their two wheeler is usually how they do it.

That creates two problems for a bike move.

The first is that the bike may be needed right up to the last minute. A resident who rides to the hospital every day, sometimes twice, can't easily give the bike up for a day.

The second is that the owner may not be there when the crew arrive. A page at seven in the morning, an emergency that runs over, a swapped shift: the person meant to give the crew the key and put a signature on the condition note is now in theatre.

So plan for both.

For the first, choose the slot carefully. A day off is ideal. If that isn't possible, pick a day after a night shift, when you'll be home and the bike won't be needed until the next morning. Or pick the day before a long call, so the bike is gone before you go in and you take an auto or the hospital transport. Ask us for the narrowest window we can give, so you aren't waiting at home for hours.

For the second, appoint a stand in. A flatmate, a neighbour, a relative or a colleague on a different shift can hand over the bike if you're called away. Hand them the spare key ahead of time, photocopies of the registration and policy, and a short note saying they may hand the bike over on your behalf. Share the stand in's details with us at booking.

Prepare the bike the night before, even if you expect to be home for the handover. Empty the boot, remove anything you need, such as your stethoscope, ID card or hospital parking pass, and park it somewhere the crew have clear access. If you're the one doing the handover, it takes ten minutes. If you're called away, your stand in can do it without guessing.

At the other end, the same applies. If you might be on call when the bike is delivered, name someone who can receive it.

Tell the stand in what to look for. A short message listing the existing marks, the side stand that sticks, the boot that needs a firm press to lock, means they can check the bike against your notes rather than guessing. Ask them to photograph the bike at handover and send you the pictures, so you can look when you come off the ward.

Think about the hospital parking too. Many hospital staff have a parking pass or sticker. If you're moving further away and will still ride in, the pass usually stays the same. If you're moving to a different hospital, return it.

Our MS Ramaiah Nagar packers page covers fitting a household move between hospital duty rosters. This page is about the bike that gets you to the next shift.

Electric scooters suit the short ride to the hospital, and some campuses have charging for staff. Charge it before the move so it's ready the morning after delivery. While booking, give us the maker and say whether its battery comes out.