The City of London Cycle Medics initiative, funded by the Eastern City Business Improvement District, has won the ‘Outstanding Security Partnership’ category at this year’s OSPAs (Outstanding Security Performance Awards).

The scheme, which began in May 2025, involves cycle response medics from St John Ambulance deploying alongside the City of London Police Cycle Team who, together, patrol the Square Mile to assist any member of the public in difficulty or distress. Typically out once a week on a Thursday evening, but during the busy festive period this was extended to three shifts a week covering Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Over the 38 shifts since May, the medics have treated more than 100 members of the public out on the street for a range of ailments including cardiac arrests, road traffic collisions, head injuries, intoxication and mental health crises. In the majority of cases ambulance call-outs have been avoided which saves the NHS significant resource and likewise for the police, rapid medical assistance to incidents means officers can be released to instead focus on preventing and investigating crime.

The Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) recognise and reward companies, people and innovation across the security sector. The OSPAs are designed to be both independent and inclusive, providing an opportunity for outstanding performers, whether buyers or suppliers, to be recognised and their success to be celebrated.

Henry Johnstone, Chief Operating Officer for the Eastern City BID, said:

“We are immensely proud to sponsor the cycle medics scheme, ensuring that workers and visitors have an exemplary experience here safe in the knowledge that this – and numerous other initiatives such as specialist policing operations, taxi marshals and the City Safe Bus – are all in place to support their welfare. We’re incredibly grateful to the OSPA judges for recognising the impactful, skilled and complex work undertaken by the medics and officers, particularly as the former are volunteers who often set out on an evening shift following their usual day at work.”