Why not get on your bike?

Four years ago, I signed up to the Bike to Work scheme. My company was promoting this scheme as it worked through achieving the Better Health at Work Award. To say it changed my life may be a slight exaggeration, but it certainly contributed to some significant mind shifts and goals achieved. I was able to live within my values, overcome some fears and set myself personal fitness challenges.

I never considered myself a “cyclist” and feared riding in the traffic. I was a casual rider and always went on the pavements much to the pedestrian’s annoyance. The scheme enabled me to buy a beautiful road bike, and all the accessories and safety gear (yes the wicker basket was a must!) paying it off in my monthly wage packet so I didn’t even feel the pain of purchase. Once the regular payment was set up, I hardly noticed it. The scheme means you don’t pay tax too so you actually pay less for the bike. My work place has secure indoor cycle parking which makes a significant difference to keeping the bike in good condition and safe during the day. I know other companies offer shower facilities to encourage cycling which is another good incentive.

I lived less than 2 miles from the office and this seemed like a good distance for a beginner to start a regular cycle commute. I care about the environment and am always looking for ways to reduce my global footprint. Reducing the amount of car journeys was important to me and cycling meant I could get to work quickly without costing the earth. I enjoy exercise and getting this done before the workday begins is a real incentive. Exercise after work is also good way to shake off any stress so I always arrived home feeling better.

Over time, I built up confidence to ride on road, during rush hour and facing all weathers. Over the last few years I have increased by mileage and enjoy recreational rides to the coast and back clocking up over 20 miles some days, I barely recognise myself. Facing my fear of on-road riding gave me confidence in my abilities and helped me to challenge myself in other areas. This has led to taking up other outdoor exercise like horse riding and running and I even recently entered the Great North Run Solo.  

To anyone thinking about taking the leap, give it a try, you just don’t know where it will take you.  

Supporting #CycleToWorkDay on 6 August 2020.