This article was published in 2021, in Magazine 151.
I used to drive and my car got very old, so I decided I didn’t want to drive any more. I’ve been using my bike now for around a year and I’m really enjoying it. It takes me about 15-20 minutes to get to work. I can pass all the traffic and I enjoy the fresh air.
To be honest with you, if I was to get another car, I would be reluctant to use it as often as I used to. I would probably still cycle to work with the exceptions of some weather obviously. But even then – I’ve got my waterproofs and they keep me lovely and dry, so in all honesty unless it was absolutely torrential rain I think I would probably cycle all the time. It’s such a feeling of freedom and I think you really do feel like you’re helping with the environment.
So I absolutely really enjoy it; I enjoy the fresh air and the feeling of the sun and the wind on my face – it’s just brilliant.
I never thought I’d take to it – I really thought that when I started cycling, I’d find it a hassle. But I go shopping, I bring seven or eight carrier bags of shopping on my bike – I never would have thought I’d be able to do it, but you just adapt!
I just love it, I love every minute of it! I would recommend anyone who drives to give it a go.
Tara Fraser, north Cambridge