A few years ago, I decided that I would start cycling into Kingswood to work, it wasn’t too far, I was reasonably fit, and I didn’t think it would be too much of a problem. However, 2 Mile hill turns in to 4 Mile hill from where I live so I just wasn’t doing it regularly, as it was pretty full on, and I was arriving to work in an exhausted heap!

That is when I discovered that I could get an electric bike from the cycle to work scheme. I was surprised at the good options and choices available. I decided that I would like to try one out before committing so I popped down to Atmosphere bikes (recommended Atmosphere Electric Bikes | Bristol's Premier Electric Bike Shop. – Atmosphere Bikes) on the Jacobs Wells Road to test out the model I had chosen. A few minutes later and having overtaken ALL of the traffic going UP Park street, and I was sold! Nearly 4 years later and I am still loving my electric bike and advocating for them to anyone who will listen.

Travelling by bike is a brilliant thing to do, both for yourself and the environment. I found that financially I was spending the same paying off my electric bike as I was on fuel before having it, so it really worked out well as a great economical choice for me.

 

Even if you didn’t want to use the cycle to work scheme for whatever reason, I would still recommend getting one via the offers they have on 0% finance and paying incrementally if you decide you want one. They are an expensive purchase with mine costing £1100.

Whilst walking is the best way to get around by far if you are able, it's not the fastest, especially if you have quite far to go. If you are considering your travel options, then I'd recommend testing out an electric bike. Once you have all the kit – Waterproofs, paniers, helmet etc it is a pleasure, even in bad weather, and I now can’t stand having to drive in on the few days that I have to.

CYN have partnered with ‘Wheels to Work’ who are part of ‘Travel West’ for some years now. They have some great offers on at the moment including FREE BIKES (with lock and light)

• Free bus tickets
• Discounted Bikes
• Free loan Bikes (Including electric!)
• Free bicycle maintenance workshops
• Adult cycle training and accompanied rides
• Journey and route planning
• Bike servicing

Take a look at the website here: Wheels to Work West - Travelwest so there really is no excuse if you are considering cycling as an option, everything is laid on!

 

My best tips for cycling are:

A- Always wear a helmet! Someone opened their car door onto me a couple of years ago, I was speeding downhill at the time. Without my helmet who knows what might have happened!

B – Use the cycle boxes at traffic lights as not only are they safer, but you are not stuck behind an exhaust from a vehicle.

C – Always make sure you are as visible as possible – Hi Vis, lights etc are essential. Winter evenings are DARK.

D – Get a really good lock, preferably 2. Bikes go missing ALL the time in Bristol. D locks have become quite easy to break open these days.

E – Get some good gloves. Not only do they keep your hands toasty but there is something cool about cycling gloves or maybe that’s just me? I like them anyway.

 

Creative Youth Network are a partner organisation, so be sure to select that option when applying for offers. We will try and organise some specific training sessions but for the time being you can book yourself on the free courses and sessions available. Just check the location as the offers change across the county.

If you just wanted to pay someone else to sort your bike out for you then we even have a tenant on site at Kingswood who will do that for you. There will be a cost for this service though. Contact Wayne Tailwind Cyclery (thetailwind.co.uk) He can do everything from fix your bike while you work if you drop it to him, – To custom build you your very own dream bike 😊 He is a cycle genius.

Happy cycling! Feel free to message with any questions and I will do my best to help.

 

P.S we have great undercover cycle storage here at Kingswood with Sheffield stands to lock your bike to.

 

P.P.S I also have my concerns about Lithium battery manufacture. I am keeping an eye on the debate as it progresses and weighs up the evidence about what mode of transport is ultimately greener! It will always be your legs – Walking or running, if possible as there is no need for additional resources to be manufactured. You can read lots of recent articles online if interested, this is one I recently read, it relates to car batteries. The sands are constantly shifting....

Batteries vs oil: A comparison of raw material needs - Campaigning for cleaner transport in Europe | Transport & Environment (transportenvironment.org)