This Machine Fights Climate Change

Thanks to Rupert and Kate for this weeks blog.

It’s hard to think of a more sustainable means of transport than the bicycle. The power to generate its motion comes from the rider even with electric bikes although, of course, there is motor assistance up to 15.5 mph.  Then you’re on your own.  As well as the obvious physical benefits to your health and fitness, cycling also generates a feeling of mental wellbeing as you glide along in quietness, breathing fresh air, and taking in the beauty of the countryside, perhaps passing through pretty villages en route to your destination.  All these aspects are frequently experienced in rural Somerset.

We have been cycling for most of our lives. 
Aged 69 and 70 respectively, we cherish the opportunity to maintain our strength and mobility.  We fully understand that many people are deterred from cycling by the sad lack of infrastructure to separate bicycles from motorised traffic.  In this respect we compare poorly with many other European countries.  But if you choose your routes carefully, avoiding fast A roads with heavy traffic, you can enjoy a safe, enjoyable experience.  In time you will grow in confidence, and a degree of assertiveness is an important requirement if your journeys are to be completed in an efficient, satisfying manner. 

Recent changes to the Highway Code require drivers of motor vehicles to give cyclists at least 1.5 metres when overtaking at speeds up to 30 mph and more than that at higher speeds.  Our experience is that a good number of drivers show an awareness of this requirement.  You do, of course, notice those who ignore it and it would be dishonest of us not to admit to regular feelings of anger at the lack of consideration shown by some.  The Highway Code also sets out the Hierarchy of Users which is pretty obvious to any sensible, thinking person; a lorry gives way to a car which gives way to a bicycle which gives way to a horse which gives priority to a pedestrian.

Having bought electric bikes a year ago, we have both cycled over 2000 miles, chiefly using them as a utilitarian means of transport often in place of the car.  Using our panniers to load up a heavy supermarket shop, visiting friends and family, attending events, indulging in pastimes – we regularly do journeys of up to 10 miles each way.

We have a bike carrier so can take the bikes further afield and on holiday.  The batteries are good for 70-80 miles but we usually re-charge them after about 50 miles. We also have our old bikes which we use for shorter journeys.  E-bikes can be expensive if you buy them new. £2-3000 is commonplace.  But there are cheaper ones and a busy second-hand market.  You can pick up a decent ordinary bike for £100 or even less.

So you don’t have to be a lithe, young athlete to use cycling as a practical means of transport.  It’s all a question of ‘attitude’.  We would love to see more cyclists on the road.  Maybe we’ll organise another event like the wonderful Wells on Wheels event we ran a couple of years ago with a group of about 50 participants aged from 5-70 who cycled round the city ringing our bells and holding up the traffic.  A critical mass: that’s what we need!