Name: Keith Taylor
Workplace: I'm a DSA approved LGV Driver Trainer based in Stockport.
Tell us about your commuting rig: My commuting is done on a Ridgeback Flight 03. I find the flat bars and upright position a must for riding in traffic,
What’s your commute like? I’ve got to be honest it's only three miles to work (the short way) but I try and go the long way through Hyde and that works out at 12 miles round trip. There are plenty of climbs so it’s good exercise and keeps me in shape for the weekend rides.
How many days a week do you commute by bike? I commute to work every day 12 months of the year rain, snow, wind or shine. Just recently I completed a two week training course in Wiltshire and my Bike went with me, it was worth it just for the summer rides round Devizes and Wiltshire.
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting? I'm getting on a bit now and for the past three years I have rode to and from work, I can honestly say this is the best I’ve felt all of my working life. I really look forward to the journey to work.
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike? Motorists: We all have to learn to share the roads on our congested little island.
"I’m a type two diabetic and until taking up cycling I was taking 12 tablets a day. And now? No tablets, low cholesterol, normal blood pressure."
Keith on how bike commuting has changed his life.
What are your main reasons to commute by bike? I’m a type two diabetic and until taking up cycling I was taking 12 tablets a day, even to the point where my Doctor was trying to get me on insulin injections. This would not have fitted in with my career and LGV Qualification. And now? No tablets, Low cholesterol, Normal Blood Pressure, And I can join fellow cyclists completing 100 mile sportives.
Have you got any funny or interesting bike commuting stories or experiences to share? When I first returned to cycling there was a cyclist in front of me, I was getting quite confident in my ability and fitness, I promised myself I was going to pass this cyclist at the next opportunity. The chance arose and I made my mind up to overtake before the next junction and before the start of the climb. The manoeuvre was executed to perfection I was out of the saddle and giving it everything I had.
But what was this? The cyclist was matching my efforts and I could hear their efforts to match my pass - they were so close I peddled harder. Three quarters of the way up the climb it felt like my eyes were going to be ejected from their sockets, my legs were burning but I couldn’t stop, they were right behind me.
Panting for every breath and nearing the top I had to give in, regaining my seated position, my pursuant efforts had also ceased so I turned around, there was no one there!!!! I later discovered if I get out of the saddle my ruck sack rubs on the material of my hi-viz witch I mistook for the sound of my pursuants efforts.
A week later and the same cyclist and the same situation but this time experience prevailed and not wanting to cause myself any premature shortening of my life expectancy I remained in second place. The cyclist? They turned left at the junction into a housing estate.
What’s your killer commuting tip? Stay calm in control and away from motorists who own the whole road
Are you a British Cycling Member? If so how does your British Cycling membership support your bike commuting? Yes I am a member and my membership gives me the confidence to now that there is a organisation that is fighting my corner should anything happen. The articles I receive weekly are important source of information, particularly the riding in traffic guide lines.
Send us your Commuter Profile!
We want to know about your commuting experiences; how far you go, why you choose to ride, your killer tips and your commuter grumbles. Download, complete and email back your commuter profile to editor@britishcycling.org.uk and tell your story. Feel free to include a photograph/photographs of you and your trusty commuting bike!
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