Meet Denise from Bolton who started biking to work to get fit, get energised and avoid parking fines!
Name: Denise Leck
Workplace: Royal Bolton Hospital
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Above: The evolution of Denise's commuting bike - from upright and full equipped to full-on road bike.
Tell us about your commuting rig: I started commuting 18 months ago on an old Trek Navigator Equipped. The easy upright sitting position enabled me to gain my confidence. I quickly moved on to a Trek FX 1 which helped me to get to work a little quicker and was a much easier ride. I recently purchased my first ever road bike and I am currently having a massive amount of fun commuting and playing with my Specilized Dolce.
What’s your commute like? My commute is only six miles but the way to work is all uphill and a very steep hill at that...well for me at least. It does mean coming home is a blast.
“I am now far more energised when I arrive at work and the cycle to and from work is my favourite part of the day."
Denise Leck, Bike commuter and British Cycling Member
How many days a week do you commute by bike? I work four long days a week and commute all four of them.
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting? Commuting to work wakes me up and gives me a buzz for the rest of the day. It certainly helps to get me energised and makes my day at work for more enjoyable
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike? Snow and ice; it’s always a little hair raising when the roads get a little slippy.
What are your main reasons to commute by bike? I started to commute when the main route to work was closed for several months due to bridge repairs. After sitting for an hour every morning in my car and going nowhere I decided to go to work on two wheels instead of four. I have never looked back.
I am now far more energised when I arrive at work and the cycle to and from work is my favourite part of the day.
Prior to cycling to work I was also subject to many a parking fine. Working in a busy hospital parking is at a premium. Despite paying monthly for a permit there was never any permit spaces left which meant the only spaces available where ones the incurred fines....cycle to work and problem solved.
Have you got any funny or interesting bike commuting stories or experiences to share? No funny stories I’m afraid but I can often be seen chugging up the hill to work with a beaming smile. I am a middle aged rotund lady and in Lycra I have been referred to as Mr. Wiggins’ grandma (no offence Bradley). If I can commute to work, anyone can.
Are you a British Cycling Member? If so how does your British Cycling membership support your bike commuting? I am a member. British Cycling do sterling work campaigning for the commuter. I have also gained helpful tips and information on how to stay safe on the roads.
Send us your Commuter Profiles!
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!
Download Commuter Profile Form (Word Document)
