Meet British Cycling member Anna Langley who lives, works and cycles in the bike friendly nirvana of Cambridge.
Name: Anna Langley
Workplace: Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge
Tell us about your commuting rig (don’t be afraid to get geeky): There’s nothing geeky about my bikes. I ride either my trusty workhorse, a Pashley Princess Soveriegn or my little pink Brompton, as mood and circumstances dictate.
What’s your commute like (how long, hilly, flat, on road, off-road both)? This is Cambridge, so it’s very flat. It’s about 4.3km and I often stop at a café on my way to work for breakfast. About two thirds of my route is across green spaces or along the river, so I have water and grass around me rather than concrete, tarmac and hostile motorists. I take 15 to 25 minutes, depending on prevailing wind and laziness. I don’t like to arrive feeling flustered, so I take it easy.
How many days a week do you commute by bike? Every day. And it’s how I shop, socialise, visit the cinema. Everything.
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting? It’s relaxing, enjoyable and I get time to think. In the warmer months I might pause for a little while on my way home and sit by the river with an ice cream. Even when it’s freezing and there’s snow everywhere, it’s still the best way to get around.
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike? I don’t approve of it raining. Who do I complain to?
"I last owned a car in 1988, so it’s simply how I get around. So if I’m going anywhere, my default is to hop on my bike. And aside from all that, I like it. I’m not sporty, I just enjoy being on my bike."
British Cycling member and bike commuter Anna from Cambridge.
What are your main reasons to commute by bike? In Cambridge it’s the most practical and fastest way to get around. I last owned a car in 1988, so it’s simply how I get around. So if I’m going anywhere, my default is to hop on my bike. And aside from all that, I like it. I’m not sporty, I just enjoy being on my bike.
Have you got any funny or interesting bike commuting stories or experiences to share? I find it charming when I’m held up by a herd of cows blocking the path. The other night I had to stop because a herd of swans had occupied the path.
What’s your killer commuting tip? In the really cold weather dress very warmly, but ride slowly. This avoids the horrible sensation of being overheated while your extremities are freezing. Apart from that, relax and enjoy it, it’s not a race.
Are you a British Cycling Member? If so how does your British Cycling membership support your bike commuting? Yes. It helps with suggestions and information, and with the insurance which I hope never to need to use.
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)
