Mark works shifts for a water company in Lincoln and enjoys the varying flavours of his commute - the joys of cycling at sunrise, the empty roads at night and everything in between. It comes as no surprise that he's a regular contender for his company's green travel award.
Name: Mark Robinson
Workplace: A busy office for the local water company
Tell us about your commuting rig: A Scott SUB40 hybrid with no extras except lights
What’s your commute like? Downhill most of the way to work but living in uphill Lincoln means I have a choice of routes/hills to challenge me on the way home.
How many days a week do you commute by bike? I work shifts in seven days groups so I commute every day I’m on shift.
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting? Fresh air, beating the traffic (especially mid-afternoon when I start a late shift), the cold air reviving me on the way in for a night shift, almost empty roads on the way home after a late shift and almost clear roads before an early shift, and travelling to and from work at sunrise – beautiful.
"I like the fact that cycling is getting more attention than ever before – mostly for the right reasons. I think most people are more aware of cyclists on the road now."
Member Mark on what British Cycling is doing for bike commuters
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike? Cold air making me feel wide awake after a night shift
What are your main reasons to commute by bike? Great exercise, get to work quicker some days, saves money, and the company does a Green Travel Scheme – a prize draw each month with money prizes up for grabs if you’ve used some other means of getting to work other than a car.
Have you got any funny or interesting bike commuting stories or experiences to share? I got chased through the town centre one night by a man who’d been having a pee in a shop doorway. He chased me up the precinct without even fastening his trousers up. No idea why!
What’s your killer commuting tip? Keep yourself visible to traffic. Make sure they know what your intentions are. Ride the Primary position if you have to. Be safe, be seen.
Are you a British Cycling Member? If so how does your British Cycling membership support your bike commuting? Yes. I like the fact that cycling is getting more attention than ever before – mostly for the right reasons. I think most people are more aware of cyclists on the road now. And my card gets me discount at Halfords when I need new tubes etc.
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)
