Michael from Middlesbrough relies upon his trusty disc-brake equipped 'cross bike to handle his regular commute, which he does four or five times a week. Keeping fit is at the top of Michael's long list of bike commuting benefits.
Name: Michael Coward
Workplace: Middlesbrough
Tell us about your commuting rig:
A Genesis Croix De Fer cyclo-cross bike. White steel frame and forks, 25c tyres, compact chainset, mudguards, hope lights and disc brakes (worth their weight in gold, and they are very heavy).
What’s your commute like?
9 miles all road, 4 miles of dual carriage way, then 5 miles through the town. There aren’t many traffic lights so it’s fairly quick. Flat and downhill on the way, uphill and flat on the way back. After work is usually and extended ride for training on local quiet lanes, anything up to 35 miles.
How many days a week do you commute by bike?
A minimum of 4, some weeks 5, I need a day off every now and then.
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting?
Quick, simple, reliable and hassle free.
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike?
Cars and drivers. A lot don’t seem to have much respect for cyclists.
What are your main reasons to commute by bike?
I’m a cyclist, there’s no reason not to. Keep fit, save money, reduce my environmental impact, training, efficiency, reliability, it’s a positive list.
Have you got any funny or interesting bike commuting stories or experiences to share?
Not really, I’ve crashed on ice a few times, been knocked off by a car, had other very close calls and seen a bus crash into a car. When the snow came last year I got the cross tyres out and got on with it, some of the looks I got from car drivers were priceless but at least I wasn’t stuck in traffic for 4 hours on those days, just another commute.
What’s your killer commuting tip?
Get disc brakes, if your commute includes lots of cars discs will stop you in no time whatever the weather. I feel much saver since I got them.
How does your British Cycling membership support your bike commuting?
They are working hard towards raising awareness of bike commuters.
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!
Download Commuter Profile Form (Word Document)
