Meet British Cycling's Policy and Legal Affairs Director Martin Gibbs. Amongst other roles, Martin heads up British Cycling's road safety campaigning and he certainly walks the walk and talks the talk, commuting on his custom retro Orange P7 singlespeed whenever he can. Martin's case study highlights the benefits of British Cycling membership, plus he's got a top drawer shirt portage tip!
Name: Martin Gibbs
Job Title: Policy and Legal Affairs Director
Tell us about your commuting rig:
Orange P7 MTB frame and solid forks, Sugino 175 track cranks, bomb-proof 32 hole rims built onto a Dura Ace hub at the front and a White Industries self tensioning single speed hub at the back with a freewheel, XT brakes, Brooks saddle. Built-up by Harry Webb in 1999 but many parts have changed since.
What’s your commute like?
Just 10ish miles a day to and from Chorlton, via the Hulme arch and the University.
How many days a week do you commute by bike?
As many as possible.
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting?
Getting the journey done faster than a car would.
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike?
Manchester’s weather, and the grime on the roads.
What are your main reasons to commute by bike?
Simplicity, knowing when I’ll arrive, the flexibility of taking new routes and exploring.
Have you got any funny or interesting bike commuting stories or experiences to share?
I did a telephone junction box head-on once, as soon the couple helping me up figured I was ok he burst out laughing and said “Mate, I saw it all, it pulled out in front of you”.
What’s your killer commuting tip?
Fold up your shirt when its cold, not just after you’ve ironed it.
How does your British Cycling membership support your bike commuting?
Years ago, long before I started work at BC I had a pretty serious crash, three of us on a training ride, we were going quite quick down a hill and a car pulled out on us at the last moment. I didn’t even have time to touch my brakes. Would have looked spectacular on a video as we all hit it hard. The windscreen went in and something of mine broke the driver’s side window.
I’ve still got the large gauge meccano set that held my left leg together for a year and I was out of action for months. It was January, which is a funny month for renewals but luckily I had renewed my Gold membership the week before and Leigh Day, our personal injury lawyers, were excellent. Really professional and caring. It was such a relief to have that side of things totally taken care of by a law firm who are recognised as being the best at that type of work.
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)
