Andrew from Kent has a company car as part of his job but chooses to leave it at home most days, enjoying instead the fresh air and freedom of his 14 mile round trip bike commute.
Name: Andrew Pert
Workplace: MHS homes group – Social housing landlord in Medway, Kent
Tell us about your commuting rig: A Specialised MTB Hardrock Disc. A decent, robust but not too flash MTB which doesn’t mind the off-road as well as on the road.
What’s your commute like? It’s a 14 mile round trip commute, mainly on road across the Medway Towns of Chatham and Rochester. Not too hilly really and at least four miles of country roads.
How many days a week do you commute by bike? I average three days a week but aim for four as often as possible. Lucky enough to have changing rooms and showers at work so have a day in the car to bring in clean shirts etc… With the facilities, there is no excuse really!!
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting? The fresh air and whizzing past the cars stuck in the traffic jam! I am actually lucky enough to have a company car as part of my employment package, people often joke at work about me leaving it at home and using the bike instead!
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike? Poor driving – I saw another cyclist knocked off two weeks ago by some dangerous and irrational driving and it makes me so cross to see it.
What are your main reasons to commute by bike? I love keeping fit without the expensive gym membership. I also have a young family at home so it doesn’t mean too much time spent away from the family.
Have you got any funny or interesting bike commuting stories or experiences to share? I normally commute each day with a spare pair of socks and spare underwear to change into. There have been occasions when after a wet morning I have had to dry them under the hand drier in the shower room having forgotten the spare ones!
What’s your killer commuting tip? Be prepared! Spare tubes are the obvious one but always have my gear laid out the night before to stop the stress in the morning.
Are you a British Cycling Member? If so how does your British Cycling membership support your bike commuting? Yes I am. I enter sportive events in the spring and summer so the website helps me plan them. More importantly though, the insurance cover is a great peace of mind.
