We are British Cycling - we are bike commuters - Sam Roberson

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Sam from Belfast has been commuting by bike since the age of 12 and rides a hub geared bike with an enclosed chain, which means no mess and no maintenance. Like many bike commuters, Sam enjoys the flexibility, peace and reliable speed of the bike.

Name: Sam Roberson

Workplace: British Geological Survey, Belfast

Tell us about your commuting rig: 2012 Fuji Classic 7. Perfect for city riding as it has a fully enclosed drivechain and hub brakes. No maintenance!

What’s your commute like? 150 metre descent in three miles on the way to work. Massive bus lane to ride in for most of the way lets me stream past on average 100 cars every morning. The return journey is less fun as it involves going back up the 150 metre hill and there are almost no bus or bike lanes going the other way on the same roads. No brainer!

How many days a week do you commute by bike? Five days a week. 

What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting? Flexibility, peace and speed. It takes less time to cycle than to drive or use public transport.

What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike? Cars and the lack of bike lanes. This leaves you with the option of weaving through the cars that are in a standstill, or waiting in traffic with fumes bellowing out around you.

What are your main reasons to commute by bike? I like it. Habit. I’ve been commuting by bike since I was 12.

What’s your killer commuting tip? Flashing lights. Don’t be fooled into thinking that small cheap flashing lights will make you visible to motorists. They don’t. Flashing lights are very easy to miss. You can literally blink and miss them. If you must use a flashing light make it a secondary light.


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)


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