Meet British Cycling member Chris Sidney from Leicestershire, bike commuter and occasional tow truck.
Name: Chris Sidney
Workplace: Coalville, Leicestershire
Tell us about your commuting rig: Ribble Winter Trainer, Shimano 105 compact 10 speed.
What’s your commute like? 10 miles each way, rolling terrain, uphill to work (makes for a nice ride home when legs are tired!). All roads.
How many days a week do you commute by bike? Average three days a week through the year, varies depending upon work commitments.
"On the road be assertive and claim the lane if you have to and always acknowledge courteous driving...it goes a long way."
One of Chris' top commuting tips
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting? Great way to de-stress, cheaper than driving (bike is paying for itself), easy to keep fit (no gym membership needed here!), feeling more alert than if I had driven in and I can eat as much cake as I like....
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike? Ignorant and dangerous drivers, although they are rare. I estimate more than 99% of all my interactions with other road users are positive...
What are your main reasons to commute by bike? Fitness, saving money, the aforementioned cake....
Have you got any funny or interesting bike commuting stories or experiences to share? Got asked once by some poor blokes who had broken down at side of road if I would give them a tow....my legs may look strong (debatable) but that’s stretching it a bit.
What’s your killer commuting tip? Plan ahead, pack your bag/panniers etc the night before. On the road be assertive and claim the lane if you have to and always acknowledge courteous driving...it goes a long way. Listen to your body, if you’re starting out then take it steady and rest if needed.
Are you a British Cycling Member? If so how does your British Cycling membership support your bike commuting? Yes, Great for tips etc. But also membership brings good benefits like insurance and money off online shop.
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)
