British Cycling member Ian is a seasoned bike commuter with 35 years and thousands of miles under his wheels. Ian commutes by bike five days a week and says going by bike is the quickest way to work bar none.
Name: Ian Elwes
Workplace: Hammersmith W6
Tell us about your commuting rig: Road Bike – Vitus – Aluminium/carbon frame prior to its acquisition by CRC. Mixed 105 and Ultegra Groupset with Mavic rims on Novatech Hubs.
What’s your commute like? from Brixton to Hammersmith via Richmond park circa 20 miles in total each and on Wednesday I do an extra long run home as my midweek training run
How many days a week do you commute by bike? Five most weeks
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting? It’s quicker than any other way of getting to my office even with my extra 5 mile detour and I keep to the same weight or lose a little with no real effort!
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike? Red rogues and ambler gamblers – both cars and cyclists – they are a real menace to all road users – I met recently a paramedic whose one wish was that people stopped jumping red lights as it would cut his fatal or near fatal call outs by 50%!,
Idiot scooter riders, these are usually the ones with L plates. They don’t really get how vulnerable they are in traffic. Let alone how vulnerable others on the road are they seem to think they can do whatever they like without reference to other two wheelers – I include motorcycles and sensible scooter riders in those they endanger. I have seen undertaking, dodgy weaving, hooky overtaking combined with no over shoulder peeks or mirror checks all too frequently.
What are your main reasons to commute by bike? It keeps you fit, saves time and money and if you don’t overeat you lose weight
Have you got any funny or interesting bike commuting stories or experiences to share? No
What’s your killer commuting tip? Dress for the weather and always check the forecast.
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)
