Name: Sue Williams
Workplace: University of Exeter,
Tell us about your commuting rig: Depending on the weather, but mostly a single speed flat bar ‘no logo’ no frills bike; as a treat on a sunny day this might change to the Bianchi Carbon road bike.
What’s your commute like? Too short, mostly urban on and off cycle lanes. 8km round trip, with a decent hill or two on the way to work, which makes for a lovely downhill ride home.
How many days a week do you commute by bike? Five days a week, throughout the year unless circumstances dictate that I need to drive or walk.
"Sets you up for the day and you can pretty much time your journey to the minute because you don’t get stuck in city traffic".
What Sue loves the most about bike commuting.
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting? Exercise and control. Sets you up for the day and you can pretty much time your journey to the minute because you don’t get stuck in city traffic.
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike? Getting soaked before you start work... its fine on the way home. Watching other cyclists ignoring red lights and pedestrian crossings; it gives us all a bad name and makes drivers impatient and angry, which puts us at risk!
What are your main reasons to commute by bike? No worries with parking, its cheaper and quicker and mainly because I enjoy riding my bike/s. Riding the single speed helps with my cadence on the road bike and strengthens my legs for the climbs when I do sportives.
Have you got any funny or interesting bike commuting stories or experiences to share? The usual unclipping, or not, at zero miles an hour in front of stationary traffic, but even better than that... being kitted up with waterproofs, cleats, helmet, glasses and gloves then walking out of the garden gate towards work, without my bike! (which was sat securely locked in the bike shed) proper LOL at myself.
What’s your killer commuting tip? Always wear a helmet (saved my life when hit by a car on my commute) anticipate and ride aware. You can be the most competent cyclist in the world, but you can’t control the actions of others.
Are you a British Cycling Member? If so how does your British Cycling membership support your bike commuting? Yes. British Cycling raises awareness of all kinds of cycling, which can only help with safety on the roads and increased participation leading to more cycle facilities.
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)
