Donna from Northumberland really sums up what makes commuting by bike so addictive - experiencing the beauty of your surroundings, arriving envigorated (and slightly smug) every day and keeping fit. Plus Donna loves "being part of the whole British Cycling thing", which makes our jobs worthwhile.
Above left to right - Donna, her everyday inspiration, her morning coffee ritual and her current stable.
Name: Donna Scott
Workplace: Sportsworld (independent sports shop), Alnwick
Tell us about your commuting rig:
Giant Escape 1W Hybrid, acquired with the help of the Cycle to Work Scheme. Jury is still out on this bike, it feels rather heavy going a lot of the time. I've just reached 300+ miles, so it's in for its first service. Also have a Giant Talon 2.5 which seems to bounce along more happily. I am using this bike at the moment.
What’s your commute like? 7.5 miles (15 miles total), a good mixture of hills and flat. Generally into prevailing wind in the morning then usually wind-assisted home. All on road, through lovely Northumbrian countryside and villages, alongside and over the East Coast railway line and eventually into the busy little market town of Alnwick.
How many days a week do you commute by bike?
4 days a week – that's every day that I work.
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting?
Morning coffee in the Market Square, watching the world go by – as well as feeling all invigorated (and slightly self-righteous) for the rest of the day.
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike?
I suppose the occasional moments of alarm I get from other road users – worry in case I may be in the wrong – probably not helped by a recent cycling accident when I hit a car and it WAS my fault.
What are your main reasons to commute by bike?
Well I don't drive and although I could get a lift with my partner, I like the independence of cycling as well as the added bonus of keeping fit.
Have you got any funny or interesting bike commuting stories or experiences to share?
My previous commute (7.5 miles in the other direction over country as flat as Flanders) was like a pleasant nature ramble compared to this one. On my current commute I feel more like a thorn in the side of my fellow road users, although some of them must be coming to recognise me by now! It is a much more dynamic commute though – the terrain is hillier and I need to keep my wits about me. Actually, this morning I spotted two deer in an adjacent field and we 'raced' along parallel to each other for a short while - lovely!
How does your British Cycling membership support your bike commuting?
I am a 'Ride' member. Apart from the obvious peace of mind of Insurance, I enjoy the website – logging stats, and supportive articles. I'm loving being part of the whole British Cycling 'thing'. I only joined for insurance purposes after having a head on collision with a car (my fault!). But it's turned into so much more than an insurance policy.
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)
