Nigel Wickenden from Staffordshire is one a rare breed of nocturnal bike commuters, who works night shifts and plies the quiet roads of Cannock Chase in the still of the night, with only the area's fauna for company.
Name: Nigel Wickenden
Workplace: Stafford
Tell us about your commuting rig: Hybrid - mountain bike frame, 105 triple group set, Mavic Speedcity wheels, hydraulic disc brakes.
What’s your commute like? 18.2 miles each way, 1,958 feet of climbing combined journey. Undulating across Cannock Chase roads starting from home between 0030 -0430 hrs dependant on shifts.
How many days a week do you commute by bike? 3 - 5 days.
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting? Riding at night with the roads virtually to myself (apart from the deer).
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike? Bad traffic on my return through Stafford town centre.
What are your main reasons to commute by bike? To keep fit and save money.
Have you got any funny or interesting bike commuting stories or experiences to share? Riding across the common I heard a noise from the bushes, did not know what it was (approx 0200 hrs), put my foot down to get away, thing in bushes matched my pace! This continued for approx a quarter of a mile, until the common opened up. I looked round to see an out of breath deer, the deer looked round to see an out of breath cyclist!
What’s your killer commuting tip? Dependant on shifts I can add on an extra 10 - 15 miles each way through the lanes.
Are you a British Cycling Member? If so how does your British Cycling membership support your bike commuting? I am a member and when I was involved in a collision with a car (it drove straight into me) the helpline and the solicitor were first class and I recommend the insurance to anyone who asks me.
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)
