Hi, I’m Richard and I ride a bicycle as my main form of transport.
I commute to work by bike almost every day – and all year round in all weathers – and also use my bikes to meet friends or go shopping.
Cycling as a sport doesn’t interest me. I’m an advocate of people cycling as a means of transport – to get from A to B. I’m not interested in going for a ride just for the sake of it, or to see how fast I can go, or to get fit. When I get on my bike, I’m going somewhere, and the point is to get to my destination simply and safely.
As a transportation cyclist you’ll see me:
- Wear normal clothes – I’m dressing for the destination and not the journey
- Cycle more slowly – I don’t want to arrive at my destination in a sweaty heap
- Transport cargo – because when I go to work or go shopping then I normally will need to be able to carry stuff
- Cycle an electric bike – my e-bike opens up the opportunity to take longer and more hilly journeys
- Demand safe segregated cycling infrastructure – because cycling should be accessible to people of all ages and abilities
I have two Dutch bikes – one electric and one not. The reason I love Dutch bikes so much is that they are:
- High quality and durable
- Include things such as lights, racks and mudguards that other bikes omit
- Have an upright sitting position that makes them comfortable to ride
They are not the fastest bikes on the road, but they enable me to get where I’m going easily and simply, and without being drenched in sweat!
