Local Voices
Read the stories of Oxfordshire residents who make bikes, buses, walking or wheeling a part of their everyday lives.
Caroline
“One really nice thing is that I have some travel buddies – people on the same bus - we chat every day! The other major advantage is that I use the time on the bus to catch up on lots of things I never normally have time for such as life admin, sorting emails, etc. For anyone else thinking about this, I would say do it! People say they don’t have time, but time spent on the bus is much better than circling the car park for the millionth time. Not having to park is a huge, huge relief. I’m glad I swapped.”
Cherie
“Since making the change to using a bike, I’ve actually found a new hobby. We’ve taken our bikes to the Cotswolds and to Wales, for cycling holidays. My cardiovascular health is better; I don’t really pant at all any more going up that hill. And my mental health is better. I didn’t realise how big an impact it was going to have on me. I fell in love with the feeling of cycling almost immediately. The sense of freedom is amazing.”
Wendy and Maria
Wendy and Maria both live in Ambrosden, near Bicester and work at the John Radcliffe. They get the H5 bus everyday to work, and have become good friends with each other and their other bus buddies. Read their story here.
Felicity
Felicity bought an electric folding bike through the Cycle to Work scheme. She’s able to take it on the bus so that she can commute to work from outside Abingdon part by bus and part by cycle. She says her new commute is cheaper, more flexible and makes her feel more connected to people. She also loves that she can get in her exercise on the way to work instead of spending time and money on a trip to the gym.
Gordon
“I just love the speed of [riding an e-bike]. Living in Headington, to walk to work on the Woodstock Road would be an hour; the bus would be at least an hour; and driving - the way traffic is - was an hour. But on the e-bike, I’m there in less than 15 minutes. And it’s the same going home.”
Richard
“You are a lot more integrated in your neighbourhood commuting this way. I have random conversations with people on my journey; when I stop at the lights on my bike, or when I’m on the train. I now recognise people I commute with and see friends on the street. For me, it’s always nice to talk to people.”
Catherine
“My advice is to do some planning by talking to someone who cycles a similar route to you; maybe even go out with them and check any junctions you’re unsure of. Make sure your bike has been serviced. Finally, don’t expect to do it all in one go if you’re worried about your fitness. Take it gradually, doing it once or twice a week, and build up.”
James
When he joined the Challenge, he says, he quickly met colleagues and neighbours travelling the same way: “I found the experience very enjoyable, very social, made lots of friends on the buses.” His journey became a chance to chat, even to have an occasional work meeting, or just relax and watch the world go by.
Evin
“Cycling helps with my mood, helps me relax between visits and I no longer get stuck in traffic. I’m more active too. Rushing from one appointment to the other in the car means you just don’t get the breathing time. Now I can appreciate the fresh air, the activity. Research shows that people who cycle to work are less likely to use antidepressants; and as someone working in mental health services I know how important it is to look after your mental health.”
Sarah
“I used to drive to other hospitals - in Milton Keynes and Aylesbury - but I got fed up sitting in the car and found I never had any time to do any exercise. I had to pay for parking and often struggled to find a parking space. I now get an hour’s exercise every day and a bit of headspace.”
Michael
“I like just having a moment to myself before heading into the office. I find it a way to release stress. Although it’s quite a short walk it’s pretty nice. I get to go through a big open park, there’s a Japanese garden here with a water fountain so that’s quite therapeutic first thing in the morning; almost like a meditative practice.”