Cherie

A year ago I couldn’t even ride a bike. But I bought an e-bike in January and my partner started teaching me. Bless him, he was cycling me from home in Botley up through Headington to the John Radcliffe hospital - and he works from home! 

Truthfully, I wouldn’t be riding my bike as often as I do if I didn’t have an electric bike. Initially, I was cycling on bike paths or along the river as much as I could, but then there were quite a few big floods, which meant I had to cycle on the road. Now I actually prefer roads; they’re flatter, drier and I don’t have to change my route, whatever the weather.

I am still a bit nervous about some car drivers. At first, because I was scared of cars, I would squeeze myself into the edge of the road. But now, I know that the safer way to do it is to just move into the middle of the road if a car isn’t giving you space. Legally you do have the right to take up just as much space as a car. I think that’s really something worth keeping in mind as a new cyclist.

My top tips for new cyclists are: always make sure you can see a vehicle’s mirrors, and during winter time wear enough lights and high vis that you glow like a Christmas tree.

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.