Stories from the United Kingdom

I'd arranged to meet my boyfriend at our local pub after work. I commute by bike, but despite having a bike and a short commute, he didn't. After we'd had food and a few drinks, we were leaving and... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

4

Cycling 100 miles through the night was amazing but the time in the saddle is not so good, erm if you know what I mean! Hopefully, my derrière will forgive me soon! Obviously, missing all the traf... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

4

I have ridden horses all my life but as my pal "GG" was in his final years, and I knew I never wanted to own another one, I needed something to take me to all the places he and I visited. Sooooo...... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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6

first_381041 last_381041 I used to pretend my bike was a horse when I was young. Yes the hat, whip and rope reins. Sad but true. Glad you have a n... read more

I used to pretend my bike was a horse when I was young. Yes the hat, whip and rope reins. Sad but true. Glad you have a new reason to explore and sorry about Mum.

#WomenWhoRide
As a 50 something woman, who has a failing transplant and isn't in the best of shape, riding bikes gives me the headspace to deal with my daily stresses. While out on the bike I a... read more

After many years feeling like a bit of a social outcast cycling round Cardiff to many different universities, offices, schools, pubs, cinemas and so on, this year I was happy to be offered a dream ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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7

first_553884 last_553884 Sorry about that- didnt realise email addresses weren't allowed. Hit us up on social at Sustrans East Midlands.

Sorry about that- didnt realise email addresses weren't allowed. Hit us up on social at Sustrans East Midlands.

first_485503 last_485503 You're a superstar for doing what you do... And dealing with a hill too! Thanks for sharing your story 🙂

You're a superstar for doing what you do... And dealing with a hill too! Thanks for sharing your story 🙂

I'm not what you would call an enthusiastic cyclist but I started cycling to work when I adopted a rescue dog. Not wanting her to be home all day alone, but also knowing that she would not enjoy d... read more

Hired 2 e-bikes in the Lake District. Allows a beginner to enjoy massive mountain passes and keep up with an experienced rider. Allows for far more exploring than driving and walking...

Watching your child develop there riding skills is a wonderful experience apart from the occasional fall!!! So on to the new challenge of taking your hand off the handle bars in preparation for sig... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

Got my bro on bike after about 25years...
'it's changed my life'
'I'm loving it'
'I've met a new group of friends'
'I'm so much fitter'
'I'm a better role model for the kids'<... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

I wasn’t looking forward to returning to work in London this month but the warm weather and being back on my bike really helped.
London is a fabulous city to ride in. Just ride safely and res... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

3

Nine years ago I gave birth to my miracle baby but due to a genetic defect my heart started to fail. I entered a dark time of joy in my baby but not knowing what was wrong. I was told if I had pas... read more

I love my job. I get to train colleagues and volunteers on our new e-cargo bike from Iceni Cycles. We got funding last year to trial an electric bike and electric van to see if they could add to ou... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

Magnificent 7 go to Blackpool!
We literally had a blast with high winds and high spirits!
Love to Ride is all about removing barriers to get people cycling. I managed to convince 4 relati... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

8

Sunday morning trip out to Sledmere House, NR Driffield East Yorkshire for a take out coffee and breakfast with the chaps.

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

I rode into my training session today as it was a lovely day clear skies and 18c at 8.30 when I set off. Now at lunchtime I’m less than half a mile from site sat at the side of the River Ouse. I’m ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

There’s’ nothing like the freedom of being on two wheels and enjoying the outdoors with others

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2

I like cycling but wanted to be more confident on roads and able to do repairs. So I joined a couple of events and have been learning to repair donated bikes for charity which are given to people t... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

4

Over the last 9 months I've been training for the Three Peaks Challenge.
I have fibromyalgia which it has caused me great pain for much of my life, but I made a decision a few years ago that I... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2

Corinium Dobunnorum Loop of the Cotswolds- a step back in time exploring the deserted lanes of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Today's commute took us to Cirencester - the forecast... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

5

now i have lots of time I go riding sunday morning I put it on facebook and tell the new riders it's short easy ride and I carry tools for minor repairs. lot are interested but only a odd one turns... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

Sycamore Gap is a special place, so special that thousands of people around the world visit.
But not on my cycle ride to visit this special place, the Sill was closed the military road was felt... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

7

Nearly four years ago my father was terminally ill. I discovered mountain biking through a friend's encouragement and never looked back! It's a great way to unwind, chat, forgot about stuff, get fi... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

7

I have almost never been a fast cycler. Even when I was going full tilt, there were always other people going faster. I no longer have any bikes with drop handlebars. I like to sit up and look at t... read more

first_549506 last_549506 I give up the diesel van to spend time riding now I am retired I go slow too and now ride hybrid for same reasons as your s... read more

I give up the diesel van to spend time riding now I am retired I go slow too and now ride hybrid for same reasons as your self enjoy the view and ride

I love getting up before the rest of the family and stretching my legs on the bike, especially on mornings like today. The sun had just broken and the light was a golden colour. Not many out on the... read more

During lockdown I was able to support a visually impaired employee to get back out on the bike, this had a positive impact to both him and his pilot.
https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/person... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2

Ten years ago, I had a heart attack while refereeing a football match, thankfully, I made it to the hospital, where a stent was fitted. I was told that it would take me three months to get fit agai... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

So i pinched this idea from someone else, while in the first lockdown last year i would normal go out of a ride along the local trails on the Gravel bike. But once the weather had started to change... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

3

first_335461 last_335461 Ha ha, I do that too. I just label them in Strava as WFH Commute.

Ha ha, I do that too. I just label them in Strava as WFH Commute.

I've had my fair share of tragedies over the years, then being diagnosed with Menieres disease, this means I am prone to severe vertigo attacks.

I have always ridden horses for years and... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

7

I love cycling in all it’s forms and I have bikes for everything - commuting, road, gravel, bikepacking and MTB. So I really hope I can encourage my 18mo son to take it up too. I can’t make him of ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2

A couple of hours happily getting lost in the Levels (Somerset!) Whilst it's important for the media to call out harassment of women doing their thing out and about, let's make sure it doesn't crea... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

7

Prior to lockdown I used to commute 2 to 4 times a week but then with lockdown I ended up working from home which made the opportunity for biking difficult with the number of meetings, mostly tedio... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

6

I hadn't ridden regularly for years until lockdown in 2020, the weather was amazing and we got out on our bikes as a family a few times during each week as many others did. Its dropped off a bit no... read more

first_495507 last_495507 awesome!

awesome!

Most have re-discovered the benefits of cycling. One element has been taking things a step further and joining a local club. A cycling buddy of mine set up Manchester Gravel MCRGRVL on Facebook, ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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first_380994 last_380994 Interested in MCRGRVL but not on Facebook Twitter etc, just LtR and Strava. Have gravel bike - will ride but how's best to ... read more

Interested in MCRGRVL but not on Facebook Twitter etc, just LtR and Strava. Have gravel bike - will ride but how&#39;s best to make contact? S Mcr based.

I have loved my bike through out lock down. I am the proud owner of a pace maker and have had a few cardiac problems. It has been my bike that has kept me going and healthy . It’s been brilliant t... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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7

first_498508 last_498508 That Bridge looks familiar is it near the Moorings

That Bridge looks familiar is it near the Moorings

I took up mountain biking when my dad became terminally ill as a distraction / release from the stresses. I have met some great new people and discovered some wonderful places on my doorstep. Bikin... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

For the past year, I have cycled to work in all weather - sun, rain, sleet and hail. Not only is it a great form of physical exercise, but it is also a fantastic way to clear your head and blow awa... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

Lovely ride to Emberton Park with my daughter and brother in law

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

Great mixed ability ride in the Calderdale valley as part of the #ridedrinkpie club. All levels, all off road suitable bikes, mixed ability.

This weeks ride was great, new members, people ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

I rode into my training session today as it was a lovely day clear skies and 18c at 8.30 when I set off. Now at lunchtime I’m less than half a mile from site sat at the side of the River Ouse. I’m ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2

Having been building up her cycling abilities over lockdown Judy my sister-in-law has come on in leaps and bounds since this time last year. Even took on her first sportive in September, which took... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

8

First ride out probably since before the pandemic last weekend and it was lush! I got out of the habit of cycling to work a while back and forgot how glorious it can be getting out in the countrysi... read more

(Not usually one to steal the limelight but) happy to be quoted to help encourage people to ride (or walk) to for short journeys.

[address removed]

Beautiful Britain By Bike - Day Three.
A historic tour of Somerset & Dorset.

Today's commute took us to Somerton, Ancient Royal Town of Wessex. Our adventure began under blue skie... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

8

A historic tour of Somerset & Dorset.

Today's commute took us to Somerton, Ancient Royal Town of Wessex. Our adventure began under blue skies as we set off towards the old Roman town o... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2

I was reading about riding safety in the dark, and lots of people said that we are very good a recognising and seeing faces, so I thought I would combine this idea with reflective details.
Wi... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

9

first_213759 last_213759 what a great idea :)

what a great idea :)

The concept of Love to Ride is simple, straight forward and a fun way to encourage people and children to jump on their bikes and exercise for at least 15 minutes. The team behind the scenes are al... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

5

first_378733 last_378733 I'll pack my bag!

I'll pack my bag!

A newish friend who hasn't cycled since childhood (and is now 48) has been trying to get fit and lose weight. They had bought a brand new bike three years ago but hadn't wanted to go out on their ... read more

I have decided this year with a friend to ride John '0' Groats to Lands end.
Just to add some more excitement and a challenge we will be doing it on a Tandem, of which nether of us have ever ri... read more

first_542901 last_542901 Good luck!

Good luck!

Started riding a bike to commute to work about 7 years ago at 39 having not ridden since being a kid. I couldn't turn right, fell off twice in one day and remember disbelieving a friend who told m... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

As many now use a car I think they forget that we that do not drive have to breath in all the fumes from cars and we have no choice to do so unless we want to live our life’s wearing a mask.
T... read more