Cyclescheme is the UK's most popular cycle to work benefit, creating more cyclists than any other provider.

The Cyclescheme Seven: what's your commute really like? (Anne)

The Cyclescheme Seven: what's your commute really like? (Anne)

Ever wondered how your commuting experience differs to others? Each month we share the story of a real Cyclescheme cycle commuter and ask them seven questions to sum up their experience from their two-wheeled commute. This month, it's Anne.

Each month we feature one Cyclescheme participant and share their commuting story. We ask the same seven questions (hence the name, The Cyclescheme Seven) in a bid to build up a picture of cycle commuters across the UK. From John O'Groats to Lands End we scour the country for the real cycle commuters who take to their bike each morning. If you'd like to feature on our website, just drop us a line on: socialmedia@cyclescheme.co.uk with "I'm in' in the subject line.

This month we caught up with Anne to see how her commute has changed her life.

CS: Where in the UK are you?

Anne: I live in Cowes on the Isle of Wight

CS: What was your main motivation for getting a bike through Cyclescheme?

Anne: I love cycling and Cyclescheme enabled me to get a better bike than I could afford to buy cash. In addition to commuting, I also use my bike to cycle to Park Run on a Saturday and for T Stop rides on a Sunday, so it is well used and loved.

CS: What bike did you get and why?

Anne: I got the Moda Legato cyclocross bike which is suitable for commuting all year round. I have done one cyclocross race on it but Iam a bit of a coward going downhill when it is slippery and muddy.

CS: How much did you spend with your Cyclescheme Certificate?

Anne: £850

CS: How often do you commute to work by bike?

Anne: I commute to work by bike nearly every day. When I don’t cycle walk; I very rarely use my car.

CS: Where do you commute from and to?  

Anne: Two days a week I commute from home in Gurnard to the Harbour Office in Cowes where I do the accounts. Then three days I commute to our office at the Boatyard in East Cowes, to get there I have to use the chain ferry to cross the river. In the summer I often go home a longer route, stop to visit my mother and then cycle home along the old railway track from Newport to Cowes.

CS: How has cycling affected your daily life - do you feel healthier? Have you saved money?

Anne: Cycling to work makes a great difference to my life. I arrive at work in a happy frame of mind and always look forward to the commute home - even in the winter when I might be wearing three pairs of gloves and two jackets. It is a challenge to see if I can commute every day and leave my car parked at home.

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