As a Headteacher, I was required to be in school every day during Lockdown.  I had been in the habit of driving the 6-mile journey to and from work.  My usual opportunities for exercise were curtailed due to lockdown: the gym closed, dancing classes were cancelled.  The e-bike gave me an opportunity to get my daily exercise by cycling to work. I have saved money on petrol, increased my fitness and have benefitted from the fresh air and the ‘switch-off’ time that cycling affords, which has supported good mental health during an exceptionally stressful time.

Most of my family and friends walk or cycle for pleasure; I shared e-bike information with my colleagues, some of whom took up the opportunity of the loan scheme. I think walking and cycling are some of the best forms of exercise.  If you can incorporate your daily exercise into your journey to work, you’ve cracked it!

I have always tried to stay reasonably fit for my job by walking and the occasional cycle. Lock down seemed to spur me on to get fitter and cycle more though. It’s helped reduce stress of lockdown and COVID-19 and has improved my health too. And apart from stress relief and increased fitness, cycling has allowed me to save on fuel and I feel I’ve played a part in keeping the environment cleaner. My commute from Midsomer Norton to Bath uses the old railway cycle path so most of it runs through our local countryside. It’s a very enjoyable experience in early mornings, I regularly see rabbits, foxes, deer and badgers on the ride in

I regularly cycle with my wife and grown up children and I say to others go for it. We’re lucky to be surrounded by beautiful countryside so take your bike and go and explore.

I used to cycle to my previous job which was when I started cycling again after quite a few years. My confidence was quite low, and I was quite nervous the first few times. But lockdown really increased my appetite for cycling. And with the quiet roads I felt more relaxed and didn’t feel like I needed to stick to the cycle path (Bath to Bristol) and I more time to do leisurely cycles which has been great!

My original motivation to start cycling was so I could get to the office faster and save money on petrol costs. When I drove to work, I felt stressed and frustrated due to the huge amount of traffic, road works or accidents on the commute. But with cycling I enjoy checking out the scenery, sometimes seeing the fields in the morning covered in fog or on warm days the smell of sunshine. And I’m chilled when I get to work and feel like I’ve earnt my 10:30 snack.

I just enjoy getting out of the house for a walk or a cycle, for fresh air and a change of scenery. My partner and I have started making the day of it and taking a picnic. We’ve discovered new places and had great adventures. I definitely recommend cycling! It’s great for giving yourself some time to think, a chance to save money, great form of exercise to get in shape and to explore your local area.