John is works in London and clocks up an impressive 80 miles per week on his trusty Trek hybrid. John relishes the economic benefits of cycle commuting but loathes bad drivers, bad cyclists and bad roads.
Name: John Eades
Workplace: Commonwealth Games Federation, London
Tell us about your commuting rig: Trek 7.2, Hybrid (pictured above)
What’s your commute like? Ten miles each way, all road. Nice hill at the end no matter which route I take. But a nice down hill to start the commute at 7 a.m. in the morning.
How many days a week do you commute by bike? Four days a week.
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting? Avoiding the tube, trains, escalators, bugs, sneezing, colds, flu and delays. The power shower at either end is a welcome bonus no matter what the weather.
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike? London bus and taxi drivers who don't think they need to indicate, pedestrians that are happy to walk in front of cyclists, fellow cyclists who jump red lights, cyclists that cycle in the dark with no lights or poor lights, punctures and potholes!
What are your main reasons to commute by bike? Keeping fit and its much more fun than the tube! Saving on the Oyster card is an added bonus too.
Have you got any funny or interesting bike commuting stories or experiences to share? I got knocked off my bike by a fellow cyclist who was cycling the wrong way up a one way street. I was the one that went flying across the road, as did my bike. He was unscathed, as was his bike. He just carried on cycling as I writhed on the floor in pain…but the motorist behind me gave me abuse for blocking her right of way!
What’s your killer commuting tip? Get as prepared and as comfortable as you can. Be prepared each day for bad drivers and poor road conditions and make sure you are dressed for comfort no matter how long your journey. Also if you have one light on your bike don’t have it flashing, let drivers see a full light so they can judge distances better.
Are you a British Cycling Member? If so how does your British Cycling membership support your bike commuting? I am a member and it gives added piece of mind that you have support if required. It also gives you some handy savings too.
Send us your Commuter Profiles!
We want to know about your commuting experiences; how far you go, why you choose to ride, your killer tips and your commuter grumbles. Download, complete and email back your commuter profile to editor@britishcycling.org.uk and tell your story. Feel free to include a photograph/photographs of you and your trusty commuting bike!
Download Commuter Profile Form (Word Document)
