Rider profiles - Commuters

 Russell

“I bought a motorbike and didn’t use a bike for years, but then we moved and only had one car, so I started cycling again. Fitness is a huge motivation for me to get out every day. It’s a superb way to keep fit without injuring myself. I don’t have to go to the gym, I don’t have to take any special time to exercise. If I’ve done my commute, I’ve done my exercise.“

Kate

“I started commuting by bike a while ago. I had a bike and figured I might as well use it. A few people at work started as well and we all entered an event, so it became a thing we would do together. It’s faster than public transport — I’m on my own time and I don’t have to rely on anyone else. I don’t have to rely on the bus being on time. I don’t get stuck in traffic. There’s just a feeling of freedom - I much prefer it.”

Victoria

“I was fed up with paying for parking and paying for the bus. Parking went up and I thought maybe I should try riding — I saw some friends doing it all the time. I do have to fit it in with dropping my kids off, so I drive to Newtown and drop my 4-year-old off, and from there I bike to work and back. Once I worked that out, it made things easier.”

Sheree

“I bike to the Upper Hutt station. It’s about a 20-minute ride and from there I get into town on the train. You realise it’s just easier once you find a nice route. It breaks up the commute, and I like the fresh air. You’re not going from work to home without any kind of relaxation.”