Richard

Bikes and trains are just the perfect combination. If anything, I’m driving even less now than I did when I took part in the Car Free Challenge.

I ride to the station from Hinksey, put my bike on the train, and then ride on the other side from Banbury station to our office and warehouse. If I couldn’t put my bike on the train, that would change things, obviously. It’s much harder on the Cross Country trains actually - you have to book your bike on and there are only three slots. Whereas with the Great Western service there’s a carriage where you could probably fit six bikes on at once.

I get off-peak trains so it’s only £8, which is cheaper than petrol.

When I was doing the Car Free Challenge I stuck to the back roads, parks and towpath but now I just cycle straight down the Abingdon Road because it’s quicker. I’ve always been a confident cyclist around cars - I used to cycle in London. Now, if I’m cycling full tilt, I can get to the station in five minutes.

You are a lot more integrated in your neighbourhood commuting this way. I have random conversations with people on my journey; when I stop at the lights, or on the train. I now recognise people I commute with and see friends on the street. For me, it’s always nice to talk to people. 

And my journey is much more flexible now. Like, say I want to get some ingredients for dinner on the way home - I don’t need to find a parking space, pay for parking, do a separate journey. I can just cycle to the shop on my way.