There's a varied range of cyclists here at UCLan and they're not all lycra clad Tour de France wannabes. Some might only cycle in twice a week to fit in with their schedule, others will only cycle when it's dry.
Hopefully you will find a story here to inspire you.
"I love it! It's quick, easy and fun plus it keeps me a little fitter" Joanne
Name: Joanne Parry
How far away from your office do you live? About 2 miles away
When did you start cycling to UCLan? In 2005 when I joined UCLAN
What prompted you to start cycling to work? I have always cycled as I don’t like to drive. Don’t like is an understatement!
What bike do you ride / equipment do you use? I have a Cube Acid Mountain bike which I am purchasing under the cycle to work scheme. It’s a fabulous beast! I wear a helmet and very high viz jacket. I have waterproof commuting trousers and shoe covers.
What impact has cycling had? I love it! It quick, easy and fun plus it keeps me a little fitter
What’s the best thing about cycling? Its SO much quicker than walking/driving/buses and its free!
The worst? The Preston weather!
What do you think would encourage more staff to cycle to work? The free parking, ease of parking plus the exercise benefits.
Do you cycle in your spare time? Yes, it’s my main method of travel.
"Bypassing queues of cars - I used to be in those queues" Stuart
Name: Stuart Ascroft
How far away from your office do you live? I live approximately 3.5 miles from UCLan
When did you start cycling to UCLan? I began cycling in August this year (2011)
What prompted you to start cycling to work? I decided to cycle to work to try to improve fitness and save money on fuel and parking costs
What bike do you ride / equipment do you use? I have a Diamondback contra hybrid bike which I have to say I’m really pleased with. I bought the bike through Cycle scheme which meant that I got

all of the equipment that I needed included in the overall purchase price of the bike, I have a hi viz jacket, helmet, panniers and a set of waterproof clothing.
What impact has cycling had? I think that it’s improved my general fitness level and I really enjoy the journey to work now.
What’s the best thing about cycling? Bypassing queues of cars - I used to be in those queues - and the usually shorter journey time to work
The worst? Almost horizontal rain and high winds
What do you think would encourage more staff to cycle to work? More cycle friendly facilities on campus, secure cycle parking, showers in more buildings etc. and more dedicated cycle lanes and traffic free routes
Do you cycle in your spare time? Yes I've started to cycle for fun as well work, I’m quite close to the national cycle network routes 62 and 55 I’m quite lucky really
"Cycling early on a frosty morning as the sun comes up, nothing to beat it" Ian
Name: Ian Crook
How far away from your office do you live? Approximately 10.5 miles
When did you start cycling to UCLan? From day one - six years ago.
What prompted you to start cycling to work? Health and cost. I needed to improve how I felt and the cost of petrol and a parking permit was prohibitive.
What bike do you ride / equipment do you use? I ride a Silver Marin Fairfax purchased through the
UCLan ride to work scheme (I was the guinea pig!). I have a clip on Halfords pannier to carry my stuff in. It has a waterproof inner bag. I wear cycling gear and a water/windproof jacket. There are showers at work so that I can get changed when I get here. I always wear a helmet. During the darker months I have front and rear lights as well as a highviz armband with integrated flashing LEDs as well as a helmet mounted red rear LED light to at least make me feel more visible. Waterproof trousers and overshoes when it is really wet.
What impact has cycling had? I feel fitter now than I ever have in my life. Still skint though!
What’s the best thing about cycling? Cycling early on a frosty morning as the sun comes up, nothing to beat it. Hearing birdsong and smelling grass on my journey.
The worst? Idiots in cars! All car drivers should be made to ride a bike for a month at least. Bad weather can get you down if it carries on for too many days, but it only needs on calm sunny day and you soon forget it. Out on the Fylde the wind tends to be more of problem than the rain.
What do you think would encourage more staff to cycle to work? Better cycle parking and changing facilities. A park and cycle facility to allow those that live too far to cycle the whole way to at least do a bit and hence alleviate the campus parking problems.
Do you cycle in your spare time? When I can.