Member Sarah Perkin tells us why she chooses to cycle.

‘I bought my e-bike just over a year ago and so I’m fairly new to using cycling as one of my main modes of transportation. However I instantly loved cycling around York, as I enjoy to be outdoors as well as to have the freedom to choose my own journey timings. I am a mum of two young boys and so cycle in various arrangements; on my own to work every day, I pick up my toddler afterwards on his bike seat and I also have a trailer for my days off with both my little boys. I do not cycle with the trailer as frequently as I would like solely because I do not feel safe on the roads and the bike paths rarely link within York. For this reason, I joined York Cycle Campaign as I was so impressed with the “42 Ways to Transform York” campaign. 

‘My main reason for cycling is environmental, particularly the reduction of my carbon footprint. The science is clear that we must dramatically reduce our emissions and changing our transport would really help us achieve this.

‘Whilst I had wanted to cycle for a while, the push I needed was balancing finances during an extended maternity leave. My car was on finance and I was paying it off monthly as well as insurance, surprise new tyres, road tax and I could go on as the list is endless! I have saved so much money by swapping to a bike. My husband needs a car for his job so we have a car if needed at weekends and we currently have a nice balance although I am always keen to reduce our car use if we can. 

‘I was also fed up with being sat in traffic jams in a city whose roads are far too narrow for the volume of traffic on them. Obviously, it’s usually slightly slower to bike overall but its far less frustrating to be on the go rather than sat in traffic.

‘I really enjoy exercising but as a mum of two small children it can be hard to find time to workout, so it’s great to be able to stretch my legs and keep fit whilst getting from A to B.

‘I love to be outdoors and crave a good dose of fresh air each day (as we all do by nature.) Cycling means that even if I am busy all day at work at least I have my journey there and back in the fresh air.

‘I really believe an increase in cycling would benefit people and the planet and am passionate to promote cycling wherever I can.’