E-bike commuting gives Andy a happier, healthier and greener start to the day

Andy wanted to try cycling to work from Miltonduff to Lossiemouth, an 18-mile round trip, to improve his fitness and cut his petrol costs. An electric-bike loan through our Connecting Communities programme felt like the ideal way to test whether it would work in real life.

My fitness levels have improved and the journey was more enjoyable as it opens your eyes up to the countryside, very different from driving. It definitely makes a better start to the day, having exercised in the morning travelling to work

 

Before the loan, Andy was not cycling much at all. Regular riding felt out of reach, especially on a longer commute with hills and headwinds. The e-bike changed that almost immediately. The electric assist made the ride feel manageable, even on days when the weather or gradient might have put him off a standard bike.

It is easier with the e-bike and more enjoyable. Regardless if you are going up a hill or hit a headwind it is still pleasurable

 

Safety was another big factor. The electric bike came with built-in lights which helped him feel more visible on country roads throughout the year.

The e-bike had inbuilt lights which is a huge safety factor, both in the summer and winter. I definitely felt more visible when cycling on country roads

 

Andy’s regular commute quickly started to pay off. Not only did his fitness improve, but he found himself arriving at work more energised and alert than when he drove.

Decreased fuel costs were really great and it certainly made me more alert when I got to work, as it is more refreshing than being in the car. It makes me feel energised and more alert

 

The ride itself was enjoyable too. Between Elgin and Lossiemouth he was able to use the local cycle path, which has been resurfaced in places and is well used by cyclists, walkers and runners. Having safe, pleasant infrastructure helped make cycling feel like a realistic everyday option.

The benefits soon went beyond the commute. Once he had built up confidence and fitness, Andy also started cycling to the gym, using the e-bike loan as the spark for a wider fitness routine.

Having had the e-bike on loan my fitness levels have improved and, not only using the e-bike to commute, I also started cycling to the gym, so it kickstarted a fitness regime

 

Andy says the support from our Development Officer Paula Campbell made a real difference:

I do not think it could have been better. Paula was enthusiastic and very helpful in both providing and promoting the e-bike

 

Thanks to Connecting Communities in Moray, Andy has shown how an e-bike commute can turn a daily journey into a source of exercise, energy and enjoyment, while saving money on fuel. 

With funding from HITRANS and support from Moray Council, the programme is helping more people across the region discover that cycling to work can be practical, safe and enjoyable.