Travellers’ tales: Laid-back cycle commuting

In November 2024 I bought a secondhand Alleweder A4 velomobile for my 12.5 mile each-way commute between Southampton and Winchester. I’ve wanted one since the 1990s so when this one came up for sale on the BHPV Facebook page, I decided now was the time.

I did a trial run of the route one Sunday. On downhill stretches I was doing 30-40mph but longer climbs would see me doing 8-9mph. On the flat I was averaging 18mph. Overall journey times were similar to an ordinary bike but I was more comfortable.

I then started commuting on it, leaving at about 6.30am to give me plenty of time and quieter roads, and setting off for home at 5pm. Journeys have largely been in the dark and some sections of the route are unlit.

The lights on the Alleweder are good but not quite up to the standard of car headlights. After the first few trips, I removed the hood for better visibility.

Sick ride, mate

text

I am now getting used to anticipating gear shifts, and changing down into a low gear before coming to a stop. You want to be in a lower gear than on a normal bike for pulling away as you cannot really push yourself off.

In cold and wet weather I have used the rain cover and stayed very comfortable, and there is space inside to stash the bits I need to take to work.

You get used to attracting attention. Usually they’re positive comments like “Sick ride, mate”, but I suspect some horn toots from passing motorists aren’t friendly greetings.

There are a few things I would like to tweak on it, and the wiring could do with tidying up. But I have a machine that I can commute comfortably in, in a comparable time to most other methods, and that I can tinker with as well. Happy days.