Sport section.qxp_Layout 1 20/01/2022 13:48 Page 72
MENDIP TIMES
Pack a bike to get to work
CYCLING with EDMUND LODITE
WORKING from home during the pandemic became the norm for many people. However, as we return to the new “normal” and fewer restrictions, more people will again be faced with the daily commute to
work. Now, while it is great to cycle to and from work that’s not always practical or desirable, depending on how far there is to travel or maybe the weather. Yet there is a halfway solution to avoid those traffic jams. Years ago, when I no longer had a parking space at work, I tried using the Park & Ride, but the service then was inconsistent and prone to delay from traffic jams. Those last three miles of my commute were accounting for most of my
“travelling” time. I wanted to cycle in from the Park & Ride, but rather than mess about with a full-size bike I bought a foldaway that could be easily lifted in and out of the boot of my car. In less than 30 seconds the bike could be unfolded, and I’d be on my way. There is something about cycling that makes you appreciate the beauty of nature. When you pedal to work each morning, you’re acutely aware of the slow turn of the seasons. You are part of the change and summer is the reward for riding to work the rest of the year. In less than a year the bike had paid for itself, from savings on bus tickets and occasional parking fees in the city centre. But the biggest benefit to me was the outdoor exercise at the start and end of each day.
PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2022
Foldaway bikes have come a long way in the last 20 years mainly driven by improvements in design and demand from urban commuters. They are perfect for short journeys and mixed-mode commuting where other transport is also used e.g. cars, trains or underground. The key selling points about them are that they are compact when folded, portable and can be easily stored at home or the office. Designs vary by manufacturer but usually consist of a hinge point on the frame allowing the bicycle to fold in half leaving the wheels side by side. A similar swing hinge is used to drop down the steering column and the pedals can be folded inwards. Quick-release clamps allow the steering and seat columns to be raised or lowered easily to suit the rider’s height and arm reach. The first ride on a foldaway can be a curious encounter. Initially, the bike can seem a little overresponsive to any movement but it’s something you quickly
get used to. Compared to a standard bike the smaller wheels provide quicker acceleration but won’t reach the top speeds of a standard bike (but then that’s not the aim). The low top tube is easy to step over so if it normally feels awkward or uncomfortable to swing your leg over the saddle, then this will be a welcome change. Other than that, it looks a bit quirky, is fun to ride and looks cool. The folding bike has been around for considerably longer than you might imagine. The military first saw the need for compact and portable transport and early versions were used in the Second Boer War complete with rifle racks. During WWII, folding bicycles were built that could withstand being dropped by parachute. They were rigged so that, when parachuted, the handlebars and seat were the first parts to hit the ground to avoid damaging the wheels. It was, however, the early 1980s that can be said to have marked the birth of the modern, compact folding bike with competing models from Brompton and Dahon. Both are still amongst the most popular brands today. The key things to consider when choosing a folding bike are compactness, weight and price. But whatever your budget you’ll save more by cutting out bus journeys and the cost of parking – and you’ll feel healthier.
FEBRUARY CROSSWORD SOLUTION
ACROSS: 1. Quantock Hills 8. Wander 9. Staccato 10. Reminiscence 11. Use 13. Coney 15. Retrace 17. Eardrum 18. Spray 21. Ski 22. Ménage a Trois 25. Air miles 26. In toto 27. Interest group. DOWN: 2. Addle 3. Termite 4. Casein 5. Ilchester 6. J.M.W.Turner 7. Dog 10. Recur 12. Yeovilton 14. Normalise 16. Abyss 19. Parting 20. Cassis 23. Intro 24. Baa
