Sophie got in touch with us last year for some Start Cycling and Car-Lite Living support. She lives near the racecourse with her husband, two young children, and dog.
Sophie’s eldest started school in September, and she didn’t want to be doing the school run in the car.
Sophie said: “I really wanted to do the school run on the bike, but had no idea where to start and felt like there were just too many unknowns to be able to do it.”
“I’m not a cyclist and was really daunted by the prospect of cycling with two young children. There were so many options in terms of bikes and I had no idea how to narrow them down. I’m also very nervous on the road and wanted to find a route that would minimise road sections but had no idea how to do that. I knew I would need to cycle through some fairly narrow gates but didn’t know whether a cargo bike or trailer would even fit!”
Sophie had an initial advice and route-planning session with our Cycle Coach, followed by a buddy ride along her potential route to school with local volunteer, Sarah. Sarah cycles everywhere with her young daughter in an electric cargo bike and was able to pass on some top tips to Sophie!
Sophie said: “The experience really was totally invaluable, and has had such a huge positive impact for us. I now cycle around 60 miles a week, reducing the number of car miles for our family by over 200 miles per month. As I get more confident, I’m finding more and more routes. Using the bike is now just part of our routine, and we only use the car now if we absolutely have to. I’m hoping that eventually I won’t need to use the car at all in York.
Being able to use the bike for the school run, food shop and other local activities has made a huge impact on my physical and mental health. It also gives my kids much more time outside, and I love that I’m able to model being physically active and environmentally friendly.
Doing the school run on the bike has opened up so many more things for us. We cycle along the traffic-free greenway past the racecourse and down the river into York. Whereas we used to just get in the car and drive straight home after pre-school, we can now easily make a stop off on route. In summer, we stop at the ice cream boat on a Friday, put picnics in the bike and watch the races with a picnic tea, or stop to play at the park on the way home. In autumn, we’ve made some fun stops to pick conkers and splash in puddles.
It’s meant that I’ve had lovely quality times with my boys that I just wouldn’t have had if we were driving.”
Sophie also commented on our service: “I can’t speak highly enough of the whole experience. I had a really prompt response to my initial email, we quickly and easily set up meetings and everyone was really flexible and accommodating. Everyone I met as part of the scheme was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and encouraging.”
Sophie, thank you for your kind words, and sharing your story and photos with us.
A year on, Sophie is still cycling, even in the recent wilder weather. Here’s some lovely pictures of her out and about enjoying a cycling lifestyle with her sons, all year round. 🙂
York Bike Belles 