Meet Chris, Our Cycle To Work Champion
At LondonEnergy, we value the health and wellbeing of our people. This is why, we are celebrating Cycle to Work Day during the whole first week of August.
The UK's biggest cycle commuting event, takes place on Thursday 6th August. Cycling offers many benefits, including improving fitness, reducing fuel consumption, saves money and reducing congestion and parking. It doesn't matter if you haven't cycled in years or have never cycled at all - this is just about giving it a go.
At LondonEnergy, we encourage our colleagues to cycle to work by offering a Cycle to Work scheme and providing them with the environment and facilities they need. We provide bike lockers, showers and changing rooms. We spoke to Chris Heffernan, our LGV 2 Driver and Cycle to Work Champion to learn more about his experience. Chris cycles to work five days a week.
How long have been at LEL for?
I have worked at LondonEnergy for 11 years as an HGV Class 2 Driver.
How often do you cycle to work?
I’m not new to cycling - I’ve been cycling for about 50 years. I cycle to work five days a week and commute around 11 miles each way. I am relatively fit and use cycling as my daily workout instead of going to the gym.
What health benefits have you gained from cycling?
I am 68 and do not suffer from high blood pressure or arthritis. I can walk for miles without getting any aches or pains.
Have you taken part in any cycling marathons?
I took part in the London to Brighton bike ride a few years ago and finished the trip in five hours. It was a great feeling to raise money for good causes. All that pain cycling for hours was worth it.
Do you cycle on the weekends?
Yes! I attach a trailer to my bike. This allows me to get around the city to pick up shopping, drop off rubbish at the recycling centre, go to shopping malls and also take trips to visit my friends. Cycling is so versatile.
What advice would you give to someone new to cycling about cycling to work?
I would recommend joining a cycling course or group. Cycling groups often host rides, designed to teach beginners. The britishcyclingclub.org has over 1700 affiliated cycling clubs. They have clubs to suit everyone.
You can find out more about Cycle To Work Day by visiting http://www.cycletoworkday.org/
