Volunteer star: Lotty

My name is Lotty and I’m a Preston Pedals’ Spin Buddy. I moved to Preston from Cambridgeshire in 2024, swapping an up to two hour bike – train – bike commute into Central London every day, for a two mile commute into the University. I prefer to cycle whatever the weather (only snow and ice will stop me) as I don’t have to find a parking space or wait for a bus, and I can bring my folding Brompton bicycle right into my office. I began cycle commuting to the station in around 2006 when I moved to Cambridgeshire, and found that it really helped with chronic back pain. When I moved closer to the station I started cycling for fun and things have escalated from there! I have done a number of charity rides, raising around £15,000 in total for Parkinson’s UK amongst other charities.

I have travelled with bikes to several countries, what a great way to experience different cultures and see some amazing views. I also participate in Audaxes (long distance rides) and am a qualified Breeze leader, and recently joined the fabulous group at Preston Pedals as a Spin Buddy. Hopefully I can help others to develop a passion for cycling. Cycling has not only improved my physical health but is also a great way to de-stress at the end of a busy day or week. I have seen so many out of the way places that I would never have been to, stuck in a car or on a train. I really like the idea that cycling is fast enough to travel to several places in a day but slow enough to enjoy the journey in between.

Whilst I find solo cycling to be a good way to process new ideas or work through different scenarios when faced with difficult situations, it can also very social and I have met so many interesting people at the obligatory coffee stop, though of course we must also not forget the excellent cakes!   Moving to a new city, cycling has also helped to me make new friends. Starting with our shared passion for two wheels, we often find we have many other shared interests and there is nothing better than a relaxed spin on a summer evening putting the world to rights.