Personality of the Month - Paul Robison, Cycling England
What is your job or other main activity that involves cycling?
I’ve recently joined Cycling England as Bikeability Manager.
How long have you done that?
Three months. Three full, interesting and enjoyable months.
Where do you live?
Cambridge.
What most encourages you about cycling where you live?
Feeling normal! I love the variety of people on bikes in Cambridge, from children of all ages on their way to school to some really very old people who can hardly walk but manage perfectly well on their bikes. It gives me hope for the future!
What most discourages you about cycling where you live?
Trying to find somewhere to park my bike at the station.
How would you describe yourself, as a cyclist?
No. I just ride a bike (well, eleven bikes actually).
What is you earliest cycling memory?
Getting a second-hand bike for Christmas and realising that there was no way on foot that my Mum could catch me.
Where is the best place you have ever cycled?
Tibet. But it was also the most exhausting; the altitude made me feel like a total weakling.
What is your greatest achievement, in terms of encouraging more people to cycle?
Yet to come, I hope. But until now, encouraging groups of work colleagues to do charity rides.
What single thing do you think would do most to encourage more cycling in the UK?
A Mediterranean climate, which apparently we’re due some time soon.
What has been your favourite cycling experience?
Tandeming on car-free roads in Switzerland (whole networks of existing fully-fledged roads where cars have simply been banned because there is now a motorway).
What was your worst cycling experience?
Riding in St Petersburg in winter on my Brompton: some of the potholes were bigger than the bike, and the truck drivers made bendy bus drivers seem like considerate caring people who ride bikes in their spare time.
What is it about using your bike that you like the most?
It saves me time. And makes me smile.
The answers given are the opinion of the individual and do not necessarily reflect those of any organisation they may represent.
