David McQuillan
David has lived in Aldington, five miles from the centre of Ashford, for more than 20 years. As well as serving as a local school governor, he cycles to work most days, making the journey into town in around 25 minutes each way. In recent years, his commute has shifted to Orbital Park, but he still prefers quiet country roads over main routes wherever possible.He occasionally cycles with his family too, especially with his son, and has upgraded his bike in the last five years to make his commute more comfortable and efficient.
When it comes to choosing a bike, David believes it’s about finding something that suits your needs rather than going for the most expensive option. He believes that hybrid or road bikes are ideal for commuting, while mountain bikes tend to be heavier and less efficient for road riding. He’s also noticed how modern road bike tyres are now more comfortable and versatile for different surfaces thanks to their wider tyres.
Safety and comfort is a priority for David. He always wears a helmet, padded shorts and a cycle top, and relies on waterproof clothing and good gloves during the winter months. One of his most useful pieces of kit is his Provis jacket, which is highly reflective and makes him much more visible to drivers on darker mornings and evenings. His bike is fitted with rechargeable front lights and flashing rear lights to stay visible in all conditions.
"Ashford’s cycle network has improved over the years, but there’s still room to connect routes better, especially to make cycling safer for school children coming in from surrounding villages.”
If you’re just starting out, David recommends planning your route in advance and avoiding busy main roads where possible. Quiet lanes and cycle paths make the ride more enjoyable, especially if you’re not yet confident in traffic.
To help with this, Cycle Ashford’s new website has a dedicated route planner where you can enter your start and finish points and get tailored suggestions including off-road-only routes, e-bike friendly options and more. Try it out at https://cycleashford.org.uk/Route+Planner#/