Richard Turner has been cycling daily across Ashford for more than 12 years. Living in the town, he commutes by bike to Little Burton every day, choosing two wheels over four in all weathers. What began as a long-standing interest in cycling has become a practical and reliable way to get around.
Richard’s enthusiasm for cycling started in the 1990s, inspired by watching mountain biking videos featuring riders such as Martin Ashton and Rob Warner. Cycling appealed to him in a way other sports never did. While he says he was never especially good at it, he always enjoyed riding and kept it up over the years.
The decision to cycle to work came from frustration with driving. Sitting in traffic and finding that car journeys were often slower than walking pushed Richard to rethink his commute. He sold his car and committed to cycling instead, a choice that has since proved more efficient and predictable. Today, he knows that if he leaves the house, he will reach work in around 15 minutes, regardless of the weather, without worrying about congestion or delays. Even on cold mornings, cycling means avoiding the time-consuming task of de-icing a car and simply getting on with the day.
Cycling is now a key part of Richard’s family life as well as his work routine. Alongside commuting, he uses his bike for most local journeys and makes a conscious effort to rely on the car as little as possible. He also cycles with his children to school every day, meaning bikes are part of their daily routine too. While they don’t always enjoy it, cycling is normal for them and the car is not seen as the default option. From time to time, the family also rides together at the local pump track and skate park.
From a health perspective, Richard sees daily cycling as a simple way to stay active without it feeling like exercise. Riding every day keeps his body moving and heart rate up, providing regular physical activity that would otherwise be missed if he drove everywhere. It fits easily into his routine and supports both physical and mental wellbeing.
Cycling has also made a noticeable financial difference. Richard sold his car once he realised it was rarely being used, saving money on tax, insurance and general running costs. He highlights how affordable cycling can be, noting that even a low-cost bike can last for years and costs far less to maintain than a car.
For anyone considering cycling, Richard’s advice is simple: “just start!”.
He encourages people to invest properly rather than giving up after a bad first experience. In particular, he recommends electric bikes as a way to remove barriers around fitness and confidence, allowing the bike to take some of the strain. Richard has recently invested in a cargo bike himself, making it even easier to travel with his children without relying on a car.
Richard’s experience shows that everyday cycling in Ashford is not about sport or performance. It is about saving time, reducing costs and having a reliable way to get around. For him and his family, cycling is simply the most practical choice for daily life in the town.