Join us on Sarah's inspiring journey as she transforms her daily commute through the streets of Belfast with the help of Sustrans' Leading the Way scheme. Discover how the introduction of e-bikes revolutionized Sarah's approach to cycling, fostering a healthier lifestyle and a newfound appreciation for her surroundings.
Sarah's journey to a healthier lifestyle and sustainable commuting. Credit: J Bewley
Rediscovering the joy of cycling at 60
Discovering e-bikes through the Sustrans workplace scheme ‘Leading the Way’ has transformed Sarah’s 15-mile commute into Belfast.
One of our e-bike taster sessions introduced her to a healthier way to get to work, while reigniting a love of cycling at the age of 60. Sarah explains:
“I’d been thinking about taking up cycling for a while before I saw the ‘Leading the Way’ scheme advertised on our intranet.
“I thought that looks like a bit of craic and decided to sign up.
“The taster session was an hour with Sustrans taking you through everything you needed to know.
“But it was having a go on the e-bike that sold it to me.
“The idea of something that would help me up my local hills just hit the nail on the head for me.”
Exploring Belfast's streets with a newfound sense of freedom on her e-bike. Credit: J Bewley
Sarah tried two different models, a standard and a folding e-bike, on loan for a couple of weeks.
Preferring the standard model, Sarah treated herself to one of her own and has since enjoyed using it to commute to her job as a mental health daycare worker.
The biggest benefit is to my health
The change in lifestyle has already had a positive impact. Sarah says:
“The biggest benefit has been to my health.
“I’m 60 now and, as they say, you need to use it or lose it.
“Before I used to drive to work every day and, if we’re talking about exercise, a leisurely stroll with my dog was about the height of it.
“Since I started cycling, I’ve gone down two dress sizes.
“That’s just from riding the bike, not from any conscious effort.
“I’m still not Wonder Woman, but I can see real changes happening in my fitness.
“When I started, I never thought I’d be able to ride the 15 miles to work. It sounded pie in the sky!
“But now I can easily ride that distance and can go even further if I want to.
“I’m always so busy, it’s a huge help that cycling is activity built into my working day.
“Not having to set aside time I don’t really have for exercising is a big win for me.”
Small changes to help the planet
Sarah also uses the bike for short journeys in her local community:
“I’ve cut back on using the car for so many silly little journeys.
“If the weather is halfway decent, I will cycle up to the local village which is three miles away.
“I pick up bits of shopping - for a pint of milk and a loaf I take the bike.
“I like the fact that I am doing my little bit to help save the planet. I’m aware it’s only a minor change but every little helps.
Sarah is committed to reducing her carbon footprint and improving her health. Credit: J Bewley
Making cycling fun again
“Everyone should try an e-bike, they’re flipping amazing.
“There’s just a wee motor that helps you. I ride along thinking ‘look at me go!’.
“It flattens the hills and takes the strain off the old knees and ankles.
“Living in a rural area, it gives you time to enjoy the countryside around you without just whizzing past it in a car.
“I take pleasure in the journey now.
“The motor is virtually silent so it’s not like you’re scaring animals zooming along. Cows don’t run away, and birds still sit in the trees.
“I enjoy cycling so much now, and that’s a big thing for me.
“It’s helped me to remember how much fun it is to cycle. You forget as you get older, but I loved it when I was a kid.
Taking the opportunity to try something new
“If I hadn’t had this opportunity through Sustrans, I would not have tried an e-bike or even considered one, let alone bought one.
“I might have gone back to using some sort of bike to potter around on summer weekends, but I certainly don’t think I would have taken up cycling regularly in the same way.
“The chance to try something new was great.
“Giving access to e-bikes to everyone, especially people my age and older, is so important.
“We’re always being told to get out there and get fit and this is the terrestrial equivalent of swimming.
“It takes the strain off your joints, you’re getting somewhere, you’re doing something and it’s just very enjoyable.
About the Leading the Way scheme
Sustrans’ Leading the Way scheme in Northern Ireland supports employers to encourage and enable their employees to make the shift towards walking or cycling to work.
The project delivers events and training sessions including lunchtime led walks, e-bike tasters, bike maintenance workshops and free bike checks.
It also provides information and personal support to motivate people to try a more active commute.
