“For me, the biggest benefit is that I feel I’m doing myself good“
Following the loss of his wife in 2015. Lloyd made himself go out. With his car increasingly too expensive to keep on the road, he turned to his bike and found it was a decision he did not regret!
I made the decision to use an e-bike to explore new places and get myself out, because I suffer with arthritis in both knees and hips and it can make things difficult and painful to get about. I’m pleased to say, I haven’t looked back since!
In lockdown it really helped me maintain my health, especially as I looked after my friend Joyce, who is 90 years old and I would cycle each day to check how she was doing. She’s now moved and I visit regularly by bike going through Chapeltown and up to Harehills.
Although I have access to a car if I need it I definitely feel comfortable cycling on the roads. A trip to the shops on my bike also gives me the opportunity to explore the world around me on the way. I’ll often stop my journey and take photos.
“Being on my push bike has strengthened the supporting muscles in my legs and my knees have become more functional“
When my e-Bike went in for repair 6 months ago, it prompted me to make an adjustment and use my push bike more. Completely by accident I’ve actually become more agile using my knees as you use a push bike very differently. Being on my push bike has strengthened the supporting muscles in my legs and my knees have become more functional. I have really enjoyed being out on my bike every day.
For me, the biggest benefit is that I feel I’m doing myself good – It’s a big motivation! I’m keeping myself in good health and it’s lovely – I can go pretty much anywhere I need to get to in Leeds.
Now I have confidence on my bike there’s nowhere that I feel cut off from and I don’t need to worry about not being able to get somewhere – I can use my bike to get there.
