Utility Cycling - an interview with Andrew Chamings
Andrew uses his his handcycle to get about every day in York and we ask him about his thoughts on everyday cycling.
Why do you use your handcycle every day?
Using a handcycle as a practical means of transport is
possible. In towns and in cities it is
likely to be the most efficient mode of transport for journeys up to 3 or 4
miles long especially during times of congestion caused by motor vehicles. If you are fit or training, then commuting to
work by handcycle also saves time because you can make it count as part of your
training.
Are there any drawbacks?
Clearly there are practical
problems to solve and solutions will depend on individual circumstances and
that is one reason why disabled people are innovative; overcoming problems and
rising to a challenge is a normal part of life.
But I'll leave the rest of the philosophy to the inspirational speakers.
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Don't you feel vulnerable down there?
Not really, maybe I should, but I don't.
There is a good psychological reason for that too. A study of the space given to cyclists by
motor vehicles found that the more vulnerable that a cyclist looks to a
motorist, the more space that motorists give when overtaking. This was true for shopping bikes, bikes with
children on, cyclists without helmets and for tricycles. I admit they did not observe handcycles but
it seems reasonable to assume that the same principle applies. So the fact you think I am vulnerable is the
reason that I am not so vulnerable as you think!
Aren't you worried drivers won't see you?
Yes that is a danger for cyclists.
The CTC runs a campaign called SMIDSY (sorry mate I didn't see you) and
it is a well know hazard for cyclists.
The advice is to be alert and assertive.
Anticipate what motorists will do, look them in the eye, ride where you
will be seen, make your intentions clear, claim the lane and don't ride in the
gutter. The Highway Code is good. The CTC has loads of advice.
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How do you carry stuff?
Handcycles vary a lot so it is hard to generalise. I'm lucky to have 2 handcycles and my Varna
is the one I now use for everyday purposes.
I've a net bag that fits over the back of the seat and this is big
enough for the shopping I forgot earlier, a couple of library books or for most
of my prescription items.
For bigger loads I attach a cycle trailer and this allows me to carry a crate of beer (not good for training) bulk loads of flour bags for the bread maker and on one occasion a water butt.
For bigger loads I attach a cycle trailer and this allows me to carry a crate of beer (not good for training) bulk loads of flour bags for the bread maker and on one occasion a water butt.
What about oil and the chain? Don't you get covered in it?
Sometimes. It was pretty
obvious that my suit trousers were not going to last long going to work, but
that did not stop me proving it. Next I
got a waterproof bag, rolled up trousers and a shirt and tied it on the back
and that works quite well. Then I left
stuff at work and got changed when I arrived.
Heavy duty over-trousers help to protect clothing. I've finally got round to fitting a chain
tube which means there is no longer an exposed chain. I've a local special bike shop and they gave
it to me. Any recumbent specialist
should have the stuff, it took about 5 years of thinking about it and 15 minutes
of fixing and although it increases friction a bit it does create a barrier
between clothes and the chain.
