Jennie's story

Jennie and her family have been cycling together a great deal more during the lockdown and have been busy exploring Southampton and further afield by bike. Here's what she has to say: 

"As a family we've discovered a love of cycling during lockdown. It's been a great way to see Southampton and the surrounding area and the new cycle routes have made it feel very safe as a family activity - and the quieter roads have been a bonus! Our children (aged 10 and 12) are now confident cyclists and even tackle the many hills surrounding us without too much complaint! 

Jeremy used to do a lot of running as a way to stay fit, but felt it was quite damaging on his body and underwent a back operation last year which limited his ability to run. He has since found cycling a much better alternative, which puts less stress on the body but still gets you out in the fresh air, raising your heart rate and staying healthy. Having done about three cycle rides in the past six months prior to lockdown, he's achieved an average of 15 20k cycle rides a month since April and is feeling a lot healthier as a result.

Working from home is quite sedentary work, so it's important to put some time aside to get out and get active.

In terms of cycle routes, we've tried out the one from Bitterne through the town and around the Common, which is very easy to use and virtually off-road all the way, which makes it feel very safe even when the traffic is getting busier. We've also cycled from Bitterne to Netley and Weston Shore and like cycling to Itchen Valley Country Park via Townhill Way and back through Riverside Park."