Confidence grows with each trip as Heather saddles up on e-bike

As the only city council area in Courier Country, densely packed Dundee is in need of cycle-friendly segregated infrastructure, according to the results of our survey.

The city’s compactness lends itself to commuting, with more than half saying they do or intend to get to work by bike and more than three-quarters cycling to the shops. More than half cycle less than 30 miles a week – roughly four miles a day.

But that’s not to say it is convenient – just 15% cite the ease of cycling as a main reason for getting in the saddle.

Just under 60% of people who cycle locally say the city’s infrastructure is either poor or very poor.

They say a lack of segregated paths, road layouts that hinder rather than help cycling, and ‘shared paths’ for pedestrians and cyclists that often lead to conflict are to blame.

Like others hopping on a bike for the first time during the coronavirus pandemic, Heather McKenzie says she would not have done so if the roads were busy.

The 45-year-old paralegal bought an e-bike in June to get around on a sore foot and has been regularly cycling for the first time since 2007.

“I was a bit wary about going on to buses because I don’t drive and as I live up a hill I splashed the cash on an e-bike,” she says.

“It’s been really good – you try not to use the assistance as much as you can.”

Heather says her confidence has improved with every trip out – and the lack of traffic has helped.

“If you keep your place cars have to make a decision to overtake you.

“I’ve only made one mistake at a junction where I got a horn tooted at me but that’s been the only time. I haven’t found drivers to be aggressive so far.”

It’s been really good – you try not to use the assistance as much as you can