Yellow Snood for cargo bike early-adopter

Sunday 28 April 2024

One of the first people in Guernsey to buy an electric cargo bike has been awarded a yellow snood in recognition of the tens of thousands of miles he has clocked up.

The Health Improvement Commission has previously presented yellow guernseys to riders in recognition of their commitment to active travel.

Now, the charity has presented its first yellow snood, to Andrew Thompson.

He made the switch from car to using his bike as his regular form of transport in 2015 for a variety of reasons. Three years later, his attention was caught by a Tern GSD electric cargo bike at the West Show. He had a test-ride, and since buying one it has been his primary form of transport.

“I enjoyed cycling when I was younger, but it was on moving to Guernsey in 2001 that I could see the benefit of commuting by bike, although, when the option was available to me, inclement weather would generally sway me to driving," admitted Mr Thompson. 

"The real change came in 2015 when my eye condition, a form of macular degeneration, had deteriorated to a point where I couldn’t read a number plate at the required distance, and I had to hang up the car keys. Just to allay any concerns about cycling with impaired vision, I can see number plates from way beyond the required distance, and, more importantly, the cars, vans, lorries, and buses to which they are attached; I just can’t decipher the numbers and letters, and therein lies the problem! I did realise that this day would arrive, so when it did I was sort of ready and the transition to using a bike was pretty straightforward.”

Pictured: Mr Thompson's trusty steed.

Since buying his electric bike in 2018, and using it for the school run, the work commute, attending meetings, doing the weekly food shop, transporting tools and materials, and everything else - including towing a 9'6" longboard, Mr Thompson has been acknowledged as one of the world leaders in terms of the number of miles travelled on his Tern GSD cargo machine.

His mileage was boosted by a fundraising challenge during September 2020, when Mr Thompson rode 2,440miles - the equivalent distance of Route 66 - around Guernsey.

“Personally, I find cycling a great benefit, but people have to find their own way to it, you can’t insist or demand people start using a bike, especially when some are genuinely concerned about traffic volumes and not confident about cycling on our roads," he said.

"Whilst I’ll never tell anyone to start cycling I hope my approach might inspire some to give it a go. One thing I can say is that my Route 66 challenge introduced me to many quiet routes all around the island and these are ideal to build confidence. Added to which the time and money I have saved is quite phenomenal, I reckon the saving over the 5 ½ years I’ve owned the bike amounts to approximately £11,500, knowing this certainly adds to a person’s well-being!”

Pictured top: Alex Costen from the Health Improvement Commission presenting Andrew Thompson with his yellow snood.