I joined the ABD in 1998, as a result of a combination of two things: The Cambridge Cycling Campaign assuming that my membership meant automatic support for their views on restricting car use, and a speeding conviction that lead me to the ABD as I researched the inevitable result.
Although I don't drive huge distances at the moment, I have done in the past, mainly to get away at weekends, as I used to be an active caver, and there aren't many caves within 200 miles of Cambridge, and some trips were to Spain and Austria! Caving in remote areas makes both safety and efficient team work extremely important! When I am driving, it's either in a mini, or an Rx7.

I've recently moved out of Cambridge, to escape the increasing overcrowding! This means a 30 mile round trip commute, as I still work in Cambridge, but I chose to cycle this, even though it's usually a little slower than driving. Surprising as it may seem, the worst part of my commute is the section of the A10 strewn with pinch points as it passes through Harston. There is a 'cycle path' but this is worse than useless, as it is just a shared-use footpath - not really suitable for traffic at 18mph. The rest of the A10 is probably the best part of the route, as the road surface is better than any where else.

My main interests within the ABD are to retain the freedom to travel by car (I once traveled to the Yorkshire Dales by train, and wouldn't bother again!), and the freedom to drive 'unusual' cars. Improved driving skills are also important, given the number of people who drive as if they don't see me whilst I'm on my bike. I'm also particularly concerned that other people's ideals don't have an unnecessary impact on my life! My training as a physicist gives me an inherent distrust of statistics.”