For Laura Robinson, cycling has always been more than just a way to travel - it’s something that has shaped her life for decades.
Laura, 56, lives in Pluckley and has spent many years cycling in and around Ashford. Alongside volunteering in the community, serving as a parish councillor and running a local community café, she remains a passionate advocate for cycling and the benefits it can bring to people of all ages.
Laura said: “I’ve loved cycling since I was 12 years old when my dad bought me my first bike and I haven’t looked back since. A friend and I cycled from John O’Groats to Land’s End for charity when I was 17 and that memory still inspires me to keep cycling today.”
Over the years, Laura has cycled everywhere she could, including while living in Canada and Paris, and made a conscious effort to commute by bike whenever possible.
“It’s such a fun thing to do and it keeps me well in mind, body and spirit. Compared to the car, it’s also an inexpensive means of transport and much kinder to the environment.”
Laura lived and worked in Ashford for many years and regularly commuted across town by bicycle, often using the cycle paths alongside the River Stour. She also spent six years running an after-school bike club at a local primary school, helping encourage children to cycle more confidently. Now living full-time in Pluckley again, Laura continues to cycle regularly into Ashford, including trips to the Stour Centre for swimming. She believes cycling offers not only physical health benefits, but also freedom, independence and a sense of connection with the local area.
“Ashford has some very good cycle lanes and I managed to commute by bike every day when living and working there. I felt safe most of the time, even during rush hour. There are plenty of bike racks in the town centre and it’s by far the easiest and fastest way to get around town.
“Cycling gives you a real sense of freedom. It keeps you fit, supports your mental wellbeing and allows you to enjoy the countryside in a completely different way. There are so many great places, pretty villages and cafés to explore in and around Ashford by bike and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
“If you haven’t been on a bike since you were a child, remember you never forget how to ride a bike, start slowly, build your confidence and enjoy it. It’s all about feeling safe and comfortable.
“Be respectful of other road users, even when they are not always respectful to you - it is almost guaranteed that you are having more fun than they are!”
For Laura, cycling continues to be one of life’s simplest pleasures, a way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors and explore everything Ashford and the surrounding countryside has to offer. She sincerely hopes that more people across Ashford feel encouraged to get back on their bikes and reap the rewards!