Cycling to a Greener Future: My RGU Commuting Story
Attending the cycling events organized by the RGU Transport Team has transformed my relationship with commuting. My name is Xiaoli Wang, and I work in the Estates Department at RGU as a Financial Administrator. Having been part of the RGU community for over a year, I have come to deeply appreciate the university’s commitment to sustainability and wellbeing.
Before discovering these events, my commute was a struggle. While driving was convenient, the stress of traffic, the pressure of driving on busy roads, and the rising cost of fuel weighed heavily on me. I knew there had to be a better way, but I was not sure where to start.
When I learned about RGU's cycling events, I decided to give them a try. These events provided an excellent opportunity to purchase a reliable second-hand bike on campus, offered hands-on support, practical advice, and – most importantly – the confidence I needed to start cycling to the University regularly.
The first event I joined—a beginner-friendly workshop called Love My Bike Workshop—taught me invaluable practical skills, such as bike maintenance. I learned how to clean and maintain the bike chain, fix a flat tire, adjust my bike seat, and fine-tune my brakes—skills I had always been interested in learning but never had the chance to explore.
Through a further one-to-one training session on guided rides, I was able to overcome the barriers that had previously held me back—particularly concerns around road safety and how to get on and off the bike properly. This session was tailored to my needs, making me feel supported and empowered every step of the way.
As a result of attending these events, I now cycle to RGU more frequently. This shift has positively impacted both my physical wellbeing and my daily routine. I arrive at work feeling energized and accomplished, knowing I’ve made a small but meaningful contribution to reducing my carbon footprint.
Importantly, this experience has shown me that with the right support, cycling is not only a viable alternative to driving but also an enjoyable and rewarding one. If RGU continues to expand these initiatives, I believe more people will be encouraged to make the shift. My story is proof that small steps, backed by the right resources, can pedal us toward a greener, healthier future.
