THE BIKING BUG

From polo players to penguins, NHS workers to chippie owners… Cheshire is getting on two wheels

RYAN MILES Chef, Chelford

“As a busy chef I hadn’t been making enough time to exercise before the lockdown. After my industry came to a halt, I found more time on my hands and was looking for ways to get fit. Luckily for me, a close friend refurbished his old bike and gave it to me. I haven’t cycled for years but now I use the bike all the time and I am loving it. I’ve realised that cycling is not only perfect for my daily exercise but is also a way of commuting into Manchester. I’m up early and start my day off on the right foot by leaving the car behind. The roads are a lot quieter now so cycling is pleasant and safe. I have become much fitter in the last few weeks and feel mega for it.”

Acclaimed sports photographer Alex Livesey, inspired by the massive boom in cycling during lockdown and government investment into cycling initiatives, has created a portfolio of people from all paths of life who got the bug.

Alex says: “I entitled the project The Biking Bug, and the portraits are of Cheshire people who discovered or rediscovered cycling during lockdown. Each subject has a story of why cycling has become important to them, whether to work, commute, shop or spend quality family time, but ultimately to stay fit, both physically and mentally.

“Millions of people have discovered the joy of being on a bike. The number of cyclists has increased overall by 70per cent and bike shops have boasted of a sales increase of up to 500per cent on some equipment. As a keen cyclist myself, I hope once lockdown is completely removed the interest will remain.