Michael, a retired schoolteacher living in Edinburgh, has been interested in keeping fit all his life. In between marathons and alpine skiing, Michael has always turned to his bike as a way of getting around locally, while fitting in a bit of exercise at the same time.
Now aged 89, Michael has found that cycling is helping him to continue staying fit – and in the absence of other physical activities, is becoming all the more important to him as a way of getting around.
"In July 2019, I had a hip replacement operation. Before that, I used to pound the pavements nearby to keep fit."
"Since then, running has been out of the question because of load bearing on joints. Mercifully, cycling does away with that. For me it’s one of the crucial advantages."
"I've always used my bike to keep fit, particularly to build fitness for skiing trips and sports - now it's my main way of looking after myself. It keeps me more mobile than otherwise."
Convenience, practical reasons… it's my best form of transport. If I have any appointments, medical check-ups in the city centre for example, I'll get there by bike.
In the Netherlands, where investment in safe and convenient cycling infrastructure has been sustained at high levels for decades, people aged 75 and above cycle an average distance of 15.7km per week* – helping people to stay mobile and healthier later in life.
"I'm very supportive of improvements for cycling", Michael says. "I'm approaching 90, and I use my bike to get local shopping most days. If it's a decent day I might add a mile or two onto my journey."
"I find riding my bike easier than walking, for some distances, as it's load bearing. And I've always found it more convenient to go on my bike for short trips across the city than even think about using my car."
Michael, pictured with his bike in Holyrood Park
What is it about cycling that continues to appeal to Michael?
"What do I love about cycling? I love being outside in the big outdoors. I realise just how much easier it is to get around and to deal with everyday things."
"Convenience, practical reasons… it's my best form of transport. If I have any appointments, medical check-ups in the city centre for example, I'll get there by bike."
