"We even take the bicycle to visit our daughter who studies in Maastricht"
Han Halters lives in Geleen and works at Pergamijn in Sittard. She travels to work by different types of bicycles: a racing bicycle, a mountain bike for the real work, a city bicycle to use in the city, and an e-bike with which she can travel up to 32 kilometres per hour.
Han has taken the bicycle to work almost every single day. ‘I've always cycled. We always prefer to take our bicycles when we go on cycling holidays with my husband and children, to do the groceries, to travel to work, and even to visit our daughter who studies in Maastricht. It's an easy route to cycle, especially now that the cycle bridge near Beek airport is completed. And when you get to Maastricht, parking isn't an issue!’
I'd rather cycle than drive
‘I don't just own one bicycle but have a racing bicycle, a mountain bike for the real work, a city bicycle to use in the city, and an e-bike with which I can travel up to 32 kilometres per hour. I love cycling and try to drive as little as possible, even though we have an electric car. I cycle to stay active, to enjoy nature, and it relaxes me and allows me to clear my head. Cycling to work is also better for the environment and that's something that I believe is really important. If we all decide to cycle to work more regularly, we each contribute to improving the environment.’
Your average cyclist
‘I decide which bicycle I'm going to use to travel to my work in Sittard depending on my fitness level and the weather. At the moment I prefer to take the e-bike, as it still keeps me active. I have gone from being a dedicated sports cyclist to a regular commuting cyclist.’
A good posture while cycling
Han was once injured by cycling for too long during a bike ride. ‘A good posture while cycling is essential for a comfortable ride. A new bicycle has to be perfectly adjusted, including the saddle. Let the bicycle dealer help you to find the best bicycle for you, or you might start experiencing discomfort in your arms when cycling longer distances. You have to be able to relax when sitting on your bicycle, that's how you know that it's the right one for you.’
Enjoying nature
‘On my way to work I always choose the most beautiful route that runs along the Geleenbeek river. I want to come across as few cars as possible when I cycle, as they are often stuck in a traffic jam in the morning. I also want to be able to enjoy the natural scenery. In the winter and in extreme weather I adjust my route and cycle only on the bicycle paths that have been salted. These are generally the bicycle paths that run next to the straight, main roads.’
