Ever wondered how your commuting experience differs to others? Each month we share the story of a real Cyclescheme cycle commuter and ask them seven questions to sum up their experience from their two-wheeled commute. This month, it's Richard from Scotland.

It's not often we get to hear, first-hand, how cycling to work can make a difference to your lifestyle. We all know that it's good for you and that it's environmentally responsible, but it’s always encouraging to hear a personal account from someone who has made the change from four wheels to two.

Each month we'll be featuring one Cyclescheme participant and hearing their story. We’ll ask the same seven questions (hence the name, The Cyclescheme Seven) in a bid to build up a picture of cycle commuters across the UK. From John O'Groats to Lands End we're scouring the country for the real cycle commuters who take to their bike each morning. We want to share the inspiring and, sometimes funny, stories that people have. If you'd like to feature on our website, just drop us a line on: socialmedia@cyclescheme.co.uk with "I'm in' in the subject line.

This month we caught up with Richard from Scotland to see how his commute has changed his life.

CS: Where in the UK are you?

Richard: I currently live north of Ellon in the North East of Scotland

CS: What was your main motivation for getting a bike through Cyclescheme?

Richard: Getting a bike through the Cyclescheme enabled me to get something I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford.

CS: What bike did you get and why?

Richard: The bike I Purchased was a Scott Foil 15.  My reason for choosing this bike was I wanted something I could use for to compete in sportives with and not just commuting.  I’ve recently joined my local cycling club who hold time trials and I’d like to compete in those too.

CS: How much did you spend with your Cyclescheme certificate?

Richard: As I had a wheel upgrade the total I spent was £4044.  Fortunately my employer paid for the additional credit (under a Consumer Credit Licence (CCL)) which means I’m not limited to a £1,000. (For more information about CCLs, check out our FAQs here.)

CS: How often do you commute to work by bike?

Richard: I usually commute 3-4 times a week depending on the weather.  As the distance is 27 miles one way a strong wind has a huge impact over the distance of the journey.  This can take the journey time from 1hr 20minutes to nearly 2hrs.

CS: Where do you commute from and to?  

Richard: My commute is from my home near Hatton to Dyce, Aberdeen.

CS: How has cycling affected your daily life - do you feel healthier? Have you saved money?

Richard: Since cycling to work I have lost a lot of weight and gained a lot of energy.  As I like to take part in cycling events I don’t need to do any additional training as my commute does it all for me.  As my daily commute is in the region of 50 miles when driving (longer when I cycle to avoid main roads) I’m saving nearly £50 a week in petrol.