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 Carolyn from London.

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 Carolyn from London to see how her commute has changed her life.

CS: Where in the UK are you?

Carolyn: I live in Harringay, North London, and work in Egham, Surrey.

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

Carolyn: I just started a new job at Royal Holloway, University of London, and I needed a folding bike to take on the train for my daily commute as the trains get too busy to squeeze on a non-folder. I had used Cyclescheme in my old job and was really incentivised by the opportunity to pay in installments and save on the overall cost by doing it pre-tax.

CS: What bike did you get and why?

Carolyn: I bought an M-type Brompton in Arctic Blue. Having borrowed a friend's Brompton for a few weeks to test drive, I was convinced it was the best model for the job.

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

Carolyn: £1000

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

Carolyn: Four days a week.

CS: Where do you commute from and to?  

Carolyn: I cycle from London N8 to Waterloo station, where I get the train to Egham. I then have a short additional ride to the Royal Holloway campus. The total return cycling distance is around 18 miles.

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

Carolyn: Before starting my new job I was really concerned about taking on a long commute, but I have really felt the positive effects. I regularly cycled to my previous job in central London, but it was often just too easy to leave the bike behind and hop on the tube. Now I get 90 minutes' exercise (and valuable thinking time!) each day, and I save money on underground tickets. My Brompton has become a truly treasured possession.