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 James from Lancashire.

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 James from Lancashire to see how his commute has changed his life.

CS: Where in the UK are you?

James: I live in a small village near Southport in North-West Lancashire

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

James: The main motivation for getting my CycleScheme bike was to get fitter and healthier for mountain biking. Cycling to work in the week helped me get stronger to make off road stuff at the weekend much more fun. I am a truck driver so getting any kind of exercise at work is near impossible.

CS: What bike did you get and why?

James: I bought a road bike from a local bike builder (Ribble).  It's important to give your local bike shop business. You can get cheap prices with online retailers but your local shop is the one who will fix your bike when it's broken and give you good sound advice because they know their trade.

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

James: £930

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

James: Every day. Five, sometimes six days a week. Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

CS: Where do you commute from and to?  

James: From my home to the the yard of the transport firm where I work - a 20 mile round trip on a reasonably busy "A" road in the morning and a nice ride down country lanes on the way home.

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

James: Cycling to work has totally changed my daily life. I'm much fitter and healthier, not to mention more organised. I've enjoyed it so much I sold my car, we are a one car family now and we manage just fine. I've also saved a bucket load of money to boot.