On my bike: Jo Rigby

By Dan Joyce
A woman poses with a Dutch-style bicycle which has faux sunflowers in the front basket. She has red hair and a broad smile. She is wearing a pale pink boiler suit and stands on a residential street with Victorian houses behind her
Jo was one of our 100 Women in Cycling last year
We spoke to Jo Rigby, chair of the Transport Committee, Wandsworth Borough Council, about her cycling habits

Why do you cycle?

To get around places that would take more time on public transport.

How far do you ride each week?

Maybe only 10 miles. It’s the quality of the ride not the quantity!

Which of your bikes is your favourite?

I’m a one-bike woman. For years it was a pale blue Bobbin. I recently changed to a violet Temple. It’s much lighter and the colour makes me happy.

What do you always take with you when cycling?

Phone, lipstick.

Who mends your punctures?

Tom at Bellevue Bicycle Workshop.

It’s raining: bike, public transport, or car?

I’ve got a rain cape if I get caught heading home. If it’s already raining I’ll Tube it or wear my Maium raincoat.

Lycra or normal clothes?

I chose a violet bike as it goes with more of my clothes. I’ve got matching nail varnish.

If you had £100 to spend on cycling, what would you get?

It costs £72 a year to put my bike in the bike hangar on our street, so that will do nicely.

What’s your favourite cycle journey?

11 pm, cycling home from council meetings across Wandsworth Common.

What single thing would most improve matters for UK cyclists?

If the brief to road planners was: “Design this road for a Year 6 child to cycle to school independently.”

Jo was one of our 100 Women in Cycling last year. Find out more about this annual celebration recognising the inspirational women who are encouraging others to experience the joy of cycling.

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