Trainee on his bike for latest project
A cycling enthusiast and charity fundraiser is managing to combine training with getting to work after his bosses gave him a project 14 miles from his home.
Christopher Hibberd, of Willett Avenue, Burntwood, is a management trainee at construction contractor Willmott Dixon.
The 27-year-old landed a role at the company's RSA Academy project in Tipton, which means he can get in training for his next charity event by cycling 28 miles a day to and from the site.
He said: "It takes me around 50 minutes to cycle the 14 miles to work, which funnily enough is roughly the same time as it does to drive, due to the traffic congestion.
"I really enjoy my journey as it means I never get stuck in traffic, can keep fit, do a little more with regards to sustainability and I don't have to fit in any exercise when I get home." His arrival into work is made that bit easier by the site's facilities which include a cycle rack, changing room and shower.
He added: "My colleagues think I'm a bit mad, but in a good way.
"It's great that Willmott Dixon is so encouraging. Previous employers have actively tried to discourage me from cycling to work."
This summer Christopher has already raised money for a breast cancer charity through a 30-mile bike ride in Oxfordshire. In September he is planning on entering the Manchester 100, an annual 100-mile cycle race around the Manchester area, to raise money for a local cancer research and treatment facility, The Christie. He has taken part in this gruelling competition once before and is hoping to beat his time of seven hours. Christopher is currently on a quantity surveying placement at the Academy, before gaining experience in other departments as part of his two-year training programme.
But he says it would be an invaluable experience to be able to return to surveying at the RSA Academy and see the project through to completion in February 2011.
Peter Owen, managing director for the Midlands office of Willmott Dixon, which was the highest placed contractor in the recent Sunday Times Green List, said: "It's a great idea. Others in the business use their bike to travel to work meetings, but it is great that Christopher can do it on a day-to-day basis."
