Antje Timmermann is part of the new movement behind a 22 per cent boost in Greater Manchester's cycling numbers. The mum-of-two, who doesn't own a car, bought a bike when the COVID-19 lockdown began and has started cycling in Manchester for the first time in her eight years living here.
Before the pandemic she had a monthly bus pass but she no longer feels comfortable using public transport. Antje, 36, who runs a German language school, has been cycling for shopping, errands, and to take exercise with her kids, aged four and five.
She is from Chemnitz in German - a twin city to Manchester thanks to their shared industrial past - but with an extensive network of cycle lanes which meant Antje cycled daily when she lived there.