British tennis player Heather Watson is using an electric Lime bike as her primary mode of transport to the new WTA tournament held in south-west London at the Queen`s Club, following frustrating issues stemming from her car being stolen.
The location of the new WTA event at Queen`s Club in Baron’s Court, the first since 1973, is particularly convenient for Watson, as it`s merely a 10-minute cycle ride from her residence.
While some of her competitors arrive and depart in official tournament cars, the British No. 7 opts for cycling, viewing it as a significantly more environmentally friendly way to travel.
She expressed a preference for the distinctive green-and-white Lime bikes, which can reach speeds up to 15mph and are readily available across the capital.
Watson, who secured the Wimbledon mixed doubles title in 2016 alongside Finn Henri Kontinen, revealed that her car was stolen in the summer of 2023. Her Range Rover was taken from an underground car park at her West London home on the evening she celebrated her 31st birthday with friends.
The incident occurred in the week leading up to the grass-court season. At the time, she spoke about the immense stress caused by dealing with a time-consuming insurance company.
Although a tracking service initially indicated the vehicle was gone, police eventually located it and transported it to a car pound. However, according to Watson, her difficulties truly began with the troublesome process she described as the “ball-ache” of handling the insurance details.
After her match on Thursday afternoon, where she lost 6-4, 6-2 to former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, qualifier Watson was seen cycling away from the venue. She later explained to the media her reasons for avoiding cars.
Watson stated, “They are my means of transport. Since my car was stolen, and it’s just been the bane of my life, I’m in the process of selling it. Still such a pain. Don’t get a car. That’s my advice. I’m a Lime biker through and through.”
She added, “Rain or shine, I’m on my bike, that’s how I get to the NTC (National Tennis Centre) every day. That’s how I got home yesterday from the site because it takes ten minutes. I love cycling, and I feel like it’s kind of a type of meditation for me, as well. I just really enjoy being out in the fresh air cycling. It’s a great warmup, about 20 minutes from where I live to the NTC, so it’s perfect for me.”
“I won’t be getting another car. I’m a cyclist. They used to drive me crazy, but now I’m one of them, and I have a different perspective,” she commented.
Recounting the car theft, she said, “How was my car stolen? Oh, I won’t bore you, but a couple years ago it got stolen. And it’s just been breaking down ever since. Insurance? Biggest scam ever. They just try and rinse you. Yeah, disaster. I get discriminated against because I’m an athlete. So your prices are already….forget the cars. Not forever, but for now.”
Heather Watson is not alone among sports personalities in utilising Lime Bikes recently. The England Test cricket team also adopted this mode of transport ahead of their match against the West Indies.
