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About Us | Contact Us | Road Tests/Back Numbers | Subscriptions & Offers | Stockists | Quicklinks | Climate Change | Gallery
'A to B' magazine started life as 'The Folder', the newsletter of the Folding Society in August 1993. Specialising in news and reviews of folding and separable bikes, the magazine went from strength to strength.
In August 1997, with 1,200 subscribers worldwide, we decided to float the magazine on its own. The new magazine had a new title 'A to B' and a new brief - to explore new ways of travelling from point A to point B. Naturally, as the most efficient transport integrator, the folding bicycle continues to feature strongly in the magazine, but we also cover electric bikes, bike trailers and public transport. More than 2,500 magazines are sold by subscription every two months, giving an estimated readership of 4,000 worldwide. Subscribers include public utilities, train operating companies and bike manufacturers and distributors.
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Production of a small magazine would be impossible without a dedicated team. This is ours:
Probably 50, but increasingly vague
Writes threequarters of the total of 20,000 words per issue and edits and proof-reads the rest. Also does a rather lacklustre job of paying invoices, sending out bills, organising the subscriber database and losing other paperwork. Responsible for producing all photographs and maps unless otherwise stated, and is one half of the magazine packing and dispatch team.
Has authored and co-authored a book or two on railways and cars, but has specialised in folding bikes since 1993, and electric bikes since 1999. His book on the Brompton was published in early 2010
Born in the New Forest, brought up in Weymouth, Dorset, and educated at Weymouth Grammar School. Went on to under-perform at a number of jobs from Miniature Railway Operator to London Van Courier, before discovering the world of alternative transport. Joint editor of 'The Folder' magazine from 1993, before staging a non-violent coup, relaunching the magazine as 'A to B' in 1997. In 2006 David launched a second magazine 'Miniature Railway'. This does more or less what you'd expect it do to - 'A to B' on rails, but without the politics.
Once regarded as an enthusiast for motor cars, but car-free since 1993. Since then, all long trips have been by rail, usually accompanied by a Brompton folding bike, while shorter trips are usually undertaken by Brompton, Giant Lafree or whatever happens to be available at the time.
Some journalism for other magazines, plus cycle map surveying for Cycle-City Guides (including Mayor Ken's Greater London contract - quite proud of that). Formerly on the National Executive of the Railway Development Society before the railway lobby imploded, which made things rather less interesting. Has backed all the main political parties at various times over the years, but tends now to gnash teeth at politicians of all shades. Primary interest is annoying the Department for Transport and working towards a saner transport policy, with or without politicians. Actually, any kind of policy would do.
Over 30!
Spends much time keeping Orlando out of the office, but also performs many invaluable roles for the magazine, including proof-reading, editing, advising on content, banking cheques, and packing and dispatching magazines. Jane is also our only regular model, appearing in almost every issue.
An experienced cyclist and cycling-model, with an ability to make almost any machine look good, which is more difficult than it sounds. Also helps to guide the general direction and shape of A to B.
Born in Weymouth, Dorset, and educated ('poorly', according to Jane) at Broadwey School. A children's nanny and house-sitter before discovering the Brompton and other 'alternative' transport.
Enthusiastic advocate of car-free living, and experienced train-user and cyclist. Rides a Giant Lafree Comfort.
Arts and crafts, mainly involving fabrics. Has produced a number of stylish Brompton pannier bags and rain covers over the years. Currently producing costumes of various kinds for Orlando and Alexander.
Nine
Essential member of personnel, providing feed-back on child trailers, child seats and small bicycles.
Anything with wheels, but trains probably top the list, followed by diggers, tractors and white vans, in no particular order. Currently showing some interest in music.
Unusually, travelled to the hospital by bicycle and train as a fetus, and came back by train and car as a very small baby. Graduated from North Barrow toddler group to four-mornings-a-week at Galhampton play school, Somerset in late 2002. Alexander was the only child to arrive by bike trailer at Galhampton, or possibly anywhere else in South Somerset. Graduated to Castle Cary Primary School in September 2003, travelling by Brompton trailer bike, bike trailer, Puky 18-3B and 'junior' Brompton. For several years Alexander was the only pupil to arrive on two wheels, which is a bit sad, but this is the UK. We've now moved to Dorchester, where cycling is much more widespread, but we live two minute's walk from St Osmunds Middle School, so Alexander no longer cycles.
Two
Orlando enjoys testing child seats and very small tricycles.
Tractors, trains, lorries and numerous other wheeled machines.
Not yet pedalling, but watch this space.
Probably 47
Essential proof-reading abilities as David claims to be dyslexic. Also writes occasional A to B articles, makes judgments on test bikes and gives advice in specialist areas.
Motorcycles, scooters, folding bicycles, tractors, trains and cars, in order of expertise.
Born and brought up in Weymouth, Dorset, and educated at Weymouth Grammar School, then Oxford Poly and Warwick University. Took things easy for a bit, then sub-editor at Haynes Manuals (yes, really), editor at Diesel Car and Motorcycle Sport magazines, before turning freelance.
Peter and partner Anna don't own a car out of choice, but would like everyone to know that living without a car is not at all easy. You have to choose between train, bus, an Enfield Robin diesel motorbike, Suzuki Burgman scooter, a tandem, two electric bikes, a couple of Bromptons, a Birdy, Bike Friday and assorted tourers. They reassure us, it's no picnic.
Peter says he 'scrapes a living' writing about motorbikes, scooters, bicycles and tractors - even cars, sometimes. Also offers a sub-editing/rewriting/proof-reading service for any words on any subject.
Late 70s
Jane's father, and an essential member of the team, testing bicycles, packing magazines, and standing in where photographs of a distinguished-looking tall, older gentleman are required.
Microsoft computers (we're 100% Mac at A to B), motorcycles (particularly Vincents) and bicycles. Said to be able to master anything on two wheels.
Born and raised in Weymouth, Dorset. Educated at Weymouth Grammar School, worked at Ministry of Defence, Portland.
Longer trips by car or train, and Brompton for local journeys.
Gordon is Machine Registrar with the Vincent Owner's Club, which sounds quite enough to keep anyone occupied.
Tim Pestridge Commercial Photography - www.timpestridge.co.uk
Like Jane, over 30!
When we were drowning in paperwork soon after the arrival of Orlando (see below), Teresa dropped in for a cup of tea and has more or less been with us ever since. Teresa usually handles subscription matters, invoicing, billing, and just about anything else recorded on paper. She is a priceless asset without whom we would be unable to bring up a baby and publish two magazines.
Anything to do with office administration, folk musician and much else besides.
Teresa drives a British Mini called Max on longer journeys, and a Kalkhoff Agattu electric bike about town.