Meet Quattro Operator Jamie Clark

THE MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE AND JAMES BOND OF E-BIKES

James ‘Jamie’ Clark (named ‘Jamie’ by his mum, Margo, as his dad is also called James) grew up with an affinity for the outdoor life, in an idyllic setting on a family farm in Perth. Surrounded by cows, sheep, silage, turnips, wheat and barley, he was outside operating a tractor and understanding complex concepts such as energy farming and sustainability from a very young age. 

Now Jamie, 48, resides in Ealing and works as a weekend operator for Quattro. Currently based in the Stratford depot, Jamie has worked for the company repairing rail since 2014.

Like many other weekend ops, during the week he has a second job. At his shop, J’AIMEBIKE, Jamie pedals his passion for e-bikes and their euphoric and positive effect on mental health.

We managed to catch up with him yesterday.

Tell us about your work at Quattro, Jamie!

I’ve always been interested in how things move, that’s probably why I love driving diggers. At weekends I work for Quattro in Kent and Sussex  changing points or switches or on London underground.  I start in the afternoon and go to the countryside to take over from the other chaps.  I might be changing sleepers, collecting scrap rail, or working in the tunnel.  Construction is tangible.  It feels good to get the work done and get to see the incredible sunrise of North Kent.  Quattro is the nicest ‘digger’ company I’ve ever worked for.  It’s welcoming, like a big family.  I do my weekend working at Quattro then during the week I have my other passion, e-bikes.

How did you get into e-bikes?

I stumbled into e-bikes because somebody stole my normal bike!  There are so many different types of bikes out there, I found a folding electric bike and thought, with a bit of DIY this could work.  I adapted it so that the kids could travel with me, and we ditched the horrible drive in favour of cycling along the canal, which is a really beautiful journey by bike.   I get to teach my kids about birds, bushes and trees; it’s joyous.

For those not familiar, what exactly is an E-bike?

An e-bike is a normal bike with a battery and a motor, it helps you up hills!

That little bit of power from the battery and motor gives you the boost you need and takes the pressure of the more difficult parts of your journey.

When did you first ‘feel’ the benefit?

I was driving to collect the kids from school one day and I got stuck behind a concrete lorry.  I jumped out of the car and asked the guy how long he’d be.  He said he had only just started and had to fill an eight-metre hole with cement.  I said, fine, no problem and parked up. I reached into the boot of my car and pulled out my folding e-bike.  I flew round to the school to get the kids on time.  It felt great, I felt a bit like James Bond!  

You’re a big advocate of mental health.  How can and e-bike help lessen anxiety?

The wind in your face, the sound of the bird song and the connection to nature; it’s really great for mental health.  They say you can’t buy happiness but everybody that tests an e-bike is really happy, their faces elated.  It’s still a bike, you still have to pedal, but you feel like you have magic strong legs, can pass traffic, and you’re not creating pollution.  There’s no stress, you’re not stuck in traffic, it’s sustainable and people end up cycling more as a result because it’s never ‘too hard’ or ‘too windy'.  

Would the electronic element not make a person lazy? (Asking for a friend)

No.  What we normally see happen is that people enjoy it so much they use it more than a typical bike.  Usually you’d bring a bike out when it’s sunny, maybe 30 days of the year.  With an e-bike you’ll be on it 200 days of the year, powering up or down as you see fitness levels increase.  It’s a mental mode-shift, with health benefits better than sitting in the car.

So the competition is cars, not bikes?

Yes, exactly, it’s not e-bikes vs. bikes, it’s e-bikes vs. cars.  It feels good not to pollute!

Don’t you worry it will get stolen?

Well, first of all, the security is fantastic.  There’s a big heavy lock with an alarm.  If the bike moves and you’re not the owner the alarm starts beeping.  Secondly, the bike with Bosch system is fitted with electronic trackers, so you know where it is. Thirdly, if someone does steal the bike, the system will lock and it won’t work.  The bike will be worthless.  It won’t work without the owner, much like an iPhone.

And now for the important questions…

What do you do to relax? 

Go for a ride on my bike or muck about in the park with my kids.  I like reading the Financial Times!

What’s your favourite drink?

I had a beer for my birthday yesterday.  I love a modern hoppy IPA.  Otherwise it’s grapefruit juice.

What’s your favourite biscuit?  

Chocolate Hob Nob

What’s your favourite dinner? 

Vegan Pizza from Santa Maria – it’s amazing!

What’s your favourite Quattro machine to operate?  

The Komatsu PC150, just because I love where all the buttons are! 

What’s the best thing about selling e-bikes?  

Being able to tell the complete truth to people.  That they will feel free, fit and happy. Mentally and physically, an e-bike gets you up a difficult hill.

You can visit Jamie at his shop in The Factory at the Brentford Project.

For more information visit J’aimebike website at  Jaimebike.co.uk

Follow Jamie for latest updates:

Alternatively, you can catch him in his Quattro digger at the weekend with a Financial Times in one pocket and a Hob Nob in the other.