Read Andy's latest news (pdf) here.

Contact Andy: Sustrans Bike It officer, 1st Floor, 3 Knowsley Place, Duke Street, Bury BL9 0EJ

Mobile: 07917 202 767 or email Andy. 

Andy joined Sustrans in November 2008

"For some time now I've wanted to work in an area closer to either my degree subject (Environmental Science) or my main hobby (triathlon). The opportunity to combine these together and introduce cycling to a new generation was too good to miss! Putting on high-profile events and activites is such good fun, and gets a great response every time. Sometimes it's the little things that can make a big difference though, and my inner tube recycling sessions are a good example of this. School kids in Bury will soon be making their own juggling balls and skipping ropes from old inner tubes. The skipping ropes are a great activity as we can talk about the craft of making them, the benefits of reusing the tube versus discarding it and the positive impacts of active play. Things like this reach the non-cyclist as well as those already cycling in, so are in many ways more important than just working with those arriving at school with their bikes."

Before joining the Bike It team Andy was a Bikeability Instructor with Coventry City Council. He's just moved up from Coventry to replace Sam as Bike It officer for Bury.

Andy's schools for 2011/12:

• Greenhill Primary School
• Hazlehurst Community Primary School
• Higher Lane Primary School
• Holcombe Brook Primary School
• Hollins Grundy Primary School
• Mersey Drive Community Primary School
• Old Hall Primary School
• Peel Brow School
• Ribble Drive Community Primary School
• Springside Primary School
• St Bernadette's Roman Catholic Primary School
• St Gabriel's RC High School
• St Hildas Primary School
• St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School, Radcliffe
• Sunny Bank Primary School
• Wesley Methodist Primary School

What's Andy doing now?

Great to see that schools and the Local Authority are keen to continue with Bike It activities even though support has dropped to one day per week. Staff have been enthusiastic when learning about existing curriculum links, and brainstorming their own ides for lessons.

Read Belfast's latest news (pdf). Contact Beth: Bike It officer, Sustrans, Ground Floor, 20 Adelaide Street, Belfast BT2 8GD Tel: 028 9043 4569, mob: 07824 627674 or email Beth.

Beth joined Sustrans in January 2011

"I learned how to ride my first bike on the dirt roads around my family's farm in Nebraska. I've always loved getting around on my own two feet whether it be running or riding a bike. When I lived in the States, I did a lot of mountain biking. And then when I moved to Ireland, I got my first road bike and have been cycling around on those two wheels ever since. Last year I competed in my first adventure race - the perfect combination of cycling, running and kayaking! I'm looking forward to beginning work with Sustrans in Belfast."

After finishing a joint degree in Psychology and Adolescent Studies, Beth moved to the mountains of New Mexico to teach mountain biking and other high adventure activities. Beth first moved to Belfast in 2005 to work with a local youth and community organisation. Before joining Bike It, Beth was working as a Family Worker with Women's Aid.

Contact Pamela: Sustrans, Ground Floor, Premier Business Centres, 20 Adelaide Street, Belfast, BT2 8GD

Tel: 028 9043 4569  Mob: 07884 393537 or email Pamela

Pamela Grove-White joined Sustrans in October 2011

"I am really pleased to be a Bike It officer, I was lucky enough to be able to cycle to school both at primary and secondary school and able to use my bike whilst commuting in London and now in Belfast,  I have also scooted in Paris, but that’s another story. I think it’s great having a job where you can spread the word that cycling and exercise is fun and where you can get all this fun and exercise in between doing other things – like cycling to schools."

"I have worked with children and young people in a variety of settings, from house matron, teaching and as a volunteer co-ordinator where I have seen the benefits of getting out into the fresh air and getting exercise for the children, young people and for myself.  Before joining Sustrans I worked within the community looking at energy efficiency and innovative technology; now, instead of talking about saving energy I’m encouraging people to use their own!"

Pamela's Schools for 2011/12

• All Children’s Integrated Primary School
• Andrew’s Memorial Primary School
• Ballymacash Primary School
• Comber Primary School
• Glencraig Integrated Primary School
• Holywood Primary School
• Sacred Heart Primary School
• St Luke’s Primary School

What's Pamela up to?

Public Health Agency in the South Eastern Health Trust area has put forward funding to run Bike It in their area in 2011/12 Pamela Grove-White is the new Bike It Officer.  Bike It South-East is working with 8 primary schools across Down, North Down, Lisburn and Ards.  The schools have all been enthusiastic to start, even with the bad weather, a number of activities have been completed this term from Bike It Breakfasts (85 participants) and assemblies to incentives to cycle to school along with Bikeability training (24 pupils have achieved level 2 National Standard), more to come next term.  Pamela is looking forward to working with the schools to encourage more regular cycling along with cycle skills and Dr Bike sessions along with classroom activities and fun events.

Contact Mary: Bike It officer, c/o Jean Hunt, Sefton Council, Magdalene House, 30 Trinity Road, Bootle L20 3NJ

Tel: 07780 006955 (mobile) or email mary.kelland@sustrans.org.uk  

Mary joined Sustrans in June 2009

I was born in rural North Devon and lived a long way from everything, so had to cycle if I wanted to go anywhere. I now cycle much more for pleasure as well and enjoy the sense of freedom and fun cycling gives. I love the idea that anyone can cycle and by encouraging children to enjoy it from a young age, they'll develop and continue a healthy cycling habit throughout their lives.

Before Bike It, Mary was a School Travel Plan Advisor in Lancashire, encouraging schools to promote active travel to schools. I was also a primary school teacher and I love the enthusiasm and creativity which comes from working with children; never a dull moment.

Mary's schools for 2011/12:

• Ainsdale St John's Church of England Primary School
• Birkdale High School
• Birkdale Primary School
• Bishop David Shepperd CE Primary School
• Churchtown Primary School
• Farnborough Road Infant School
• Farnborough Road Junior School
• Holy Family Catholic Primary School
• Holy Trinity CE Primary School
• Kew Woods Primary School
• Kings Meadow Primary School and Early Years Education Centre
• Larkfield Primary School
• Linaker Primary School
• Lydiate Primary School
• Marshside Primary School
• Norwood Primary School
• Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School
• Presfield High School and Specialist College
• Shoreside Primary School
• St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School
• St John's Church of England Primary School
• St Patrick's Catholic Primary School
• St Philip's Church of England Primary School
• St Teresa's Catholic Infant and Nursery School
• St Thomas’ CE Primary School
• Stanley High School Sports College

What's Mary up to?

Last term was very busy with over 1500 children and lots of adults who enjoyed their Bike It Breakfasts, with every child within school then taking part in cycle skills sessions. Many children have now learnt how to fix punctures and over 200 children learnt to ride a bike for the first time, which is great!

Thank you to all the wonderful children, parents and staff who are always so enthusiastic and willing!

This term I am planning lots of Bike It Breakfasts, Learn to ride sessions and maintenance work with all my new schools, whilst still helping my existing schools.

Let the fun commence!

Read Lucy's latest news (pdf) here.

Contact Lucy: Bike It officer, Sustrans, 2nd Floor, 10 Bradlet Street, Manchester, M1 1EH.  Tel: 07884 232279 (mobile) or email: lucy.sutcliffe@sustrans.org.uk

Lucy joined Sustrans in June 2009

I've cycled to work and school for as long as I can remember. I did my Cycling Proficiency (now Bikeability) training in Year 5. I can still remember learning to set my pedals and feeling excited when I turned right at a junction. Since then I have lived and worked in Toronto, Paris, London, Manchester and Sheffield and cycled my commute and got out of the city for fun at weekends as often as I could. One of my favourite routes circles the Place d'Etoile, at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Cycling gives you a great feeling of independence, plus it's cheap, green and keeps you fit. I'm really excited about working as a Bike It officer in Merseyside, as the job is a great compromise between my teaching skills and my sense of adventure.

Before Bike It, Lucy's varied working career includes stints as a lighting and design technician in the theatre, and she retrained as a teacher in 2005.

Lucy's schools for 2011/12:

• Brimrod Primary School
• Bredbury Green Primary School
• Brookside Primary School
• Caldershaw Primary School
• Cale Green Primary School
• Castle Hill High School
• Castleton Primary School
• Crossgates Primary school
• Didsbury Road Primary school
• Greave Primary schoool
• Harrytown High school
• Hazel Grove Primary School
• Healey Primary School
• Heybrook Primary School
• Marland Hill Primary School
• Moorfield Primary Schoo
• Newhey Primary School
• Our Ladies Catholic Priamry School
• Parkfield Primary School
• Reddish Vale Technology College
• Sandbrook Primary School
• Spotland Primary school
• St Edwards Primary School
• St John's Primary School
• St Mary’s CofE School
• St Peter’s Cof E Primary
• St Simon’s Catholic Primary School
• St Winifred's Catholic Primary school
• Tithe Barn Primary School

What's Lucy up to?

I am really looking forward to the Spring Term, we will announce the characters for the Portrait Bench on the Connect 2 scheme in Rochdale and begin work organising the competition in Stockport. I hope to speak to all the past Bike It Schools this term to get a sense of who is following up the project themselves and will be able to earn another School Mark; hopefully I’ll find some more schools that can be awarded Silver! The Big Pedal should be a big adventure this year and I would like to be in all participating schools doing activities to support the school’s endeavours. We’ll be doing Learn To Ride as usual this spring to get the infants the skills to join in with all the exciting Bike It activities. I will also be launching the Bike It Heroes scheme that we have been inspired to create by the excitement of the 2012 Olympics so watch this space…

Annie Cousins - Bike It officer

Contact Annie: Sustrans Bike It officer, c/o Engineering, Town Hall, Marine Road, Morecambe LA4 5AF

Tel: 01524 582654, mob: 07917 133256, email: annie.cousins@sustrans.org.uk 

Annie joined Sustrans In March 2010

"The best things about being a Bike It officer have to be seeing the fun that children have during Bike It events and activities, and seeing the results of the project in the large number of bikes parked outside Bike It schools. Cycling has so many obvious benefits, and promoting cycling to children - who invariably love to ride bikes - has to be the best job in the world!"

Before Sustrans, Annie completed a PGCE and worked with the Northmoor Trust in Oxfordshire, delivering waste and sustainability projects in schools. At the moment, Annie is working alongside Kathy in order to get to know her Bike It schools. She's running Bike It celebration days with St Luke's School in Skerton, who are taking on Bike It with gusto!

Kathy Bashford - Bike It officer

Contact Kathy: Sustrans Bike It officer, c/o Engineering, Town Hall, Marine Road, Morecambe LA4 5AF

Tel: 01524 582654, mob: 07876 234112 or email: kathy.bashford@sustrans.org.uk

Kathy joined Sustrans in May 2006

Kathy has been organising cycle to school events to catch up with the schools; these usually include bike breakfasts, Dr Bike and cycle skills. This term, she's also doing bike rides with Bikeability pupils, family bike rides, Learn to Cycle sessions, maintenance classes, summer fairs, a high school bike club and Wheely Wednesdays! Over summer term she'll also be focusing on helping Y Sevens with their safe routes to school by cycling it with them.

Annie's and Kathy's schools for 2011/12:

• Archbishop Hutton Primary School
• Bolton-le-Sands CE Primary School
• Bowerham Community Primary School
• Carnforth High School
• Cathedral Catholic Primary School
• Caton St Paul's C of E Primary School
• Dallas Road Community Primary School
• Great Wood Primary
• Grosvenor Park Primary School
• Heysham High School Sports College
• Lancaster Ryelands Primary School
• Morecambe and Heysham Torrisholme Community Primary School
• Morecambe and Heysham Westgate Primary School
• Morecambe Road School
• Moorside Primary School
• Mossgate Primary School
• Poulton-le-Sands Primary School
• Ryelands Primary School
• Silverdale St John's CEVA Primary School
• Skerton Community High School
• Skerton St Luke's CEVA Primary School
• Slyne-with-Hest St Luke's CE Primary School
• St Mary's Catholic Primary School
• St Wilfrid's CE Primary School
• The Cathedral Catholic Primary School
• The Loyne Specialist School
• Torrisholme Primary
• Willow Lane Primary School

What are Annie and Kathy up to now?

Annie and Kathy have enjoyed a busy Autumn term with Lancaster & Morecambe schools.

4 new schools have been chosen to take part in Sustrans Bike It  - Carnforth North Road Primary, Caton St Paul’s C of E Primary, the Loyne Specialist School and Archbishop Hutton Primary in Warton.  North Road and St Paul’s saw a dramatic boost in cycling numbers, with around half of the pupils attending biker’s breakfasts, Dr Bike and cycle skills sessions.  More children are now cycling regularly in both schools.   Archbishop Hutton Primary are launching the project in January.  Children from the Loyne Specialist School have improved their cycling confidence and balance, with some now riding their bikes unaided. 

As Carnforth High continues it’s sucessful cyclists’ breakfast card scheme, an enthusiastic bunch of year 7 and 8 boys enjoyed a lunchtime bike ride to the Crag Bank shore line. 

Families from Silverdale and Bowerham Primary Schools also enjoyed bike rides to Jenny Browns Point and along the canal towpath.

Other activities in schools included bike to school days, cycle skills, learn to cycle sessions, Bike It breakfasts, an after school club, bike maintenance classes and bike repairs carried out by Dr Bike (aka Colin Stone). 

The new School Champions cluster group met and shared ideas and plans for their cycling activities.  This new group serves as a regular opportunity for teachers from Sustrans Bike It schools to meet and sustain the project in school.   The group asked for a competition between local schools to encourage cycling in the Winter, which will begin in January as a ‘Winter Wheely Wednesdays’ competition.  Champions and other school staff will do training in ‘Delivering Cycle skills sessions’ and Bike maintenance’ in February.

They rounded off the term by running assemblies with Cycling Santa, a popular visitor who presented prizes to the most committed cyclists in 4 schools.

Contact Cerys: Bike It officer, c/o Travel Plan Advisor, Knowsley MBC, Yorkon Building, Huyton, Merseyside L36 9FB. Tel: 07827 331507 or email: cerys.symonds@sustrans.org.uk

Cerys joined Sustrans in 2010

"I've cycled since I can remember and used to love exploring the area of rural Lincolnshire where I was brought up. It also meant that now, I'm able to get to and from work without having to rely on sporadic public transport. Being a Bike It officer is a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the most enthusiastic cyclists I've ever met. The buzz that children get from learning to cycle is infectious and I've seen it rub off on various teachers and parents too! I can't wait to meet the schools in Merseyside and kick start the new term."

Cerys's schools for 2011/12:

• Aintree Davenhill Primary School
• Car Mill Primary School
• Cowley Language College
• Deyes High School
• Eastcroft Park School
• Eaves Primary School
• Evelyn Community Primary School
• Freshfields Primary School
• Garswood Primary School
• Huyton-with-Roby CE Primary School
• Joseph the Worker Primary School
• Kirkby C of E Primary School
• Kirkby Sports College Centre for Learning
• Lansbury Bridge School
• Millbrook Primary School
• Northway Primary School
• Our Lady of Compassion Primary School
• Park Brow Community Primary School
• Range High School
• Rectory CE Primary School
• Robins Lane County Infant School
• St Aloysius Catholic Primary School
• St Jeromes Primary School
• St Lukes Primary School
• St Margaret Marys Junior School
• St Mary's Catholic Junior School
• Summerhill Primary School
• Sutton Academy
• Thatto Heath Primary School
• Whiston Wills pRimary School
• Woodlands Primary School

What's Cerys up to?

This term I’ve been working with lots of new schools, setting them up for a year of Bike It. Lots of bike maintenance sessions were attended by hundreds of children who can now check their bikes are ready for riding next term.

Plus there have been some brilliant events organised by my supported schools from last year which is great to see as they’ve really taken to the project and made it their own. Planning for the next term is really important as it’s the build up to the Big Pedal and the time of year when we’ll see lots more cycling to school and outdoor activities going on.

Contact Paul: Bike It officer, c/o Jean Hunt, Sefton Council, Magdalene House, 30 Trinity Road, Bootle, L20 3NJ

Tel: 0151 934 4541  Mob: 07825 018836 or email Paul

“I’ve always been extremely enthusiastic about all forms of physical activity and so I jumped at the chance to put my passions into practice on the Bike It project. I have a background in teaching, with 17 years’ college and university lecturing experience, so the opportunity of working in schools tied together all of my interests, whilst working for a great organisation, and in partnership with a team of wonderful and dedicated colleagues at Sefton Council’s Road Safety and Traffic Management unit. I’m married with two wonderful children and my interests include playing a range of musical instruments, at live gigs and in the studio, having once worked as a professional touring musician"

Paul's Schools for 2011/12

• Redgate Primary, Formby
• St. Luke's, Halsall CE Primary, Crosby
• St. Mary's Catholic Primary, Little Crosby
• Melling Primary, Melling
• Our Lady, Queen of Peace Primary
• Trinity St. Peter's CE Primary, Formby
• St. Nicholas' CE Primary, Crosby
• St. Michaels CE High
• Valewood Primary

What’s Paul up to?

The new Bike It project in Sefton (Crosby and Formby) started in October 2011 and in just a few weeks we have engaged with eight new schools who are extremely keen to embrace what we are trying to achieve in Sustrans and at Sefton Council: to increase the numbers of Sefton children cycling and travelling more actively to school. We are also getting some very enthusiastic school champions on board and with this support, we can get our new schools as active as others in the region; improving fitness levels, reducing obesity and introducing communities to wonderful and fun alternatives to the car!

David Robert - Bike It officer

Contact David: Gladstone Villa, 14 Gladstone Road, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1JG

Telephone: 01227 281087 / Mobile: 07824 399126 or email David

David has worked for Sustrans since April 2008. He previously worked as the Bike It officer in Ashford. The bike has been his main form of transport since school and he is a keen bike mechanic.

Bike It in Canterbury began in September 2009 and has been a great success. Five schools have achieved the Bronze School Mark already. The project is funded by Kent County Council, Canterbury City Council and The People's Health Trust.

Bike It in Thanet has just started this academic year, with schools making a great start. Launch assemblies, Bikers’ Breakfasts and free Dr. Bike services are taking place in all schools. Schools have also been forming their own Bike Crews, groups of pupils who plan and run cycling events. The project in Thanet is funded by Kent County Council, The Colyer-Ferguson Charitable Trust and The People's Health Trust.

Schools in both areas ensure young people develop their cycling skills through participation in Kent County Council’s cycle training and by running their own British Cycling School Go Ride Clubs.

David's Canterbury Schools for 2011/12:

• Barham CE Primary School
• Blean Primary School
• Hersden Community Primary School
• Kingsmead Primary School
• Pilgrims’ Way Primary School
• St Stephen's Junior School
• Sturry CE Primary School

David's Thanet Schools for 2011/12:

• Bromstone Primary School
• Drapers Mills Primary School
• Holy Trinity and St John’s Primary School
• Newington Primary School
• St Joseph’s RC Primary School
• Northdown Primary School

 Liz Humpage – Bike It officer

Contact Liz: Liz Humpage, Bike It officer, Thanet, 3 Meteor Avenue, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 4DH

Tel: 01227 266839 or email Liz

Liz joined Sustrans in January 2012

“I have been a keen cyclist since my student days and I’m really excited by the opportunity to get more children of Thanet enjoying cycling and its benefits.

Before joining Sustrans I worked promoting and improving access to The Blean woodlands of East Kent and I still teach part-time in ecology and countryside matters”

What’s Liz up to?

“Having recently joined the Bike It project I am very busy recruiting Thanet schools to take part.  I’m looking forward to passing on my enthusiasm for cycling and seeing lots of children having fun riding their bikes while benefiting their health and the environment at the same time.”

Contact Ben:

Bike It officer, Room 406, Hove Town Hall,
Norton Rd, BN3 3BQ

Tel: 01273 293761, mobile: 07824 813 556 or email: ben.sherratt@sustrans.org.uk

Ben joined the Bike It project in February 2008

"I have been cycling ever since I could reach the nearest set of pedals and have used my trusty bike to experience life all over the world. From a sleet-driven blast to work to a glorious mountain sunrise, I am never far from a set of pedals. I have always commuted to work by bike and have a collection of bikes that I use on a daily basis. My current favourite is my long bike which carries children, dogs, tools and the whole week's shopping wherever I want to go in style.

I have taught over a thousand people to cycle, from 18 stone rugby players to 2 year old toddlers. I believe that everyone should have access to cycling as it is by far the best way to see the world."

Before becoming a Bike It officer, Ben trained as a teacher and ran a cycling centre for 8 years specialising in cycling for people with special needs. He has a degree in Leisure and Recreation and a PG Cert. in Environmental and Development Education.

Ben's Schools for 2011/12:

• Alternative Centre for Education (spec)
• Balfour Junior School
• Bevendean Primary School
• Blatchington Mill School
• Carlton Hill Primary School
• Cedar Centre
• Coldean Primary School
• Cottesmore St Mary's RC Primary School
• Downs Junior School
• Fairlight Primary School
• Hangleton Junior School
• Hertford Junior School
• Middle Street Primary School
• Mile Oak Primary School
• Moulsecoomb Primary School
• Our Lady of Lourdes RC Primary School
• Patcham House School
• Peter Gladwin Primary School
• Queens Park Primary School
• Rudyard Kipling Primary School
• Saltdean Primary School
• Somerhill Junior School
• St Bartholomew's CE Primary School
• St Nicolas' CE Junior School
• St Paul's CE Primary School
• Stanford Junior School
• The Glebe Primary
• West Hove Junior School
• Westdene Primary School
• Woodingdean Primary School

What's Ben up to?

What a term! We have the most enthusiastic bunch of schools ever this year, with a real focus on the Lewes Road. We have been getting out and about with family bike days; meeting parents and helping them to overcome their barriers to cycling, smoothie bike sessions all over the place too. Thanks to some funding from Brighton and Hove City Council, we have been able to plan and deliver extra cycle training to hundreds of children from reception up to year 6 with a focus on Bike-ability level 1 for year 3 and 4 and level 3 for year 6, to compliment what is already happening with the council. We have got a fleet of "Bike It" mountain-bikes managed by the schools and there are learner bikes in many of the early years and foundation classes so that we can start ‘em young! We have  bikes and bits available too for workshops in schools so that those without bikes can build one of their own! Oh, and we have been sorting out some great local routes with local bike shop, Rayments Cycles, so that the whole community can get out there and access the Downs! Roll on the springtime!

Andy Stowe - Bike It officer

Contact Andy

Sustrans, c/o Transport Strategy, Birmingham City Council, 1 Lancaster Circus, Queensway, Birmingham, B2 7JE  

Tel: 0121 675 6930, mob: 07500 833135 or email: Andy.stowe@sustrans.org.uk

A bit about Andy

I was given the opportunity in 2009 to fulfil an ambition – combining a love of sport and cycling with work.  I trained as a Bikeability Instructor and had no idea where it would lead…and I am still not sure! Since then I have worked all over Birmingham in schools and been lucky to be involved with the Bike It project, running Dr Bike sessions, leading rides, and having great fun with Go-Ride playground activities. I am a qualified bicycle mechanic (Cytech 2); have been a British Cycling Skyride Leader and Route Planner for 2 years and I am going through the final stages of my British Cycling Level 2 Coach qualification. I ride with Birmingham Running and Triathlon (BRAT) Club, and can be seen most days cycling around Birmingham, always for pleasure. Say hi if you see me and stop me for a chat. 

I hope I can bring a sense of fun and passion to the work with Bike It. My other part-time job is as a Lecturer in Sport and Leisure Management at Coventry University but I prefer my work with Bike It!

Schools Andy will be working with until March 2012:

• Allens Croft Primary School
• Colmore Infant and Nursery School
• Colmore Junior School
• Fairway Primary
• Gilbertstone Primary School
• Hollywood Primary School
• King's Norton Boys' School
• Leigh Junior Infant and Nursery School
• Perry Common Junior and Infant School (NC)
• Robin Hood Junior and Infant School
• St Francis CE (A) Primary School and Nursery
• Sundridge Primary School
• Town Junior School

What's Andy up to?

Andy has just taken up post on a six month contract to replace Rachel Vann who has moved onto another Sustrans project funded by LSTF and Birmingham City Council - Bike North Birmingham.

Andy has worked with Rachel in a number of Bike-It schools so will be a familiar face as he gets around to meeting you all after the long summer break.

As this phase of the Bike-It Birmingham project comes to a close Andy will be working with schools to set up networks and clusters to keep the momentum behind the great work that Rachel has done - with the help of the School Champions. 

Rachel Vann - Bike It officer, Bike North Birmingham

Contact Rachel

Sustrans, c/o Transport Strategy, Birmingham City Council, 1 Lancaster Circus, Queensway, Birmingham, B2 7JE 

Tel: 0121 675 6930 Mobile: 07920 865079 or email Rachel

What's Rachel up to?

Rachel started in a new post on 1^st September 2011, as Bike It officer for Bike North Birmingham.  Funding has been secured through LSTF (local sustainable transport fund) to work with 68 schools in North Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield and Erdington) over the next 4 years.  This will also be working alongside another Bike It officer who we will tell you about soon.  

Rachel’s previous post funded through Big Lottery has sadly almost come to an end, so their job will be to ensure networks and clusters have been set up to keep the momentum behind the great work that Rachel has done - with the help of the School Champions!

Bike North Birmingham is a brand new project and is really quite an exciting time for us and means that we can get even more people cycling to school.  This is twofold.  Firstly, the project is complimented by new infrastructure which has been made possible through Connect 2.  Secondly there will be two Bike It officers working with schools and there will also be officers working with employers and the community within the same area.  For more information about Bike North Birmingham visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/bikenorthbirmingham.          

Rachel’s first task will be to identify new schools and make the most of the nice Autumnal weather, getting them going as intensively engaged Bike It schools. 

Rachel joined Sustrans in 2007

Growing up in the countryside and not wanting to be dependent on my parents for transport, my bike has always been a big part of my life.  I have always enjoyed helping others and passing on skills, as well as sharing my passion for cycling with others.  Although, some of my friends would describe it as ‘pestering’! 

When I saw this job advertised I was teaching in a primary school in rural Worcestershire and I immediately thought that there really couldn’t be a better job.  I was right!  Now nearly 4 years down the line I still stand by that decision and still love sharing my passion for cycling with others, as well as helping others to develop new skills.  I love the moment of realisation:  From a child or parent that they can finally ride a bike on their own, that it actually isn’t that far from home to school and the roads aren’t as scary as they first seemed or even discovering a park that is only 10 minutes by bike.  All of these things and many more make me realise just how lucky I am to be doing a job that I absolutely love.   

I seem to have an ever increasing number of bikes too and despite what anyone says they really do have different purposes.  My most recent and rather extravagant purchase was my time trial bike.  Having dabbled with my first season, I am now, sad to say, a little bit hooked.  I also love cycle touring, having completed John O’Groats to Lands End, as well as visiting amazing places like the Outer Hebrides and Switzerland.  I love the freedom that a bike can give you.  I also enjoy the adrenaline rush of mountain biking and can often be found on Bredon Hill or the Peak District with my little doggie running alongside me.

John Ashford – Bike It Officer

Contact John: Sustrans, c/o Transport Strategy, Birmingham City Council, 1 Lancaster Circus, Queensway, Birmingham, B2 7JE

Tel: 0121 675 6930, Mob: 07748 700385 or email John

John joined Sustrans in October 2011

I have been cycling with a passion ever since I can remember (which is a long time now). I served my apprenticeship at Raleigh Industries as a draughtsman, and then moved on within the engineering industry for many years in many roles. In 2009 I wanted to have a change of work direction and go back to my love of bikes and working with children.

I decided to train as a Bikeability Cycle Instructor in 2009 and had no idea as to where it would lead and more importantly could I make a living from it. Since then I have been self employed working for Birmingham City Road Safety Team at schools all over Birmingham. Whilst working at one of these schools I met Rachel Vann (Bike It officer for Birmingham South) and was lucky to assist her as and when required running Dr Bike sessions, leading rides, and generally having great fun with all activities.

When the opportunity arose in October 2011 to apply for her job due to Rachel moving on to the new Birmingham North Birmingham project I jumped at it. My full time post is only unfortunately to 31^st March due to the lottery fund ending.

I am a trained British Cycling Skyride Leader, Route Planner and MIAS Mountain Bike Instructor and Assessor, and can be seen most days cycling in and around Birmingham. I have taught well over a thousand children / adults to either cycle or improve their on road skills, ranging from 80 year old grandmothers down to 3 year old toddlers. I have a collection of different bikes depending upon the task in hand. 

I hope I bring a sense of fun and passion into my role as a Bike It officer. My other part-time job which I resigned from last month was a Stop Smoking Advisor for Sandwell PCT. As you can see it’s all about healthy lifestyles.

John’s Schools for 2011/12

• Fairway Primary
• Colmore Junior School
• Hollywood Primary
• Raddlebarn Primary
• Allens Croft Primary
• Kings Norton Boys
• Park Hill Primary
• Sundridge Primary
• Leigh Primary
• Gilberstone Primary
• St Francis C of E Primary
• St Gerard’s Roman Catholic Primary
• Robin Hood Primary
• Perry Beeches Junior
• Cottesbrooke Junior
• Somerville Primary
• Kings Heath Primary
• Moseley C of E

What's John up to?

As this phase of the Bike It Birmingham project comes to a close I will be working with schools to set up networks and clusters to keep the momentum behind the great work that Rachel has done, with the help of the School Champions.

Download Jim's latest news (pdf).

Contact Jim: Bike It officer, Bath & NE Somerset Council, Traffic & Road Safety Team, Floor 2 South, Riverside, Temple Street, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 2LA.

Tel: 07500 833 152 or email Jim

Jim joined Sustrans in December 2008

“I have worked with children and young adults in a whole variety of settings but I have always found that the best way to learn is when you are having fun. ‘Fun' is definitely the main ingredient of Bike It so this really is a dream project for me to be involved with, especially in my home county of Bath and North East Somerset. Growing up in Bath I used to love starting the day by cycling and my childhood memories are full of exploring the area by bike.

I lived in sunny Brighton for a number of years teaching sport and art at a post 16 centre for young people with special needs and behavioural difficulties. I found that a never ending supply of enthusiasm and a sense of humour was the best way to connect with our students. But it's hard to stay away from the good old West Country for long and it is great fun being back in this part of the world. I am really excited about working with all the amazing schools out there so that more children in this area can have a cycletastic childhood like I did!”

Before becoming a Bike It officer, Jim worked with children and young people with learning and behavioural difficulties in a number of schools and colleges as both a teaching assistant and sports instructor. He has a geography degree and has since travelled the world getting overexcited by glaciers, surf breaks, caves and national parks.

Jim's schools for 2011/12:

• Beechen Cliff School
• Cameley CE VC Primary School
• Castle Primary School
• Clutton Primary School
• Combe Down CE Primary School
• Newbridge Primary School
• Peasedown St John Primary School
• Saltford CE Primary School
• St Martin's Garden Primary School
• St Michael's CE Junior School
• St Philip's CE Primary School
• Welton Primary School
• Farmborough Primary School
• Marksbury Primary School
• Paulton Junior School
• Three Ways Special School
• Wellsway School
• Farrington Gurney Primary School
• St John's Catholic Primary School

What's Jim up to?

It’s going to be an incredibly fun and busy term with The Big Pedal virtual bike race in March and launching Sustrans Heroes. Lots of my Bike UserGroups are coming up with exciting new cycling and scooting events for me to run which I can’t wait to get going on. I have lots of Time Trial challenges, maintenance workshops and scooter sessions booked in at my schools and also some creative writing classes where I get to encourage pupils to use their imagination and write action packed stories about having an adventure on your bike. Loads to look forward to then!

Download Jonathan's latest news (pdf).

Contact: Jonathan Dixon, Sustrans Bike It officer, Transport Planning, County Hall, Dorchester DT1 1XJ.

Mob: 07584 131482 Email: jonathan.dixon@sustrans.org.uk

Jonathan joined Sustrans in May 2010

"I have always loved being on a bike, from cycling endlessly around my back garden as a child, to more recently becoming addicted to the adrenaline rush of downhill mountain biking in the Alps whilst living in Switzerland. I just love the freedom cycling gives you. I'm very excited to be a part of Sustrans and its Bike It project, which has achieved so much already. I'm sure I will be able to pass on my enthusiasm for cycling and I hope the people of Dorset are ready to embrace life on two wheels!"

Jonathan's schools for 2010-11:

• Ferndown First School
• Parley First School
• Oakhurst Community First School
• Bincombe Valley Primary School
• Radipole Primary School
• Somerford Primary Community School
• The Lady St Mary CEVC First School, Wareham
• West Moors, St Mary's CEVC First School
• St Nicholas and St Laurence CE Primary
• St Andrew's CEVA School, Preston
• St John's CEVA School, Weymouth
• The Wey Valley School

What's Jonathan up to now?

It’s been an amazing summer term, with loads of great events and activities going on in schools to help encourage people onto their bikes. Congratulations to Somerford Primary, St Andrews Primary and St John’s Primary who have all achieved the Bronze School Mark Award. There are a number of others hot on their heels; it won’t be long before there are Bronze Awards all over Dorset.

Some highlights include Parley First School’s first Bike Breakfast, with over 70 children cycling to school, and St Andrews and Radipole Primary going on transition bike rides to link the Year 6’s up with Wey Valley School.

There have been loads of other great events and everyone’s had great fun cycling to school. I hope you all have a great summer holiday and go for lots of bike rides!

Hayley Arnold - Bike It officer

Contact Hayley: Culture, Tourism and Sport, Town Hall, High Street, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 1HS

Tel: 01502 523362, Mob: 07789 558495 or email Hayley

Hayley joined Sustrans in October 2011

“I started my role as a Sustrans Bike It officer for Lowestoft in October 2011 and am one of two Bike It officers in the town. I am embarking on a three-and-a-half year project with the aim of encouraging and enabling more school children, their families and also employees of local businesses to make the change to cycle to school or work.”

“Before I started working with Sustrans, I completed my Masters in Marine Biology and learned about the negative impacts that increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are having on the marine environment and what this could mean for future generations. Prior to this I worked within the Community and Education department for Essex Wildlife Trust.”

What’s Hayley up to?

Thanks to Suffolk County Council’s successful bid to the LSTF, the Bike It Project has landed in Lowestoft. Over the last three months, the project has really taken shape. 14 schools have been selected as possible Bike It Schools and over the next few weeks we will be making contact, promoting the Bike It project and selecting School Champions. Lowestoft is a wonderful seaside town, where the reliance on cycling was once heavy. Now with the prospect of 3000 new homes being built in the area and the creation of thousands of new jobs, more and more people will need to take up cycling once more to avoid the ever-increasing congestion in the town. We have cycled the main cycle routes in the town and met many new contacts. We hope that 2012 will be the dawn of a new cycling era for Lowestoft!

Ed Parnaby - Bike It Officer

Contact Ed:  Bike It Officer, Waveney District Council, Culture, Tourism and Sport, Town Hall, High Street, Lowestoft, NR32 1HS

Tel: 01502523361, Mob: 07827927524 or email Ed

Ed joined Sustrans in October 2011

I’ve enjoyed cycling for what seems like all of my life and have been a keen cyclist since discovering mountain biking while still at school taking part in the occasional race.  As a child, cycling connected me with my friends and the environment and has become a lifelong hobby.  I’ll never get bored of a few pedal turns propelling me along my favourite trail.

Having taken a year out from work to travel and having also lived in various towns and cities in the UK; I experienced a real contrast between different regions’ and countries’ attitudes to cycling and the way in which people get around.

Upon returning I decided to study for a Masters degree in Environmental and Transport Planning at Liverpool.  Whilst writing my dissertation and researching barriers to cycle use I was fortunate enough to have met members of Sustrans.  This study raised my awareness of the effectiveness of engaging people in helping them cycle more and I took up the opportunity to volunteer with my local Bike It officer.

Now working for Sustrans and being part of Bike It I can combine my love of cycling with the need to protect our environment and engage young people.  Not only is the job fun but I also get to create lasting positive change for both individuals and the area which include the wider health, social and economic advantages of cycling.

What’s Ed up to?

Bike It is new to Lowestoft and I am currently recruiting schools in the area.  I’m looking forward to working with them and also to eventually taking Bike It to local businesses.  Lowestoft benefits from a number of great cycle routes and I’m hoping to help people discover these and use them as part of their daily travel.

Contact Lucie on mobile tel: 07876 233 849 or email Lucie

Lucie joined Sustrans in July 2009

"I got my first bike when I was five and learned to ride it in the local park with my dad running after me, promising me he was holding on to the back.  I think cycling is a great way to get around and it keeps you fit too. For children, it's also about independence and learning something new.  I am really looking forward to starting the Bike It project in Wiltshire.  For me, cycling has always been fun and I want to pass that on to the people I will be working with."

Lucie's Schools for 2011/12

• Trowbridge Grove Primary School
• Hilperton CofE Primary School
• Hilperton site- The Mead Primary School
• Wingfield site- The Mead Primary School
• Holt V.C. Primary School
• Abbeyfield Secondary School
• Queens Crescent Primary School
• St Paul's Primary School
• St Peter's CofE Primary School
• Stanley Park Sports Centre

Lucie has been the Bike It officer in Aylesbury for 2 years in which time she has run over 500 events reaching nearly 40,000 children and got countless kids to cycle to school. Before joining Sustrans Lucie, who is from Scotland, worked in a private school and has a degree in Geography and Environmental Biology from St Andrews University.

What does each stage involve?

The Bronze School Mark 

Will be awarded to schools that work in partnership with their Bike It officer to bring about some organisational, cultural and behavioural changes that help to support pupils in cycling to school.

The Silver School Mark

Will be awarded to a school that continues to demonstrate its commitment to the ideals of the Bike It project, but with more of the energy and resources coming from within the school and its community. 

The Gold School Mark

Will be awarded to a school that has demonstrated ongoing commitment to the project over several years which has led to significant and lasting organisational, cultural and behavioural changes, and where the school is continuing with little or no input from the Bike It officer.

Get started today

Go to the Where's Bike It? map to see if there is a Bike It officer in your region, or contact your Bike It officer directly for information on how your school can start working its way up to Bike It Gold!

Contact Tom: Sustrans Bike It officer, Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council, Scarborough House, Chequer Road, Doncaster DN1 2DB 

Tel: 01302 735120 or email: tom.collister@sustrans.org.uk

Tom joined Sustrans in July 2009

"I've been a keen cyclist all my life and was encouraged from an early age to use cycling as a mode of transport. The house where I grew up in North Wales was two miles from the nearest village so any time I wanted to see my friends I had to jump on my bike. I have fond memories of long summer days spent riding bikes and swimming in rivers. I can't imagine a childhood without the freedom that a bike brings. Cycling is the most efficient, low impact form of transport available to us and I firmly believe that the more people that cycle, the more healthy and environmentally responsible we will become as a nation. This job is an amazing opportunity to help bring this about. In my spare time I enjoy cycling, hill walking, writing music and playing the trombone."

Before joining Sustrans, Tom worked as a lime plasterer, ran music workshops for children, built mountain bike trails, taught English in Barcelona and DJ'd all over Britain and Europe. He also promotes music events in Sheffield and North Wales.

Tom's schools for 2011/12:

• Bawtry Mayflower
• Bessacar Primary
• Conisbrough Balby Street Primary School
• Edenthorpe Primary
• Finningley Primary
• Hall Cross Lower Secondary
• Hatfield Travis St Lawrence Primary School
• Hatfield Crookesbroom Primary School
• Hayfield Lane
• Hexthorpe Primary
• Hungerhill Secondary  
• Lakeside Primary
• Longtoft Primary
• Mallard Primary
• Owston Park Primary
• Pheasant Bank Academy
• Richmond Hill Primary
• Sandringham Primary
• Sunnyfields Primary
• Thorne Brook Primary
• Toll Bar Primary
• Tranmoor Primary
• Willow Primary

 What's Tom up to?

Another great term in Doncaster with lot’s of Dr Bike Sessions, Bike Breakfasts and cycle skills playground sessions. Congratulations to Tranmoor Primary for achieving the Bronze School Mark Award, this takes the total number of Bike It Schools with the Bronze Award in Doncaster to 14. The race is now on for the first school to achieve silver!

Some of the highlights from the term include Anne Elliott, the head of Hatfield Crookesbroom Primary, learning to ride a bike and doing laps of honour in the playground while the whole school applauded. Another was 108 pupils riding their bikes to Hatfield Travis St Lawrence Primary for their Get Bright day.

I’m looking forward to an action packed spring term!

Contact Naomi: Sustrans' Bike It officer, The Danesmead Wing, 33 Fulford Cross, York, YO10 4PB

Tel: 07824 998745 (mob) or email Naomi

Naomi joined Sustrans in January 2011

"Ever since I could ride a bike, I've been off on bikes of all shapes and sizes. There's been long, sunny days mountain biking in the Peak District, cycling fitness assessments for my sports degree and running BMX sessions for young people in York.

I'm thrilled to be a part of Sustrans' Bike It project in York. It's such a beautiful City to cycle around, no matter what the weather. I look forward to inspiring other people to cycle, watching those first moments without stabilisers, making cycling fun and proving how good it can be for your health, the environment and family sustainability."

Before joining Sustrans, Naomi's love of the great outdoors led her to run alternative outdoor education projects such as bushcraft projects for children and young people, and managing environmental and conservation projects in North Yorkshire. Things not a lot of people know about Naomi include: she grows purple carrots on her allotment, she is a qualified hypnotherapist, she plays the ukulele (badly) and loves to sail offshore and crochet, but not at the same time!

Naomi's schools for 2011/12

• Archbishop’s of York Primary
• Clifton with Rawcliffe Federation
• Copmanthorpe Primary
• Dringhouses Primary
• Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Primary
• Elvington Primary
• Fishergate Primary
• Headlands Primary
• Hempland Primary
• Huntington Primary
• Joseph Rowntree Secondary
• Millthorpe Secondary
• Poppleton Ousebank Primary
• Poppleton Road Primary
• Scarcroft Primary
• Skelton Primary
• St George’s Primary
• St Oswald’s Primary
• Westfield Primary
• Woodthorpe Primary

What's Naomi up to?

Well the weather in York has shone brilliantly on our bikes this term! 

The York Bike It schools have been out in force cycling the National Cycle Network and are having fun discovering new, safe cycle routes in their areas.  The local PCSO’s have been security tagging our bikes through the brilliant Operation Spoke and we’ve learnt all about the role of the Cycling Response Paramedics who pedal the streets of York doing a great job! 

We’ve had The Lord Mayor of York cycling on a rickshaw to open three new bike sheds and all of the schools have learnt how to ‘Get it Bright’ and stay safe during the dark winter months.

We have a very exciting term ahead with the Big Pedal competition in March and the launch of our new ‘Sustrans Heros’ to warm everyone up on their bikes ready for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Emma Peasland - Bike It officer

Contact Emma: Bike It officer, Development Services, Howden House, 1 Union Street, Sheffield S1 2SH
Tel: 0114 2735828, Mob: 07500 832734 or email Emma

Emma joined Sustrans in September 2010

"I have loved riding bikes for as long as I can remember and used to love the speed and independence of being able to cycle to school. My enthusiasm for cycling was renewed when I was at university and started mountain biking. Now I spend as much of my free time as possible out meeting friends and seeing the UK by bike. Having moved from Blackpool I am really looking forward to helping pupils in Sheffield have the same positive experiences and independence as I have found through cycling.

After graduating with an Environmental Science degree I spent seven years teaching outside the classroom on Box Hill at the Field Studies Council centre in Surrey."

Emma's schools for 2011/12:

• Carter Knowle Junior School
• Emmanuel Anglican/Methodist Junior School
• Halfway Junior School
• Hinde House 3-16 School
• Lower Meadow Primary School
• Norton Free CE Primary School
• Porter Croft Sheffield CE Primary School
• Reignhead Primary School
• St Catherine's Catholic Primary School
• Stocksbridge Junior School
• Totley Primary School
• Valley Park Community School
• Westfield Sports College
• Wisewood Community Primary School
• Forge Valley Community School
• Oughtibridge Primary School
• Bradfield Dungworth Primary School
• Rainbow Forge Primary School
• Deepcar St John's Primary School
• Forge Valley Secondary School
• Deepcar St Johns C of E Junior School

What's Emma up to?

It has been a pleasure to meet Sheffield’s Bike It schools this term and find out what has been going on.

It’s been a busy term at Valley Park, Reignhead, Halfway and Lower Meadow who have all been organising and running their own activities such as Breakfasts and Bling Your Bike competitions. The Bling Your Bike at Halfway Juniors was particularly successful with 50 children turning out on spectacular bikes. A thank you to the Bike It Crew at Lower Meadow who are also doing a great job monitoring the number of cyclists.

Deepcar St John’s are a new Bike It school who turned out in force to the first Bike Breakfast we had there, around 90 children and parents came for breakfast, many of them had a Dr Bike safety check the same day, I’m looking forward to more of that enthusiasm this term.

In the run up to the Christmas holidays I went to the Fairs at both St Catherine’s and Rainbow Forge Primaries. Rainbow Forge held a Mince Pie Pedal on a cold and wintry morning where 25 children braved the weather to cycle in for free Mince Pies.

Finally a big thank you to everyone who helped make our Action Day such a success, all the staff who came from schools to share your enthusiasm, especially to everyone who spoke and Heeley Development Trust for running the North Shore session.

Henry Norman - Bike It officer

Contact Henry: Bike It officer, Development Services, Howden House, 1 Union Street, Sheffield S1 2SH
Tel: 0114 273 5828, mobile: 07810 635 990 or email: henry.norman@sustrans.org.uk

Henry joined Sustrans in 2009

"Bikes have always been a part of my life, but it was getting a mountain bike 20 years ago that really sparked my interest. Since then, many bikes of come and gone, mountain, road and other but my passion for bikes remains undimmed. Riding and racing has taken me to some amazing parts of the world as well as giving me fantastic experiences, friends and sometimes even jobs. Where would I be without a bike?

A life spent outdoors - and a love of geography - means that the environment has always been an interest of mine. I've been lucky enough to have spent most of my working life educating young people about the environment. Bike It is a great opportunity to combine so many of my interests."

Before Bike It, Henry taught geography, ecology and environmental education on the Dorset coast and for the field studies council on the North Downs. He's also spent over a year working in the mountains of California and has now completed a PGCE in secondary geography in Sheffield.

Henry's schools for 2011/12:

• Hunter's Bar Junior School
• Meersbrook Bank Primary School
• Meynell Community Primary School
• Ballifield Primary School
• Acres Hill Community Primary School
• Brunswick Primary School
• Anns Grove Primary School
• Greystones Primary School
• Yewlands School Technology College
• Handsworth Grange Community Sports College
• All Saints' Catholic High School
• Watercliffe Meadow Community Primary School
• Sharrow Nursery, Infant and Junior School
• Pipworth Community Primary School
• Arbourthorne Community Primary School
• Concord Junior School
• Dobcroft Junior School
• Ecclesfield Junior School
• Hallam Primary School
• Lydgate Junior School
• Mansel Primary School
• High Storrs Secondary School

What's Henry up to?

Back to school after the summer holiday normally means a bit of a slow start for Bike It officers as schools get themselves back into gear, but not this term; with a new colleague to show around the city we hit the ground running. Fortunately what seemed like endlessly good weather made life a lot easier. Along with that we also planned and held our action day, which went down well with all that attended. It was made extra special with world downhill mountain bike champion Steve Peat and world silver medallist and Olympian cross country rider Annie Last coming to give us an inspiration chat: We had a great time (lunch) as well.

Not only that but the term was spent out in a lot of schools too. Arbourthorne, the new kid on the block had over 6o pupil’s cycle to school in their first cycle to school day.  Acres Hill got over 100 pupils on a cycle to school day, which also made for a very busy Dr. Bike session.  Brunswick continue to break records, with 260 pupils (and lots of parents) turning up for a free breakfast. But also to receive their prize for winning Fast as Last, covering 420km in a days riding. Annie Last came in to talk to parents and students, gave away some exclusive Team GB goodies and presented a £200 gift voucher – part of the prize from the Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative. Annie then spent the rest of the day coaching pupils on a mini mountain bike course.

Lots of schools have had bikes doctored this term, a few more pupils have learned to ride and several Christmas fairs were visited. Most notably Sharrow, who held a very competitive Virtual Velodrome competition with staff, parents and pupils all taking part.

After that terms warm up, everyone is really excited for the main event that will be 2012.

Contact Stuart: Bike It Officer Hertfordshire, Civic Centre, St. Peters Street, Saint Albans, AL1 3JE

Mobile : 07825182595 or email Stuart

Stuart joined Sustrans in October 2011

Coming from a background of working as a Cycling Officer in London where cycling is becoming regarded as the norm in many schools, I'm keen to keep the momentum going and expand cycling to the masses in Hertfordshire.  I'm aware of the many challenges which lie ahead but I want to help schools to help themselves to install a culture of cycling and allow pupils and their parents to discover the many benefits of cycling for themselves.

My previous roles have included local government roles around cycling and schools travel plans, also the CTC on a short term work based challenge project.  I've also spent three years as a bikeability instructor in London, so have experienced plenty of wet, cold Januarys and lovely summer days. I've never forgotten how lucky I am to be working in an industry I really care about and love and I'm proud to now be working for Sustrans.

What's Stuart up to?

Taking on new schools in some new areas for Sustrans is daunting, but I'm confident that I will be working with 12 schools by the end of January. I'm keen to offer schools a wide range of activities and competitions to help create a buzz about cycling and attract lots of new children to cycle to school.