Bike It's Virtual Bike Race (an epic 8,408km race around the UK on Sustrans' National Cycle Network) kicked off on March 1. Over 440 schools (that's thousands of children) are racing after some fantastic prizes, donated by the M.A.D bike display team, Madison, Park Tool and Nutcase helmets. Pupils, parents, and teachers earn 'virtual kilometres' each time they cycle in, and can see which school's winning by checking the VBR website. Over 124,000 bike journeys to school have already been logged so far and we're only at the halfway point!

Bike It School Mark success

The Bike It School Mark scheme is a support framework designed to ensure that Bike It's positive effects continue long after a school's Bike It officer has moved on. There are Bronze, Silver and Gold awards, and several schools in London and Reigate are already proudly displaying their Bronze plaques. Many schools are hot on their heels! To get involved, giving your school the recognition it deserves for developing a durable and healthy cycle culture, get the ball rolling by talking to your Bike It officer.

Brand new World Champ gives Bike It the thumbs up

Every year, UCI World Champion biker Steve Peat stages the ‘Wharncliffe Weekender' mountain bike event in Sheffield, with a course to challenge the bike champions of the future. This year, Bike It got in on the action, too, thanks to local Bike It officers Henry and Ruth.

Peaty wanted to provide skills and confidence-building sessions for everyone. He said: "It was great to have Sustrans' Bike It at the event. We made an effort to have more things for kids to do and it just worked out perfectly with the little skills area. It was good to see the kids doing lap after lap all day long with big smiles on their faces."

This charity event has raised over £30,000 for teenagers at a Sheffield hospital, and 2010's Wharncliffe Weekender will be bigger than ever.
PS: Congratulations on your world championship success, Peaty!

School Mark helps Bike It go on... and on... and on!

Parents and teachers at three Bike It schools enjoyed a bike maintenance training day at London's Rotherfield Primary as part of the successful Bike It School Mark pilot. The Bike It School Mark is now being offered to existing and former Bike It schools across the UK. It lets schools certify their level of commitment to nurturing a healthy, active cycle culture in their pupils, with Bronze, Silver and Gold levels of achievement to work towards.

Everyone felt they really benefited from the training, which will help them to run bike-based activities once their Bike It officer moves on to support other schools. One parent from Stroud Green Primary said: "I can't wait to check bikes at school - we can now decide what's roadworthy, what's fixable, and what's for the skip!"

Famous round-the-world cyclist visits Bike It school

80 enthusiastic children arrived by bike at Buckingham's Farnham Common Junior school this term to listen to bike adventurer Alastair Humphreys talk about his four-year cycle around the world. Every single child was captivated by his sometimes gruesome tales, including how at one point he couldn't wash for a month and had to eat boiled mice.

Organised by Clare Robinson, Bike It officer for Slough and South Bucks, such unique events help to stimulate and inspire children at Bike It schools. They also demonstrate the lengths that Bike It officers will go to, to develop a genuine and long-term interest in cycling in as many children as possible.   

High-flying BMX riders wow Bike It crowds

In July, delighted pupils at Bristol's Staple Hill Primary were awestruck at the aerial antics of two medal-winning BMX stunt riders. Bike It officer Ryan Evans arranged for experts Rob and Craig to visit the school to reward the children for all their cycling efforts over the year.

Bunny-hopping sessions, speed trials on a limited-edition BMX (the same model that won Gold at the 2008 Olympics) and other activities followed a nail-biting display from Rob and Craig - they even cleared a rather nervous-looking Ryan!

Questions such as 'When did you start cycling?', 'How high can you jump?' and 'Do you always wear knee pads?' were answered by the pair, who thoroughly enjoyed their day with this enthusiastic Bike It school.

Hundreds of cyclists support 'Battle of the Bike It officers'

To encourage more students than ever to cycle to school, two Bike It officers staged an epic, 101-mile long 'Battle of the Bike It officers' race between their two schools. Ben (from Brighton and Hove) narrowly beat Jason (from Bournemouth and Poole), averaging almost 17mph over his six hour journey.

The real contest was between pupils of Bournemouth's St Katharine's C of E Primary and Brighton's St Paul's C of E Primary, hundreds of whom joined in a Cycle to School day to support their trusty Bike It officers' quest.

Linda Dupret, Head Teacher of St Paul's said: "Since Bike It started in our school, cycling levels have gone from virtually nil, to 40% on a regular basis. The Bike It officers have provided real support with great events throughout the school year," Last year, Bike It at least doubled cycling levels in over 400 schools nationwide.

Brilliant Bike It is a colourful overview that explains how Bike It works, describing the projects impressive results to date, such as more than doubling the number of regular cyclists wherever it operates. One of our Bike It officers has made a short film showing how Bike It has helped her local community: watch Bike It on YouTube now.

1,000s compete in 'Virtual Bike Race'

Eager children in around 440 schools across the UK are currently in the middle of Sustrans' Virtual Bike Race. Over 124,000 journeys by pupils, parents and teachers have been logged already, and we're only halfway through! The 8,000km+ virtual route travels all over Sustrans' National Cycle Network, and pupils receive 'virtual kms' each time they cycle in. Look forward to more bikes on the road (and more cars off it) during the month-long event in March. Visit the VBR website to see who's in the lead.

Bike It scoops London transport award

Sustrans' Bike It in Tower Hamlets has just won the Cycling Improvements category at the London Transport Awards (4 March 2010). Bike It now works with 21 schools in the borough and has increased regular cyclist numbers almost five-fold, from 3% to almost 14%. Bike It is supported by Transport for London, and the Tower Hamlets post is funded wholly by the local NHS Primary Care Trust. Well done to London Bike It officer James.

Bike It School Mark success - en masse!

Eight schools got together for a Bike It School Mark ceremony and were awarded with their Bronze plaque by Mayor of Reigate and Banstead Councillor Richard Mantel. Teachers and local Bike It officer Gayle Rowson were thrilled that the schools' efforts were so publicly honoured, saying: "These eight schools have gone above and beyond to really help their pupils travel more actively. But we won't stop at that - it's on to the Silver School Mark for longer-term sustainable travel activity now!" The ceremony took place at Epsom Downs Primary (image reproduced courtesy of the Surrey Mirror). 

Thousands more children to benefit from Bike 

Dozens more schools will soon benefit from their very own Bike It officer, with three new posts being created from Blyth in the North East right down to Truro in Cornwall. From this summer, Sustrans will have 58 Bike It officers encouraging tens of thousands of children into the saddle, in around 700 schools across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Regional supervisor Gary Shipp oversees a 12-strong in the South West and South Wales. He said: "It's such an exciting time for Bike It. The year has got off to a fantastic start, with thousands of journeys being logged daily in the Virtual Bike Race, and many schools now earning their School Mark accreditation for their hard work in making their school travel sustianable.  Here's to 2010 being bigger and better than ever!"

From Bike It parent - to cycle trainer

Several enthusiastic mothers with children at a Bike It school in London's Tower Hamlets are getting in on the action thanks to the Tower Hamlets 'U Can 2' project.

This pilot project at Cubitt Town school was designed by Sam Margolis, the local council's Active Travel Officer, who started a cycle project for mums with support from Bike It officer James Scott. It encourages parents to cycle, to help overcome fears about letting their children ride to school. The women quickly saw how active, independent and confident they and their children could become thanks to Bike It safety awareness and Bikeability training. This p

roject was supported by NHS Tower Hamlets, Bikeworks and Cycling England. Visit Sustrans Bike Belles website (aimed at female cyclists) for the full story.

North West and North Wales

Vincent Goodwin

Contact: Bike It supervisor, Sustrans, Fourways House, 57 Hilton St, Manchester M1 2EJ

Tel: 0161 923 6050, mobile: 07876 232607 or email: vincent.goodwin@sustrans.org.uk

North East, Yorkshire and Humberside

Debbie Scott

Contact: Bike It supervisor, Sustrans, Cross House, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4XX

Mobile: 07501 017685 or email: debbie.scott@sustrans.org.uk

West and East Midlands

Dave Clasby

Contact: Bike It supervisor, Sustrans, 11 Morledge, Derby, DE1 2AW

Tel: 07814 611 749 or email: dave.clasby@sustrans.org.uk

South West and South Wales

Gary Shipp (maternity cover for Emma Mather)

Contact: Bike It Supervisor, Sustrans, 2 Cathedral Square, College Green, Bristol BS1 5DD 

Tel: 0117 915 0130, mob 07876 235473 or email: gary.shipp@sustrans.org.uk

London and the South East

Holly Bruford

Contact: Bike It supervisor, Sustrans, 70 Cowcross Street, Farringdon, London, EC1M 6EJ

Tel: 0207 017 2361 or email: holly.bruford@sustrans.org.uk

(on maternity leave from November 2009) South West and South Wales

Emma Mather

East of England

Rowan Wilson

Contact: Bike It supervisor, Sustrans, 4-6 Cowgate, Peterborough PE1 1NA

Tel: 0116 223 2112, mob: 07900 910885 or email: rowan.wilson@sustrans.org.uk

Contact Aba: Sustrans Bike It officer, Colchester Borough Council, East Area Highways Office, Essex County Council, 910 The Crescent, Colchester, Essex CO4 9QQ

Tel: 01206 838600, mob: 07584087182, or email: aba.pifferi@sustrans.org.uk

Aba joined Sustrans in August 2009

"I gave up my car 13 years ago and have been cycling and walking everywhere ever since, and what a difference it has made to my life. I'm much fitter in mind and body and am generally a much happier human being. In my hometown in northern Italy, we are encouraged to use bikes. The journeys are made a real pleasure by miles and miles of cycle paths. I started cycling when I was six and used to ride to school every day with my friends. I still have my first bike! I've cycled on holiday in Denmark, Hungary, Cuba, Thailand and Bangladesh and while working overseas in Italy, France, Nepal and the Maldives. I've experienced fantastic cycle paths and roads full of potholes and mud, during dry season and monsoon, through villages in the back of beyond and in the middle of crazy urban traffic - loving every minute of it each time. I now intend to cycle the streets of Colchester and encourage more and more school children and staff to join me in this fantastic way of getting about."

Before joining Bike It, Aba worked as a primary and secondary teacher trainer in South East Asia, taught foreign languages to children and adults in Essex and helped to formalise the twinning of her home town with Colchester. She loves cooking and is an avid reader.

Aba's schools for 2009/10:

• Brinkley Grove Primary
• Highwoods Community Primary
• Prettygate Junior
• St Andrews Junior
• St James Church of England Primary
• Stanway Primary
• Stanway Fiveways Primary
• The Philip Morant School and College
• The Gilberd School

What's Aba up to?

I've got seven Bike It schools so far, and we're planning the year ahead and identifying children to become Bike It Marshalls. Some competition winners will be named at the end of January, after which I'll be visiting all my Bike It schools to identify children's routes to school and barriers to cycling to school. There'll also be Dr Bike sessions (courtesy of Thomas Cycle Revolution, a local bicycle shop) and the Brighten Yourself Up competition is open to all students cycling and walking to school.

Gilberd School's Year 7 and 8 students are holding a cycling-related Question Time activity in spring, and ever-popular Bike Breakfasts are also a must on every school's Bike It menu. Together with the Colchester Twinning Society I am also organising an itinerary between twinned towns across Europe; we're hoping this might become a different type of Virtual Bike Race that will be a real challenge to local cyclists wwishing to ride the route. I'm presently discussing Bike It with more schools and am sure that the number of Bike It schools in the area will soon reach 12.

Contact Gayle: Bike It officer, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, Earlswood Depot, Horley Road, Redhill, Surrey RH1 6PN

Tel: 07876 236121 or email: gayle.rowson@sustrans.org.uk

Gayle joined Sustrans in May 2007

"In my experience, very little is as rewarding as working with children. Being a Bike It Officer is a great way to share my passion for the outdoors with children and show them how much fun biking can be, whilst promoting sport, a healthy lifestyle, and sustainable transport. No job could be more in line with my own values! Being able to cycle is a great skill to have: it encourages children to be independent, resourceful and explorers! Watch my short film about Bike It on YouTube, to see how local bike shops are supporting the project."

Before joining Sustrans I worked in schools teaching PE and tutoring children with special needs and behavioural problems, and coached sport for council-run holiday schemes. I have worked 3 ski seasons and travelled in Canada, New Zealand, South East Asia and America. Mountain biking is my latest passion - I'm always looking for new challenges and am often found riding into the unknown."

Gayle's Schools for 2009/10:

• Banstead Community Juniors
• Kingswood Primary 
• Manorfield Primary and Nursery 
• Merstham Primary
• Reigate Secondary 
• Sandcross Juniors
• Shawley Community Primary 
• St. Anne's Catholic Primary 
• Tadworth Primary 
• The Beacon School(Secondary)
• Walton-on-the-Hill Primary 
• Warren Mead Community Junior 
• Yattendon Primary

What's Gayle up to?

My new schools have made a great start and are well under way with the awareness and empowerment stages of the project. We've had family breakfasts and grand openings of brand new cycle storage, cycle to school days with Dr. Bike and ‘Brighten Yourself Up' days to raise awareness of the importance of being seen on your bike. We had a lovely family bike ride for 50 people over Banstead Downs and came back to school for tea and cake. To increase cycling to school in November and December, three schools took part in a ‘Cycle to Santa' challenge over two to five weeks. Some schools achieved a fantastic 500 journeys by bike over this period and celebrated with a raffle and a Christmas ‘Bling Your Bike' competition.

We held a superb Bike Day during 'Healthy Week' at a secondary school in October, which meant Year 7 and 8 pupils had a chance to have free mountain bike sessions, to try out specialist bikes and to make their own smoothies using a bike powered smoothie maker.

Lydia joined Sustrans in July 2009

Contact Lydia: Bike It officer, Sustrans, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Road Safety Unit, Backford Hall, Backford, Chester CH1 6EA

Tel: 07501 017689 or email lydia.wilde@sustrans.org.uk

"I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Bike It team. I am extremely passionate about the environment and love working with children. I have had a bike ever since I can remember and enjoyed the freedom as a child of being able to get around under my own steam. I'm really looking forward to getting started with the schools in and around Chester and hopefully having a positive impact on the lives of many children.

I graduated as an Ecology student from the University of East Anglia and have since had various ranger type roles on nature reserves and in parks. I have run events and taught environmental education to children of various ages and backgrounds, and believe that raising awareness of environmental issues and healthy living is really important from a young age."

Lydia's schools for 2009/10

• Dee Point Primary 
• Guilden Sutton Church of England Primary
• Highfield Community Primary
• Kelsall Community Primary 
• Newton Primary 
• Oldfield Primary 
• St Oswald's Church of England Aided Primary 
• St Thomas of Canterbury Bluecoat Juniors
• The Arches Primary 
• Upton Heath Church of England Primary

What's Lydia up to?

Last term was very busy, firstly getting to grips with the project myself and then getting the schools up and running...or cycling even! I ran some really enjoyable Christmas Cycle to School days, the children decorated their bikes with all manner of inventive Christmas things including bikes turned into sleighs and snowmen. Dr Bike sessions were also very well attended. I have set up a Bike It Crew in each school, a group of children who are particularly enthusiastic about cycling. We have regular meetings to decide on events and activities, they help with bike counts and keep the Bike It noticeboard up to date.

This term I will be holding cycle skills and learn to ride sessions, teaching basic maintenance to the children and keeping the enthusiasm and momentum going with incentive schemes like the Virtual Bike Race around the UK in March.

Contact David: Bike It officer, Singleton Environment Centre, Wesley School Road, Singleton, Ashford TN23 5LW

Tel: 01233 628 001, mobile 07824 399126 or email: david.robert@sustrans.org.uk

David joined Sustrans in April 2008

"I've been commuting by bike to my place of work or study all my life. Having worked as a teacher and then as a careers adviser to school children, I jumped at the opportunity to combine my passion for cycling with my skills and experience of working with young people. I love seeing a whole school community embrace the project, making cycling part of daily school life. When a Bike Crew made up of pupils manages the project and helps plan and run events I know that the project will become embedded in the school's future.

"Bike It has now spread from Ashford to Canterbury, with a number of schools having already achieved the Bike It Bronze School Mark, in a scheme designed to reward achievements in cycling and enhance long-term commitment to the project. These schools are now working on the Silver Mark by including parents/carers in cycling activities and linking cycling to the National Curriculum."

Before joining Sustrans, David worked as a Connexions Personal Adviser giving careers advice to young people in schools in Canterbury. He's also taught in the UK and abroad, teaching English as a Foreign Language, Drama and Theatre studies.

David's Schools for 2009/10:

• Aldington Primary
• Ashford Oaks Primary
• Beaver Green Community Primary
• Blean Primary
• Godinton Primary
• Highworth Grammar School for girls
• Kingsmead Primary
• Kingsnorth Church of England Primary
• Norton Knatchbull
• Phoenix Community Primary
• Pilgrim's Way Primary
• St Simon of England Roman Catholic Primary
• St Mary's CE Primary
• Tenterden Juniors
• The John Wesley Primary
• The North school
• The Towers School and Sixth Form Centre
• Willesborough Juniors

What's David up to?

Bike It in Kent is having a great year, we've also launched in several Canterbury schools, supported by Canterbury City Council. Blean Primary School dramatically reduced congestion on the day of its Bike It Breakfast, showing the school what a difference it can make to the local community. This year Blean becomes a Sustrans Ranger School, contributing to the Crab and Winkle Way (National Cycle Network Route 1) by running a 'Considerate Shared Use' event. Pilgrims' Way produced its own Bike It calendar for 2010 and Kingsmead Primary regularly fills its new bike storage for Bike It breakfasts and bike decorating events.

Schools in Ashford continue their devotion to the project with pupil-led Bike Crews planning and running events. Ashford Oaks was the first Kent school to be awarded the Bike It Bronze School Mark and Phoenix Primary has recently been presented theirs by Olympic Track Cycling Gold Medalist, Jamie Staff OBE. The finer weather will see a relaunch of the many British Cycling Go-ride cycling clubs in Ashford as well as new clubs starting up in Canterbury schools. We also all look forward to the Bike It Virtual Bike Race in March, which this year celebrates Sustrans' extensive National Cycle Network around the UK.

For any information about Sustrans and its Bike It project in Ashford and Canterbury or The Ashford Derailleurs Cycling Club, please contact David.

Contact Anna: Sustrans Bike It officer, Essex County Council, Highways and Transportation South Area Office, 1 Endeavour Drive, Festival Business Park, Basildon, Essex SS14 3WF.

Tel 07584 080119 or email: anna.hughes@sustrans.org.uk

Anna joined Sustrans in August 2009

"I have always been a keen cyclist and it's my favourite and main form of transport. I think cycling is great. It's healthy, cheap, good for the environment and is the quickest way to get around. I've also done a couple of challenging cycle rides and love the freedom it brings as well as having the chance to see some of the hidden beauty spots in Britain. I think everyone should have the opportunity to cycle, and hopefully I'll be able to make that happen through my job. I also try to get involved in projects that help to improve the environment, both locally and nationally."
 
Before Bike It, Anna taught music in a school for two years. She is a keen musician and plays trumpet in a ska band.

Anna's schools for 2009-10:

• Cherry Tree Primary
• Eversley Primary
• Fairhouse Community Juniors
• Ghyllgrove Community Juniors
• Great Berry Primary
• Hilltop Juniors
• James Hornsby High
• Lee Chapel school
• Lincewood Primary
• Pitsea Juniors
• Quilters Primary

What's Anna up to?

All of my schools are really excited to be involved in Bike It. We've already seen some impressive levels of cycling. We've had Dr Bike sessions, Brighten Up Yourself days, puncture repair workshops and amazing stunt shows. The next big thing is the Virtual Bike Race this spring, where the pupils race around the country by cycling to school as many times as they can! Hopefully one of the Basildon schools will win the race... and in the meantime, they'll be helping the environment, getting fit and having loads of fun.

Bike It officer Emma Osborne

Bike It officer Liz Kop has now left, as Bike It officer Emma Osborne is returning shortly following maternity leave. Watch this space for further information as Emma continues Liz's excellent work in her Bike It schools in Exeter.

Emma's schools for 2009/10:

• Clyst Heath Primary 
• Exminster Community Primary 
• Exmouth Community College
• Montgomery Primary 
• St Michael's Church of England Primary 
• St Nicholas Catholic Primary
• St Sidwells Primary
• St Thomas Primary 
• Walter Daw Primary 
• Whipton Barton Juniors

There are currently four Bike It officers working in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.  More information on Ben /Ryan / Sam/ Ian.

Ben Bowskill - Bike It officer 

Contact Ben: Bike It officer, Sustrans, 2 Cathedral Square, College Green, Bristol BS1 5DD

Tel: 0117 915 0491, mob: 07500 833 135 or email: ben.bowskill@sustrans.org.uk

Ben joined Sustrans in November 2008

“I've been cycling for as long as I can remember and one of my earliest memories is of discovering a gleaming blue racing bike hidden behind the living room curtain on Christmas morning. After a foray into mountain biking in the late eighties I put the bike away in order to concentrate on other worthwhile pursuits like girls and rock music. Since then I've got on and off my bike for various reasons, but always find myself back on two wheels in the end. At college I used my bike to avoid asking my parents for lifts, at university I used it because it was cheap and in my working life I've ridden my bike in order to combat the effects of eating so many biscuits. Most of all though, I've found that my bike has given me the freedom to do what I want when I want to do it, and regardless of what kind of bike I'm riding it's always such a rush getting back in the saddle."

Before becoming a Bike It officer, Ben was a Sustrans press officer, cutting his teeth on press releases about the Bike It project and school travel. Prior to this he was a director of Cycle Training UK in London where he spent over three years helping young people and adults to maintain and ride their bikes more confidently. Ben has a degree in Robotic Engineering, and his first experience of teaching was as an English teacher in state schools in Northern Italy.

Ben's schools for 2009/10:

• Ashley Down Juniors
• Blaise Primarys
• Chester Park Juniors
• Elmlea Juniors
• Filton Avenue Juniors
• Henbury
• Little Mead Primary
• Lockleaze Primary
• Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary
• St Joseph's Catholic Primary
• St Mary Redcliffe and Temple school
• Stoke Bishop Church of England Primary

What's Ben up to?

Last autumn before the snow set in, we had some great events, from bike breakfasts and bike races to Dr Bike sessions, to make sure that bikes were in tip-top condition. At some of the breakfasts, we were able to offer delicious fruit smoothies blended by bicycle, as well as raffles to win wonderful biking goodies. Next, we focused on preparing everyone for riding through the winter by holding light sales, giving assemblies and advice, as well as amazing ‘bling your bike' sessions where people decorated their bikes in bright and beautiful ways.

In one of my schools we organised a family bike ride and barbeque and I'm hoping that, as the weather improves into spring, I'll be able to organise many more rides.

Back to top

Ryan Evans - Bike It officer

Contact Ryan: Bike It officer, Sustrans, 2 Cathedral Square, College Green, Bristol BS1 5DD

Tel: 0117 915 0490, mobile 07500 833 149. 

Email: ryan.evans@sustrans.org.uk

Ryan joined Sustrans in November 2008

"It's a very exciting time to become one of the new Bike It officers for Bristol. With the Cycling City status and lots of investment in cycling projects, there's no better time for schools to get involved and for kids (and parents and teachers too!) to get on their bikes.

"Bristol is a great place to cycle around and I'm really looking forward to getting out to schools and spreading the message that cycling is the healthier and more environmentally-friendly way to travel. I hope to show them that it can be safe and fun as well. Cycling can give kids so much freedom and teach them many valuable skills while at the same time giving them a real sense of responsibility and of actively doing something to help the environment and fight climate change.

"Being a Bike It officer is a real dream job for me. I have cycled for as long as I can remember and I love riding to work, whatever the weather!"

Before joining the Bike It team, Ryan worked for five years as a History, Geography and Religious Studies teacher in secondary schools in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. He has also been a museum curator, chef, tour guide, postman and factory worker, and has worked as a campaigner on environmental, human rights and world development issues.

Ryan's schools for 2009/10:

• Beacon Rise Primary
• Bowsland Green Primary
• Cherry Garden Primary
• Fairfield High
• Mangotsfield
• Redfield Edge Primary
• St Barnabas Church of England Primary
• St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary
• St Michael's Church of England Primary
• Staple Hill Primary
• The Park Primary
• Wheatfield Primary

What's Ryan up to?

2009 was very busy, with a big focus on being safe and seen as the winter nights got longer. All my primary schools had Be Safe Be Seen workshops and there were some great hi-vis non-uniform days. The highlight was when over 400 children turned up dressed in bright colours at one school! There were also lots of Dr Bike days and Bike Breakfasts, both of which are really popular at secondary schools, too. The end of autumn term saw the Giant Pumpkin Chase; a family bike ride and treasure hunt along the Bristol-Bath cycle path. It featured Dr Bikes, a giant pumpkin-headed cyclist, a pedal-powered soup blender and a spooky ride through a dark tunnel! Several lucky kids are also looking forward to new bikes after winning them in Bike It talent shows and my New Year's Resolution competition. Now the snow fun is over, we're back on our bikes and looking forward to a great 2010.

Back to top

Sam Pickard - Bike It officer

Contact Sam:

Bike It officer, Sustrans, 2 Cathedral Square, College Green, Bristol BS1 5DD

Tel: 0117 915 0492, mobile 07500 833 132.  

Email: samantha.pickard@sustrans.org.uk

Sam returned to Sustrans in November 2008

"I'm delighted to be back as part of the Bike It team! I was a Bike It officer in Aylesbury for 15 months before leaving to relocate to Bristol. The project is a fantastic way of getting more children onto their bikes, to get healthier and to learn a new skill.

"I'm a passionate cyclist and go everywhere on my bike. I'm really excited to be part of the Bristol City of Cycling and am looking forward to helping them achieve their aim of doubling the number of cyclists in Bristol. It will be brilliant having a team of three other Bike it officers to work with!"

Amongst other things, Sam has worked in the South West as an environmental youth worker for BTCV and on tree-planting projects with the Woodland Trust.  She has a degree in environmental studies from Sussex University and has volunteered on various youth work projects.

Sam's schools for 2009/10:

• Ashton Vale Primary 
• Bridge Farm
• Christ Church Church of England Primary 
• Connaught Primary 
• Fair Furlong
• Four Acres Primary
• Hareclive Primary
• Ilminster Avenue
• Knowle Park Primary
• Merchants Academy
• Southville Primary 
• The Red Maids school

Back to top

Ian Tsang - Bike It officer 

Contact Ian:

Bike It officer, Sustrans, 2 Cathedral Square, College Green, Bristol BS1 5DD

Tel: 07787 434 281

Email: ian.tsang@sustrans.org.uk

Ian joined Sustrans in April 2009

“One of my first memories of cycling was when I was about 6 years old and my dad took the stabilisers off my Raleigh Burner for the first time. I was really scared so to get me started my dad gave me a big push. I started pedalling, gripping the handlebars until my knuckles were white, and amazingly I stayed up.

Nowadays I like to build up old steel road bikes and go touring. I am extremely excited about my new role here as a Bike It officer. I can't wait to meet my schools and start promoting the benefits of cycling to children and adults. I'm looking forward to the sight of school bike stores brimming with bikes!”

Before Joining the Bike It team Ian worked as a learning officer at At-Bristol Science Centre working with schools and community groups. He has an ecology degree, and after university spent two years exploring the environments of Australia and South East Asia.

Ian's schools for 2009/10:

• Avon Primary
• Bedminster Down Secondary
• Cheddar Grove
• Christ Church Church of England Primary
• Hanham High
• Henleaze Juniors
• Hillfields Juniors
• Longwell Green Primary
• Luckwell Primary
• New Oak Primary
• St Chad's Patchway Church of England Primary
• St Stephen's Church of England (VC) Juniors
• Summerhills Juniors
• Wansdyke Primary
• Westbury-On-Trym Church of England (VC) Primary
• Whitehall Juniors

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, email: jim.imeson@sustrans.org.uk

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 2008/9:

• Camely Primary
• Castle Primary 
• Chew Magna Primary
• Chew Stoke Primary 
• Clutton Primary
• Farmborough Primary
• Marksbury Primary 
• Paulton Juniors 
• St Keyna Primary 
• St Martin's Garden Primary 
• St Michael's Juniors 
• Welton Primary

What's Jim up to?

I am investigating BMX coaching training to make use of the huge interest from kids in the Bath area and the fact that the Council are building lots of BMX tracks. I have been in the role for over a year now and feel like I can impose my own personality on the project which is very exciting, I have really enjoyed running obstacle course in the playgrounds of all of my schools and also doing lots of classroom work. I have some truly amazing schools that make my job very easy!

Contact Richard: Bike It officer, 8 Power Court, Luton, LU1 3JJ.

Tel: 01582 732919 or email: richard.noon@sustrans.org.uk

Richard joined Sustrans in October 2008

"I'm originally from Derbyshire, where I became hooked on cycling around Matlock and the Peak District. I moved to the South of England after University and eventually set up home in Luton, which whilst not as picturesque as Derbyshire, has lots going on and plenty of nearby rural roads and off road tracks to explore. 

"I help run the local Cycling Club (Icknield Road Club) and am a Qualified British Cycling Coach. I dabble with cycle racing of various types and recently completed my first cyclo-cross race. I'm married with two teenage daughters who I plan to test out my Bike-It ideas on and who can help me to anticipate and overcome the issues that people their age have to deal with.

"The Bike It officer role is a dream job for me and I'm looking forward to making the biggest contribution that I can to my schools in Luton, St Albans and Bedford."

Before becoming part of the Bike It team Richard worked for Luton Borough Council as a Bikeability Instructor, which included work at some of the schools he will be looking after this year as a Bike It officer. 

Richard's schools for 2009/10 are:

Bedford

• Goldington Middle school
• Daubeney Middle school
• Robert Bruce Middle school
• Newnham Middle school

Luton

• Icknield High
• Foxdell Juniors
• Leagrave Primary
• Warden Hill Juniors
• Sundon Park Juniors

St Albans

• Wheatfields Juniors
• Fleetville Juniors
• Camp Primary
• Sandringham
• Windermere Primary

What's Richard up to?

The results for 2009/10 are very positive with an overall increase from 9% to 22% of children in my schools cycling regularly to school. That's a more than 100% increase!

This term will be spent raising awareness and planning activities for when the snow goes away and, in March, many of my schools will be competing in the National Virtual Bike Race around the UK. There is understandably much interest from my schools in achieving Bike It School Mark accreditation which will help to ensure that the Bike It project is sustainable at every school, and will continue after I've moved on to work with other schools. I will be working with my Bike It school champions, head teachers and of course the children to help them achieve the School Mark as soon as possible. I am also looking to add a new Bike It school before Easter, so I've plenty to be getting on with.

Owen Powell, Bike It officer

Contact Owen: Sustrans Bike It officer, 70 Cowcross St, London EC1M 6EJ

Tel: 020 7017 2358, mob: 07825 619712 or email: owen.powell@sustrans.org.uk

Owen joined Sustrans in September 2009

"After six months working part-time as a Bike It officer in London, I've been let loose on my own borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. I've been cycling around London since 2002 and have seen massive changes and improvements since then, and I'm eager to spread the word about how life-enhancing and liberating cycling can be. My post in the borough is funded by the local Primary Care Trust, as more cyclists mean cleaner air, less congestion, and it's great exercise too!"

Before joining Sustrans, Owen worked as a freelance cycling instructor, a comedy director and writer, a transport campaigner and a theatre tour guide. He hopes to bring aspects of all of these jobs to his new role.

Owen's schools in Hammersmith and Fulham for 2009/10:

• Addison Primary
• Fulham Cross Girls' School and Language College
• Good Shepherd Catholic Primary
• Holy Cross Catholic Primary
• Langford Primary
• Larmenier and Sacred Heart Primary
• Melcombe Primary
• Sir John Lillie Primary
• St Augustine's Catholic Primary
• St Paul's Church of England Primary

What's Owen up to?

I'm looking forward to an exciting 2010 and my first full term in Hammersmith and Fulham. I'm in the middle of getting lots of feedback from the schools about the different activities they'd like to do, and I'm hoping there's lots of enthusiasm for maintenance workshops and puncture repair sessions so that I can get some practice in! I'll also be speaking to children, parents and teachers about how to ride safely and comfortably when it's dark and cold outside.

James Scott - Bike It officer

Contact James: Bike It officer, Sustrans, 70 Cowcross St, London EC1M 6EJ

Tel: 020 7017 2363, or email: james.scott@sustrans.org.uk

James joined Sustrans in September 2008

"I feel really privileged to be part of the Bike It team here in London. Cycling is such an exciting, cheap and accessible way to see the city!  I am the first Primary Care Trust funded Bike It officer in London and can't wait to get my schools energised about cycling and helping them discover that it's a fun and effective way to exercise whilst doing your bit for the planet."

Before joining Sustrans, James worked at the Science Museum on a number of different visitor improvement projects. James' other passion next to cycling is surfing - he has been surfing for around 15 years and is a committee member for the Surfing Museum. James will be working exclusively with the Tower Hamlets Borough and is looking forward to introducing them to Bike It.

James' schools for 2009/10:

• Arnhem Wharf
• Bow Boys
• Central Foundation School for Girls
• Cubitt Town Junior
• Cyril Jackson Primary
• George Green's 
• Harbinger Primary 
• Seven Mills primary
• Shapla Primary 
• St Elizabeth’s Primary  
• St Luke's CE (Bronze School Mark status 2009-2010)
• St Peters London Docks 
• Wellington Primary

What's James doing now?

Jan 2010 will see three Tower Hamlet schools achieve the Bronze Bike It School Mark award. This will be celebrated with all three schools coming together for a Bikers party. Over these cold winter months, James will be concentrating on training his Bike It schools to fix their own punctures, running maintenance courses for parents and making sure as many pupils as possible have the skills to take part in this year's epic Virtual Bike Race.

Felix Hilton - Bike It officer

Contact Felix: Bike It officer, Sustrans, 70 Cowcross St, Farringdon, London EC1M 6EJ

Tel: 0207 0172365, mobile 07787 434 282, or email: felix.hilton@sustrans.org.uk

Felix joined Sustrans in March 2009

"I'm very excited to be joining the Bike It team here in London, and relish the opportunity of being able to bring cycling to as many people as possible. I've been riding on the streets of London for 15 years and I've witnessed the huge growth in bicycle use, however I'm still very aware of the need to increase this number further yet. For the past four years I have been working as a cycling instructor in central London, and I've seen first hand the benefits that cycling can have on children and adults as well as the local community. Cycling is my passion, or possibly obsession, and I'm yet to be convinced there can be a negative side to it."

Felix's schools for 2009/10:

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea:

• Fox Primary
• Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle
• Park Walk Primary
• Bousfield Primary

Lambeth:

• Streatham and Clapham High
• Bishop Thomas Grant
• Loughborough Primary
• Glenbrook Primary

Lewisham:

• Holy Cross RC Primary
• Brindishe Primary
• All Saints C of E Primary
• Edmund Waller Primary

What's Felix doing now?

The first Bike It term has come to an end for all of my new schools and they have done fantastically well. The next term holds many delights, including lots of skills training, classroom workshops and some special racing projects at my secondary schools. We're also all gearing up for the forthcoming Virtual Bike Race. Excellent work Bike It schools!

Back to top

Andy Casson - Bike It officer

Contact Andy: Bike It officer, Sustrans, 70 Cowcross St, Farringdon, London EC1M 6EJ

Tel: 020 7017 2360, mobile 07796 870 741, or email: andy.casson@sustrans.org.uk

Andy joined Sustrans in May 2006

"Four years on from kick-starting Bike It in London, I still enjoy being a Bike It officer. The project has grown in popularity and I've worked with many schools and encouraged hundreds of children (and some parent and teachers) to ride to school. I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for cycling with my schools and hope it has a positive and lasting effect.

I have ridden bikes for as long as I can remember, learning on an old fixed-wheel kids bike my dad salvaged from the tip. I completed the old ‘ROSPA' cycling proficiency (now Bikeability) at primary school and later remember renovating an old Sun Workshop racing bike to ride in my teens. After leaving university I got into cross-country mountain biking and have ridden fantastic trails in Epping Forest, Wales, the Lake District, and some epic rides in the French and Swiss Alps. In London my preferred bike is my Brompton, called Ruby, whom all my schools meet at some stage."

Before Sustrans, Andy was a ‘Wild space officer' for Havering Council, and he managed a neighbourhood centre and associated community projects in Tower Hamlets for a housing association. He's also spent many years working on community and conservation projects involving schools, youth groups, the local community and a wide range of other organisations.

Andy's schools for 2009/10: 

• Beths Grammar
• John Perry Primary
• Mossford Green Primary
• Northbury Juniors
• Oaks Park High 
• Ray Lodge Primary
• Snaresbrook Primary
• St Peters RC Primary 
• St Thomas More Catholic Primary
• Thomas Arnold Primary 
• Welling Secondary
• William Bellamy Juniors

What's Andy up to?

As well as the all-important gathering of the ‘hands up surveys', autumn term was packed with activities taking place both in the classroom and for the wider school community. Children were consulted on how they get to school and their reasons for not cycling; many have received sessions on what to wear to keep dry, warm and be seen in winter; others discovered what materials are best seen during the day and the night. A community event was attended at Welling School in Bexley with visitors given the opportunity to test their riding speed on the Rollapaluza track bikes, and a Dr Bike session was run at a Christmas Fete for Benhurst Primary School in Havering, one of our supported Bike It schools.

The national Christmas calendar competition was launched and all Bike It schools were invited to participate. I'm looking forward to the entries from schools in the spring term.

Georgie Fyfe-Jamieson - Bike It officer

Contact Georgie: Bike It officer, Sustrans, 70 Cowcross St, Farringdon, London EC1M 6EJ

Tel: 020 7017 2362 mobile: 07876 711 618, or email: georgie.fyfe-jamieson@sustrans.org.uk

Georgie joined Sustrans in August 2008

"I love working as a Bike It officer. It's a great combination of practical work with young people and raising awareness of the far-reaching benefits of cycling. Since September 2009 I've been working in the Borough of Westminster. I've worked with children and young people within physical activity and educational development for a while now. As a qualified Level 2 FA football coach I've been fortunate to coach children as close to home as Hackney, and as far away as Mozambique and Melbourne."

Before Sustrans, Georgie worked as a volunteer on camping trips and on bike-building projects with young people, and was also a cycling instructor to both children and adults. She's also worked for Cycle Training UK and the London Cycling Campaign - experience which is proving invaluable in her role as a Bike It officer.

Georgie's schools in Westminster for 2009/10:

• Burdett Coutts Primary
• Christ Church Bentinck Primary
• Edward Wilson Primary
• Essendine Primary
• Millbank Primary
• Paddington Green Primary
• Quintin Kynaston
• Soho Parish Church of England Primary
• St Luke's Church of England Primary
• St Mary of the Angels Roman Catholic Primary
• Westminster Academy

What's Georgie up to?

It's been an exciting start for this three-year project in Westminster. The 11 schools I'm working with have really embraced Bike It - and even during the winter months some pupils are realising that it is still best to cycle. Aside from running whole-school Safe and Winter Cycling assemblies, I've also been sharing the benefits of cycling with parents and staff and recruiting and meeting Bike It crews and marshalls. I've also run consultations, Brighten Yourself Up competitions and Dr Bike days. Lots of plans are already in place for spring and summer. There's our national Virtual Bike Race, puncture repair and maintenance sessions, numerous cycling events, playground cycle skills sessions (in addition to Bikeability training) and lots more.

Ali Jafarey - Bike It officer

Contact Ali: Sustrans Bike It officer, 70 Cowcross Street, Farringdon, London, EC1M 6EJ

Tel: 0207 017 2366, or email: ali.jafarey@sustrans.org.uk

Ali joined Sustrans in March 2009

“Personally, this has been a very exciting time to join Sustrans, being a culmination of both my personal and professional ambitions. I am a Londoner born and bred and have seen the city transform substantially since I was a young lad riding around Shepherds Bush on my trike. Then, my street had a handful of cars along the whole length and I knew who owned each one. The same street now is littered with cars bumper to bumper.

My current focus is working with outer London boroughs, particularly in West and South West London. Most recently I have been working as a cycling instructor in schools in Harrow and Hounslow. Prior to this I had been working in the voluntary sector for 12 years, mostly within the Black and minority ethnic (BME) groups. I project managing initiatives supporting young people, older people, and asylum seekers and I have also developed cycling promotion initiatives amongst these groups. London has a great multi-cultural mix. I hope to use my experience of diverse London to encourage more hard to reach and non-traditional cyclists from these communities onto their bikes.”

Ali is taking a new direction for Bike It in London and is looking to work predominantly with Black and Minority Ethnic communities located in the outer London boroughs as from September 2009. Ali, who speaks Hindi and Urdu, already has experience working in these areas as a fully accredited cycling instructor.

Ali's schools for 2009/10:

Hounslow:

• Wellington Primary 
• Hounslow Town Primary 
• Strand on the Green 
• Andrew Ewing Primary 
• St Pauls Primary 
• Brentford Girls Secondary 

Merton:

• Dundonald Primary 
• Pelham Primary 
• Joseph Hood Primary 
• Cranmer Primary 
• Abbotsbury Primary 
• Raynes Park Secondary

What's Ali up to?

I have had some fantastic schools to work with this year. They have all welcomed me so warmly, teachers and pupils. In each of the schools I started off doing introduction assemblies, set up the Bike It notice boards, and set termly agendas of activities. Each school now has a crew of six Marshalls who help with Bike It and I have completed Dr Bikes in all the schools so far. I have carried out cycling behaviour consultations with all schools and am planning many more ride-based activities in the spring and summer terms.

Contact Maya: Bike It officer, Box CC1211, Castle Court, Castle Hill, Cambridge CB3 0AP

Tel: 07501 017686, fax: 01223 475992 or email maya.stratton-brook@sustrans.org.uk

Maya joined Sustrans in September 2009

"I've been a keen cyclist since living in Münster in Germany, Amsterdam and Ghent in Belgium, where I realised how easy, fun, freeing and exhilarating getting around by bike is. I enjoyed being part of these cities' large cycling communities. I'm keen to promote the healthy and environmental advantages of cycling and believe that giving children the tools by which to change their own lives and the world around them is the most important way to make a difference. In my spare time, I like to have fingers in lots of pies and take tap dancing, piano and trombone lessons."

Before Bike It, Maya took a year out from work and completed a Primary PGCE at the University of East Anglia. She's also worked in Sustrans' Manchester office, assisting on Bike It and the Sustrans' Volunteer Programme. So welcome back!

Maya's schools for 2009/10:

• Fulbourn Primary
• Grove Primary
• Icknield Primary
• Milton CE Primary
• Oakington CE Primary
• Sawston Village College
• Stapleford Community Primary
• The Bellbird Primary

What's Maya up to?

I have started working with the schools I recruited last term, and am looking forward to planning some exciting events for this term including participation in the Bike It Virtual Bike Race around the UK; Dr Bike sessions; Bike It Breakfasts and loads of other fun activities. I'm also still looking for a few more schools in which to start up the Bike It project, so please get in touch if you are interested.

Contact Nick: Sustrans Bike It officer, SoundBites, 11 Morledge, Derby DE1 2AW
Tel: 01332 242863, mobile: 07825619704 or email nick.ratcliffe@sustrans.org.uk

Nick joined Sustrans in November 2009

"For much of my life, bikes have been my principal mode of transport. The freedom they afford and the way they let you fit exercise effortlessly into daily life is fantastic. I have fond childhood memories of cycle touring around the West Country with mates, seeing places that I just wouldn't have otherwise seen. I want to pass on my passion for cycling on to the pupils I'll be working with, to help make some of the cyclists of tomorrow. Joining Bike It has been a dream opportunity and I'm thrilled to be the latest Derby officer. I can't wait to get into my schools and get the pupils fired up about cycling."

Before joining Sustrans, Nick coordinated a cycle delivery scheme for people with mobility difficulties. He worked as a Bikeability cycle trainer and also with Choose Cycling, a social enterprise that promotes sustainable travel in Derbyshire.

Nick's school for 2009/10:

• Ash Croft Primary
• Brackensdale Juniors
• Brookfield Primary
• Da Vinci Community College
• Lawn Primary
• Mickleover Primary
• Noel-Baker Community School and Language College
• Oakwood Juniors
• Silverhill Primary
• St James' Church of England (VA) Juniors
• Village Primary

What's Nick up to?

"I've now settled into the job and am really enjoying working with all of my schools. I hope to offer cycle try-outs to all of my schools, in collaboration with Cycle Derby. This will include a wobbly bike, tandem and penny farthing! I'm also going to put on a school cycle champion training day where they will learn playground cycle skills and basic bike maintenance so they can run bike activities themselves. Most schools are taking part in the Virtual Bike Race this March, and I'll be running an inter-school competition to get the pupils fired up and pedalling in throughout March and beyond!"

Nick is currently looking for six new schools to become Bike It schools. If you're interested, please email: nick.ratcliffe@sustrans.org.uk.

Contact Georgie: Bike It officer, Keystone Development Trust, The Limes, 32 Bridge Street, Thetford IP24 3AG

Tel: 01842 757349, mob: 07973128206 or email: georgie.burr@sustrans.org.uk

Georgie joined Sustrans in August 2009

"I rediscovered my love for the bicycle after spending last summer cycling around Wales. Before I could drive a car, my rural childhood meant that my bicycle was a lifeline to socialising, but after training for the tour of Wales I ditched the car and became a complete bicycle convert. Cycling keeps me healthy, makes me very happy, it’s sociable (you share a hobby with people) and I’ve learnt how to fix it, so now I have a more mechanical mind! A really important aspect of cycling for me is that when I cycle I don’t need to use any fuel - except for flapjacks! - so I’m not creating any pollution or carbon emissions. I’m really excited about encouraging other people to cycle and together making Thetford a ‘wheeley’ good place for cycling!"

Before becoming a Bike It officer Georgie was a part-time nursing assistant and a part-time volunteer. She has worked with the Otesha Project UK, Young Friends of the Earth and Fairyland Trust. She also enjoys growing vegetables and sewing clothes.

Georgie's schools for 2009-10

• Bishops CEVA Primary
• Drake Infants and Nursery 
• Raleigh Infants
• Rosemary Musker High

What's Georgie up to?

Georgie is brand new to Bike It so is just doing her initial preparations, selecting the local schools to become Bike It schools and dreaming up some brilliant schemes and events for everyone to take part in this coming year.

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

Tel: 07780 006955 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 2009/10:

• Birkdale High 
• Birkdale Primary 
• Farnborough Road Infants
• Farnborough Road Juniors
• Larkfield Primary 
• Marshside Primary 
• Our lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary 
• Presfield school
• St Patrick's Catholic Primary 
• Stanley High Sports College

What's Mary up to?

I am busy working with all my schools to increase the number of children cycling. I am teaching more children to ride bikes, showing more children how to maintain their own bikes and doing lots of fun cycling events at school.

Carl Ward, Bike It officer

Contact Carl:

Bike It officer, c/o Beverly Cope, Cycle Stoke coordinator, PO Box 630, Transport Planning Group, Stoke-on Trent City Council, Civic Centre, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 1RF

Tel: 01782 236717, mobile 07887 717 912 or email: carl.ward@sustrans.org.uk

Carl joined Sustrans in June 2009

My background is in Environmental Science, Teaching and outdoor education. So what could be better a job where I can use all of my experience and share my passion for cycling. As well as helping others to make a life style change I am using the opportunity to do more for the environment. Its very rewarding giving children the opportunity developing their bike knowledge independence, freedom and safety. I feel very lucky that through cycling and Bike It I am working to right so many of today's big issues with health, the environment and sustainability.

Carl's schools for 2009/10:

• Ball Green Primary 
• Blurton High 
• Burnwood Community Primary 
• Hollywall Primary 
• Moorpark Juniors
• New Ford Primary 
• Packmoor Primary 
• Sneyd Green Primary 
• St John's Church of England Primary
• St Mary's Church of England Primary 
• St Peter's Roman Catholic Primary 
• St Wilfrid's Catholic Primary 

What's Carl up to?

I have been getting to know the local schools and meeting people closely related to cycling. The past six weeks have been non-stop, setting up meetings and getting schools on board to start the Bike It program in September. I have also had the opportunity to shadow some of the more experienced Bike It officers and participate in some of their activities. I will start working with my schools in Stoke in September 2009.

Stephen Dyster, Bike It officer

Contact Stephen:

Bike It officer, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, PO box 630, Regeneration, Floor 3, Civic Centre, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 1RF

Mobile: 0782 439 8860 or email: stephen.dyster@sustrans.org.uk

Stephen joined Sustrans in June 2009

To have an opportunity to work for a better future for young people has appealed to me more and more urgently since the birth of my son. I've a career background in teaching and education, secondary schools; editing and writing guidebooks. After being a house-husband and full-time Dad, it is hard to think of a better way to start a new career, or a more important cause. There aren't many areas of the British Isles where I haven't cycled. In all I've found that the bicycle is a passport to meeting all sorts of kind and friendly people: true of trips in Belgium, France, Spain, Italy and others, too. What a fantastic way to bring people of all social backgrounds together. To pass on some of this to young people and their parents and to learn from working with them is a privilege: like teaching but without the National Curriculum or reports. In the long run I would like to see cycling as much a part of everyday life as it is in lovely flat Flanders or mountainous Switzerland. Don't mind a good walk either.

Stephen's school for 2009/10:

• Christ Church CE Primary 
• Eaton Park Primary
• Grove Juniors
• Hillside Primary 
• Maple Court Primary 
• Our Lady and St Benedict Catholic Primary 
• Priory Primary
• St George and St Martin's Catholic Primary 
• St Maria Goretti Catholic Primary
• St George and St Martin's Catholic Primary 
• St Matthews CE Primary 
• Weston Coyney Juniors

What's Stephen up to?

Carl Ward, my colleague in Stoke, and I are identifying schools to work with, meeting people and trying to be ready to get going in the new school term. We have a number of events set up already, so getting to talk to and visit more experienced Bike It folk is proving really useful. I'm really looking forward to the formal training, but there's nothing like experience and getting down to doing the real thing. I'll start working with my Bike It schools in Septemeber 2009.

Contact Lucie: Sustrans Bike It officer, Bucks County Council, Transportation, Floor 9, County Hall, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP20 1UY 

Tel: 01296 383783, mobile: 07876 233 849 or email: lucie.taylor@sustrans.org.uk

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 am not an extreme cyclist by any means but I think it's 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 working with the Bike It project in Aylesbury, and continuing the work which has already been started there. For me, cycling has always been fun and I want to pass that on to the people I will be working with."

Before joining Sustrans, Lucie, who is from Scotland, gained a degree in Geography and Environmental Biology from the University of St Andrews. Her last job was as an assistant housemistress in a boarding school and she has also worked with the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust on the Isle of Mull. 

Lucie's schools for 2009/10:

• Ashmead County Combined school
• Aston Clinton
• Broughton Infants
• Broughton Juniors
• Oak Green
• St Josephs Catholic Infants
• Stoke Mandeville Combined school
• Bierton Church of England Combined school
• Haydon Abbey
• Sir Henry Floyd Grammar
• St Edwards Catholic Juniors
• St Louis Catholic Primary
• St Mary's Church Of England school
• The John Hampden school
• Weston Turville Church of England school

What's Lucie up to?

I have spent the first few months meeting with Bike It schools in Aylesbury both new and old, working on lots of ideas for Bike It in these schools. I ran a "Why I like to Bike It" poster competition for all of my schools and had lots of brilliant entries which made it really difficult to pick just one person to win a voucher for a new bike. There were plenty of Bike It breakfasts, bike to school days, assemblies and launch events too. I am now working on lots of ideas and events for next term with my new Bike It crews and hard working school champions.

Contact Pamela:

Bike It officer, Sustrans, Stockton Business Centre,
70 Brunswick Street, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1DW

Tel: 01642 803 441, mobile: 07824 812219 or email: pamela.jenkins@sustrans.org

Pamela joined Sustrans in April 2009

"I love every minute of being a Bike It officer. The job is so rewarding and I really enjoy carrying out activities and working with schools to encourage more children (and adults) to cycle to school. I'm pleased that my work allows me to do so much to help children make a real difference, trying to reduce congestion by encouraging them to cycle instead of travelling by car."

Before Bike It, Pamela used to work as an assistant Road Safety Officer, where part of her role involved teaching cycle training in schools.

Pamela's schools for 2009/10 in Stockton and Middlesbrough:

• Barley Fields Primary
• Crooksbarn Primary
• Durham Lane Primary 
• Holy Trinity
• Ian Ramsey Comprehensive
• Ingleby Mill Primary
• Macmillan Academy
• Myton Park Primary
• Newham Bridge Primary
• Rosewood Primary 
• St Augustines Primary 
• St Clares RC Primary 
• St Pius RC Primary 
• Sunnyside Primary 
• Thorntree Primary
• Whinstone Primary
• Whitehouse Primary

What's Pamela up to?

We are currently in the process of organising a joint action day for Teesside and Darlington which will take place on 24 February 2010. For further information, please get in touch!