Mayor to champion cycling in new role

5.33.29pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 5th Apr 2008

• THE Mayor of Richmond upon Thames, Cllr Marc Cranfield-Adams, has been named the borough's first Cycling Champion.

He will spearhead Richmond Council's efforts to encourage more people to get on their bikes, promoting health and fitness and reducing congestion on the borough's roads. The Mayor will represent the interests of cyclists and advise the Council as it bids to become the most sustainable in the country. As Cycling Champion he will also be able to tap into £140m of government funding and share examples of best practice in other authorities.

The Mayor said: "As a keen cyclist I am delighted to be appointed the borough's first Cycling Champion. Encouraging people to switch from the car to two wheels has huge environmental benefits, cutting carbon emissions and easing congestion on our busy roads. It is also a great way to improve fitness and for shorter journeys around the capital is usually quicker too. It's vital we make cycling safer and more enjoyable as we bid to become the most sustainable authority in the country and I will work closely with departments across the Council to make this happen. I will also promote the benefits of cycling among my fellow councillors and forge closer links with local organisations and businesses to make it easier for everyone to get on their bike."

?Cllr David Trigg, Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking on Richmond Council, said: "Our new Cycling Champion will have an important part to play in promoting sustainable transport in Richmond upon Thames. I am delighted the Mayor has taken on this role, supplementing the recently announced Smarter Travel Richmond Programme. With £5m of Transport for London funding over the next three years, we will work with employers, schools, residents and visitors to increase the number of people using public transport, walking or cycling in the borough."