Stroud District Council is inviting keen cyclists to apply to become its new Bicycle Mayor this January 2023.
Part of a worldwide network of people passionate about championing cycling for everyone, the Bicycle Mayor for the Stroud district will be one of only seven in the UK - and the second in Gloucestershire, after Cheltenham appointed Bex Mountford in 2021.
The first Bicycle Mayor was elected in Amsterdam in 2016. Described by the BCYS - the Dutch not-for-profit organisation behind the program - as 'the human face and voice of cycling locally', Bicycle Mayors represent the interests of people who ride bikes and help to accelerate change by collaborating with residents, activists, local government and industry during a two-year term.
The global Bicycle Mayor Network provides support through training, workshops, events, working groups, regular newsletters and a resource hub; one-to-one check ins to follow and facilitate progress; and opportunities to share ideas and best practice from across the world.
Environment Committee chair for Stroud District Council, Chloe Turner, said: 'Supporting development of an integrated active travel - walking and cycling – and public transport network is an objective of our council plan and we are committed to this because it is good for the environment and good for peoples’ health.'
Committee vice-chair, Robin Drury-Layfield, added: 'Cycling infrastructure needs to be improved and as a council, we are committed to doing all we can. A Bicycle Mayor can be a key ‘critical friend’ and an agent for the change we and our environment need.'
Applications for Stroud's Bicycle Mayor position close on Friday 20 January 2023.
To find out more, or to apply, visit stroud.gov.uk.
