THIS new mayor has a chain of a very different sort.
Simon Storey, founder of the award winning ‘The Bicycle Bus’ and Cycle Infinity CIC, has been named Bicycle Mayor of Warwick district.
He joins a growing global network of volunteer changemakers representing 137 cities in over 30 countries.
Bicycle Mayors are independent and work with government, industry, activists, and residents to uncover the economic, societal, health, and environmental benefits that increased cycling can bring.
They are selected for a period of two years during which they focus on addressing the main barriers to increasing cycling in their areas.
The focus areas of the new Bicycle Mayor for Warwick district will be to be the voice of the common cyclist, helping to shape change with infrastructure, safety, accessibility and ultimately normalise cycling as a form of transport for everyone.
The role of Bicycle Mayor was inaugurated in 2016 by BYCS, an Amsterdam-based social enterprise, to break silos between government and civil society when promoting cycling for transportation and amplify the voices of community leaders.
As interest in the position grew, a network was born in order to encourage collaboration, transnational solidarity, and to share common challenges and solutions on a global scale.
BYCS works internationally with civil society, governments, nonprofits and businesses to initiate and scale breakthrough ideas around cycling. In particular, the organization focuses on strengthening the “human infrastructure” of cycling cities by supporting community initiatives, developing a culture of active transportation and inspiring new citizens to take up the bicycle for daily trips.
Simon brings a wealth of knowledge, passion and eagerness for change and is really looking forward to working closely with council officials, campaign groups, all cyclists and the wider community to change Warwick district for the better.
Warwick District Council leader Coun Ian Davison said: “On behalf of the council I would like to congratulate Simon on his appointment as the district’s first Bicycle Mayor. All political parties on the council endorse his new role to promote cycling across the district. We look forward to collaborative initiatives to improve cycle safety and encourage more residents of all ages to enjoy the benefits of pedal power.”
For more information, visit www.bycs.org
