We asked our 5 trustees why they chose to support Everybody’s Cycling by becoming a trustee.

Andy (Chairman)

  • How long have you been a trustee for Everybody’s Cycling?

Based in Scarborough I got involved with Get Cycling when they supported the local probation service in a project to teach people on community payback how to maintain and renovate old bikes and was invited to become a Director. When, in late 2019, the events arm of Get Cycling was spun off to form Everybody’s Cycling, I became the initial Chair of Trustees and have held this role ever since.

  • Why did you become a trustee?

If there’s a technology that could leave its users happier and healthier and yet, at the same time, make the world a better place for everyone else, then it’s the bicycle, so I’ve been promoting cycling in all its forms for many years. But getting more people cycling means having suitable cycles to ride and safe places for them to be ridden.

Launching a charity to run events in the face of a pandemic was tricky as well as frustrating, but we made use of what otherwise could have been lost time to make sure that all our rules and procedures were in place so that this year we’ve been able to hit the ground running and get on with what we were set up to do; without completely running down the budget. There have been a few changes of trustees over this time but we now have a settled, serious and committed group that I’m hopeful will see us continue to develop new projects and get even more people out on 2, 3 or even 4 wheels. The only thing we’re really missing among the trustees is someone with lived experience of disability.

  • What is your favourite cycling trip or cycling experience?

Like most people I don’t enjoy getting wet through with winter rain or being unable to get out on my bike because it’s too icy. Other than that, almost every ride is a pleasure. I particularly enjoy the daft route to the supermarket via the top of Oliver’s Mount: the location of Scarborough’s motor cycling circuit and, once a year, home to one of the rounds of the national cycling youth championships where the young riders who like going up hills can laugh at the sprinters who usually win.

Hilary (Secretary)

  • How long have you been a trustee for Everybody’s Cycling?

I’ve been a trustee since December 2020.

  • Why did you become a trustee?

I loved cycling with my second son, who had complex needs. We went to many hospital appointments with a bike and trailer (much easier than hospital car parking!) After he died in 2019 at the age of two, I wanted to keep in touch with the world of inclusive cycling. I am a fundraiser by profession and offering those skills to Everybody’s Cycling as a trustee seemed a natural step.

  • What is your favourite cycling trip or cycling experience?

When my children fall asleep on the bike, and I get to stop and enjoy a rest! I often take a book or some knitting along, or just watch the world go by for a few minutes. Millennium Bridge in York is a great spot for this.

Tim (Treasurer)

  • How long have you been a trustee for Everybody’s Cycling?

I joined in July 2021; it’s gone so quick!

  • Why did you become a trustee?

I was inspired by the vision of the trustees I joined in wanting to contribute to ensuring everyone can have the opportunity to cycle if they want to. Everybody’s Cycling is true to its name: an organisation that works to overcome the barriers and create the opportunities and give confidence to all types of cyclists. In my previous life I was a family doctor (GP) and appreciated how exercise including cycling can help with health and wellbeing. The meetings I have had as a trustee have actually been enjoyable, it’s great to feel part of a team of likeminded people where everyone’s contribution is valued. The thing I have enjoyed most is working as a volunteer at some of the events Everybody’s Cycling has put on. Joyful and fun.

  • What is your favourite cycling trip or cycling experience?

Coast and Castles Sustains route from Newcastle to Edinburgh – glorious!

Adrian (Trustee with safeguarding responsibilities)

  • How long have you been a trustee for Everybody’s Cycling?

Just over a year.

  • Why did you become a trustee?

I joined Everybody’s Cycling as a member when it first started, and responded to a request for members to volunteer as trustees because I’m very local to EC in York, have some time and relevant governance experience, and am interested in cycling for recreation and local transport. I recently joined a cycle try-out day with Everybody’s Cycling which was interesting and fun, and I was hugely impressed by the Everybody’s Cycling team, especially our General Manager, Jess.

  • What is your favourite cycling trip or cycling experience?

Most of my cycling lately is in and around York. I have very fond memories of a brilliant cycle touring holiday around the Scottish Highlands after my graduation in 1985, including the Isles of Mull and the stunning Iona, and have some thoughts of doing that again before too long..

Peter (Trustee)

  • How long have you been a trustee for Everybody’s Cycling?

Since its inception from 2019.

  • Why did you become a trustee?

I was interested in taking older people on Everybody’s Cycling’s companion side-by-side cycle and seeing other people enjoy cycling. I know my mother would have loved it after she had a stroke. 

  • What is your favourite cycling trip or cycling experience?

It has to be the Solar System route in York.

Interested in becoming a trustee?

We are looking for someone with lived disability experience and a passion for cycling to join our lovely volunteer board of trustees. Please contact us to register your interest and to find out more.

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