Bikeability Trust appoints Former Minister Trudy Harrison as Chair

Former government minister Trudy Harrison has been appointed as the new Chair of The Bikeability Trust, bringing her extensive experience in transport policy and public service to the UK’s national cycle training programme.

Harrison, previously the Member of Parliament for Copeland, served as a Minister for the Environment and as Minister for Transport was responsible for active travel during the establishment of Active Travel England. She has long been an advocate for cycling, walking and wheeling, and has played a key role in shaping policies designed to increase active travel participation nationally. Harrison also taught Bikeability when a school governor.

Speaking on her appointment, Trudy Harrison said: “Enabling more people to walk, wheel and cycle safely has been a major focus throughout my career, and I am delighted to take on the role as chair at The Bikeability Trust. Supporting children and families to develop the confidence to cycle is critical in creating a healthier future for Britain. Bikeability has done incredible work delivering high-quality cycle training, and I look forward to helping drive this vital work forward.”

The Bikeability Trust is the government-backed charity responsible for delivering the national cycle training programme, which has equipped more than 5 million children with the skills to cycle safely and confidently on the road. Under Harrison’s leadership, the Trust aims to further expand its reach, ensuring more communities can benefit from high-quality cycle training.

Emily Cherry, Chief Executive of The Bikeability Trust, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Trudy as our new Chair. Her passion and deep understanding of the work we do will be invaluable in championing our mission to make cycling and independent travel accessible to all. With Trudy’s guidance, we look forward to strengthening our work with government, local authorities and industry partners to embed Bikeability and cycling as an essential life skill.”

The Bikeability Trust continues to work closely with schools, training providers, local authorities and government to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn to cycle, supporting the next generation to become safer, more confident, more independent and healthier.