Blyth gets its own dedicated Bike It officer

Sustrans Richard Rothwell has joined sustainable transport charity Sustrans as a Bike It officer, encouraging pupils in Blyth to cycle to school.

Over three years, Rothwell will manage a number of initiatives, events and activities at schools in the area to boost levels of cycling. He will show children how to maintain their bikes to ensure they are safe, while delivering classroom curriculum activities related to cycling and health. He’ll also organise cycling challenges, competitions and activities to encourage the children to have fun while riding.

In the first year, Rothwell will work intensively with 12 schools and will then support these schools in the second and third years, while also taking on new schools to work with.

He said: “I took up the post because it’s so hands on. I get to speak with, and teach, children, teachers and parents about the benefits of cycling. I believe that makes the difference and that’s what’s so good about Bike It.”