Famous scuba diver joins National Cycling Strategy Board

Norris said:

"Chris and Alison will offer us great insight into cycle sport and public health respectively. I am delighted we have added two such enthusiastic individuals to the team."

The appointments were made by Transport Minister, John Spellar, following recommendations by Mr Norris.

Dr Alison Hill has a background in hospital medicine and public health. She is Director of the Public Health Resource Unit, a unit of the Institute of Health Science at Oxford. She is also Programme Director of the South East Region Public Health Observatory, a joint initiative between the Public Health Resource Unit and the University of Oxford. She replaces Professor Sian Griffiths, who has had to resign due to pressure of other work, as the health representative on the Board.

Boardman is an expert advisor on the British Cycling’s World Class Performance Plan and a long-time champion of cyclists’ rights.

The most recent meeting of the board took place last week. BA president Phillip Darnton and Andrew Croasdale of media agency Circus gave a 1.5 hour presentation on the benefits of marketing cycling. The pair received a round of applause when they finished, and have been asked to compile a business plan for the marketing of cycling. This will be presented to the Department of Transport, which could release millions of pounds for a pro-cycling marketing blitz.

PIC SHOWS: Gary Coltman, left, with the famous scuba diver.