Sarah Roberts will be joining Walk Wheel Cycle Trust as our new CEO in the Autumn.
New CEO Sarah Roberts will join Walk Wheel Cycle Trust in the Autumn.
We have appointed a new Chief Executive to lead our new strategy to transform the UK by 2050 into a nation where everyone can walk, wheel and cycle when they want, wherever they live.
Sarah Roberts will be joining Walk Wheel Cycle Trust as our new CEO in the Autumn, bringing with her a wealth of experience from across the charity and active travel sectors.
She’ll be joining the charity, having previously been CEO of international development organisations, Practical Action and the Ethical Tea Partnership.
Sarah’s focus will be to lead Walk Wheel Cycle Trust as we take forward our new strategy, which over the next four years will see us connect more communities, link the National Cycle Network with local walking, wheeling and cycling networks across the country, and create a people-powered movement to drive the transformation we want to achieve in communities across the UK.
Sarah Roberts said: “Throughout my career, I’ve worked to support people facing disadvantage to improve their lives, develop thriving inclusive communities and improve environmental sustainability, which is why I wanted to join Walk Wheel Cycle Trust at this pivotal moment for the charity.
“I can’t wait to join the team focusing on enabling millions more people to walk, wheel and cycle. This work is transformational at so many levels – improving health and wellbeing, connecting communities and building societal cohesion and reducing environmental impacts. It really does change everything. I am looking forward to working with communities and partners across the UK to make this a reality.”
Sarah has been actively involved with sustainable transport, from making it easy and safe to cycle in cities to improving sustainable transport in the countryside. She has just completed her term as co-chair of Hope Valley Climate Action, which co-ordinated work with local and national stakeholders to generate £12 million in investment from national and regional government to develop a high-quality integrated public transport approach for rural areas.
Moray Macdonald, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, said: “We’re excited to welcome Sarah as our new chief executive. Her wealth of experience and clear enthusiasm for walking, wheeling and cycling will be a huge advantage to the charity as we take forward our bold new strategy.
“Our goals for the years ahead are ambitious, because they need to be. By giving people more choice in how they get around we create a ripple effect that changes everything, from our physical health and mental wellbeing to making our world a better place to live.
“We look forward to continuing our vital work with Sarah leading the charity, making it possible for everyone to walk, wheel and cycle, safely, healthily and joyfully.”
The announcement comes following the departure in April of Xavier Brice, who led the charity for a decade. Harry Hayer, Interim CEO, will continue to lead Walk Wheel Cycle Trust as Interim CEO until Sarah’s arrival in the autumn.
