Cllr Jacey Jackson is new Cycling Champion for Winchester

Press Release: 30/06/2010

Winchester has a new Cycling Champion in Cllr Jacey Jackson, who represents the Littleton and Harestock ward. The appointment was announced at last week’s Cabinet meeting, and has been welcomed by the portfolio holder for High Quality Environment.

Cllr Eleanor Bell, whose brief includes transport, commented: "Jacey is ideal for this role, having cycled and promoted cycling all her life. There’s no doubt that more people are looking at cycling for leisure and as a viable travel option for shorter journeys; and we want to make sure cyclists have a fair deal in the Winchester Town Access Plan, which will be consulted on shortly."

Cllr Jackson runs her own business as a freelance cycling instructor and has run cycle training courses in schools under the HCC scheme since 1990. She recently helped to run a very successful Bike Week locally.

Talking about her new role, Cllr Jackson said: "I’m delighted to have been asked to take on this role; it shows the priority that the Lib Dem administration is giving to greener transport policies."

She added: "I intend to raise the profile of cycling in the district. The more people there are cycling on our roads, the safer it becomes. Cycling ticks all the right boxes – it costs less, it doesn’t pollute our environment, it improves health and fitness and enhances social cohesion. After a couple of confidence building lessons, it’s very gratifying to see people overcoming their fear of road traffic and riding a bike instead of driving their car."

To find out more about cycling in Winchester, contact Cllr Jackson at the City Council on jjackson@winchester.gov.uk