“A secret cabal of all powerful pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists engaged in a war on cars and hell bent on making our making our city healthier and less polluted, with safer streets and no through traffic on residential roads. They must be stopped” (Typical assessment on social media)
That is right, power crazed volunteers. Best described as a coalition of the willing. Willing to fight a largely thankless battle to keep active travel on the agenda in a world of ‘motornormality’ and ‘carbrain’. How do you get on the exec? You just have to be sadistic enough to want to be involved and you’re in! Yay!
We also have ‘Member Campaigners’. These are individuals who campion particular matters with our support. We have extensive knowledge of the mechanisms by which ‘things happen’, and are one of the best active travel consultancy around, also delivering exceptional value to the council tax payer being, er… free. In no particular order, we are:
The Exec
Adam Reynolds – Policy and Technical Guru
Key interests: National, regional, and local transport policy frameworks and data. Oh, partial to an allotment.
Why I do this: In 2013, I couldn’t see a way for me to let my then 10 year old daughter cycle to school, a 15 minute walk away.
My greatest achievement: Planting the seed for Low Traffic Neighbourhoods with my Bath 2018 TEDx talk. Infrastructure wise, has to be the Bath Quays Bridge.
Often heard saying: “Follow the money”
Frank Tompson – Secretary
Key interests:
1. Improving walking/wheeling/cycling infrastructure – for all abilities. 2. Improving motorised traffic behaviour, including banning pavement parking and enforcing speed limits.
Why I do this: A minor addiction really. I have to do something when I get out of bed so it may as well be putting my energies into something I know a little bit about.
My greatest achievement: Two Tunnels Greenway – being part of the community based group that came up with the idea and supported Sustrans in its delivery.
Often heard saying: “I’m only interested in putting my efforts into things that have at least a reasonable chance of success”
Member Campaigners
Saskia Heijltjes
Key interests: school streets, and safe streets for walking, wheeling, cycling and playing for children (and therefore for everyone)
Why I do this: to enable more people to walk and cycle for short journeys instead of using a car. I believe this will result in a happier, healthier, fairer, cleaner and quieter (I can go on!) community for all.
My greatest achievement: getting a Vision Zero motion unanimously adopted by Bath and North East Somerset Council
Often heard saying: “Paint is not protection”
Saskia is Councillor for Lambridge Ward and the council’s Member Advocate for Active Travel (Bath)
Talia Kelly
Key interests: education, active travel for children and their parents/carers, school streets, ‘playing out’ for all and community-building.
Why I do this: a reformedcar brain! Because I’ve realised how convenient and satisfying active travel is. I’m also acutely aware of how damaging, dangerous and divisive car dominance is.
My greatest achievement: slowly and steadily changing some minds with our recent Playing Out event outside Freshford Church School. More steps along this road to follow – watch this space…
Often heard saying: We can at least try, surely?
Talia is a parent voice and safeguarding lead governor at Freshford Church School
walkridebath.org.uk 