A 'NOTABLE increase' in cycling since the Covid pandemic has led to the search of a new 'bicycle mayor' for the Tyne Valley to champion two-wheeled travel.

Cycling is seeing a surge in popularity at the moment, propelled by the current Tour of Britain and in the media by the success of Netflix's documentary series Tour de France: Unchained.

Transport chiefs' £500million strategy to increase the number of short, active journeys in the north east by 45 per cent by 2035 is also set to include the creation of a cycling 'superhighway' running between Newcastle and Carlisle. 

The 'bicycle mayor' position will be a voluntary role designed to 'help all who ride a bike in the Tyne Valley.'

There are currently thirteen bicycle mayors and youth bicycle mayors across the UK and the new recruit will be the fourteenth.

Bicycle mayors collaborate with residents, activists, local councils, and businesses; promote the work of others in their area; share best practice and lessons learned; and collaborate on regional and global efforts during a two-year term.

The successful candidate would become part of a supportive global network, the Bicycle Mayor Network (BYCS), based in Amsterdam, where the first bicycle mayor was elected in 2016.

The bicycle mayor network will support them through newsletters, working groups, training, workshops, events and a resource hub, and be backed up by regular one-on-one check-ins.

Representatives from some of the Tyne Valley councils would act as a local support group too.

Hexham Town Councillor John Ord said: “I am very excited to be part of this search for a bicycle mayor for the Tyne Valley. This is a wonderful area for cycling.

"Since Covid lockdown there has been a notable increase in the numbers of people cycling and we’d like to continue and encourage that trend through the bicycle mayor initiative.

"Town and parish councils from Haltwhistle to Wylam recognise the importance of active travel in reducing carbon emissions and in enabling healthy lifestyles.

"A Tyne Valley bicycle mayor could promote the environmental and health benefits of cycling especially among traditionally under-represented groups such as women and young people.

"BYCS is especially interested in having applications from minorities, women and students who can spread the message of cycling as fun as well as good for you and the environment.

"Anyone interested can contact me by email for more information and an application form."

Hexham mayor Derek Kennedy added: “We are looking for a bicycle mayor to cover the Tynedale area; they will act as an advocate for cycling in the district and help co-ordinate activity and plans for improved facilities."

Toby Price, cycling education consultant and founder of Cycling Minds also welcomed the news of bikes becoming a priority in Hexham.

He said: “Any steps that help improve cycling infrastructure and get more people out of their cars and on bikes are welcome.

"That said, in my opinion, it is important to adopt a joined-up approach across the county. The North East Active Travel Strategy Delivery Plan includes appointing an Active Travel Ambassador for the region.

"Their remit will be to champion and promote cycling and walking and lobby for funding for the region, which is very similar to the role of the Tyne Valley bicycle mayor, so I hope they will work together to avoid any overlap and join forces where appropriate”.

For further information email johnord8@gmail.com or from the Bicycle Mayor Network website at www.bycs.org.