This virtual panel event on the theme of cycle commuting will explore the barriers that different groups of society face to cycling to work, and what steps can be taken at a variety of scales to address these. Three speakers from a variety of organisations will briefly discuss their involvement with this topic, before engaging in a general discussion with questions from the audience.

Session breakdown

Introduction

Chair – Dr Matt Watson (University of Sheffield, Senior Lecturer)

Dr Matt Watson is a keen cycling enthusiast who regularly commutes to work by bike. His academic research revolves around understanding social change in relation to sustainability, and he has authored papers on urban mobility change. As well as engaging in research of reducing air travel, Dr Matt Watson has also chaired the University of Sheffield’s travel decarbonisation Task and Finish Group.

Speaker 1 - Darren Hardwick

Darren Hardwick is the Sustainable Travel Manager at the University of Sheffield. His work includes increasing cycling access and facilities around the university campus, and promoting sustainable travel amongst students and staff. He has been closely involved with the university travel decarbonisation task group.

Speaker 2 - Pete Zanzottera

Pete Zanzottera is an Active Travel Project Director for the Sheffield City Region, and works closely with the Active Travel Commissioner for Sheffield, Dame Sarah Storey. His work focuses on making the Sheffield City Region more accessible to cyclists and pedestrians. Pete is passionate about widening participation in cycling and creating a more sustainable way of living within the city.

Speaker 3 - Matt Cox & Beth Grylls

Matt Cox and Beth Grylls are both employees and co-owners of the Birmingham Bike Foundry. The Birmingham Bike Foundry is a worker co-operative and fully functioning bike repair shop in Stirchley, Birmingham. All the employees are members of the co-operative and have equal ownership of it. The Bike Foundry repairs bikes and offers cycle maintenance training to individuals, schools and organisations across the city. They aim to offer an affordable and environmentally friendly means of transport and leisure to as many people as possible.

Q & A/General Discussion

The rest of the event will comprise a general discussion between the chair, speakers and audience members. Questions will be taken from the audience.

Concluding remarks from the chair

If you tweet about the event, please use the hashtag #Barriers2Bikes and add the Grantham Centre handle @granthamcsf. For more upcoming free Grantham Centre events, please visit our website.