I’m Russell, the headteacher at Doddinghurst Junior School in Brentwood. As a regular cyclist and advocate for promoting healthy lifestyles amongst children, I am thrilled at the opportunity to become a School Cycling Champion for the Ford RideLondon-Essex Being a Cycling Champion would allow me to combine my love for cycling with my desire to make a positive impact on young people’s lives (within my school community) and by promoting the benefits of cycling and physical activity, I hope to inspire children to adopt healthy habits that will benefit them for a lifetime. Organising cycling-themed activities within schools would not only be enjoyable but also educational, teaching children valuable skills such as bike safety and maintenance.

I really enjoy road biking and over the years, I’ve participated in numerous charity events, including Essex 100 and London Revolution. These events have not only provided me with opportunities to challenge myself physically but also allowed me to contribute to meaningful causes within my community.

Cycling isn’t just a hobby for me; it’s a way of life. I recognise the immense benefits it brings to both physical and mental well-being, and as part of my commitment, I’ve incorporated cycling into my daily routine by commuting to school whenever possible, completing a rigorous 35-mile round trip.

On average, I cover at least 50 miles per week (minimum) on my bike, ensuring that I not only stay in peak physical condition but also continue to experience the sense of freedom and adventure that cycling offers.

There are a few ways in which I aim to engage my school with the Ford RideLondon-Essex weekend, including organising cycling workshops, promoting the event by utilising school assembly’s, newsletters, and social media channels. I also hope to create incentive programmes, so the children have a gamified approach to get involved. I will also organise school cycling events and encourage peer-to-peer promotion by empowering students to become ambassadors for cycling within their peer groups, as this can be highly effective. I would encourage passionate cyclists to share their experiences and enthusiasm with their classmates, spreading the message of the benefits of cycling and encouraging more children to give it a try.