Chris Boardman says his role as Greater Manchester Cycling & Walking Commissioner can help cyclists across Britain (+ video)

Chris Boardman believes his new role as Greater Manchester’s first cycling and walking commissioner can help benefit cyclists across Great Britain.

The former Olympic and world champion cyclist, who was appointed to the role by Mayor Andy Burnham last month, will continue to work as British Cycling policy advisor, a position in which he has become an articulate and passionate campaigner for cyclists.

“In a sense, I’ll be enhancing my qualifications and be able to advance the cause, which is just allowing more people to ride bikes and get around by bikes and walking,” he said.

“This is probably the best mechanism that we at British Cycling could ever have had given to us to get the job done.

“With all the work at British Cycling I’ve come to get an understanding of the challenges of cycling and walking, like why people don’t do it, why people don’t create the infrastructure for it and the politics that are in the way,” Boardman added.

“Now I’ve got an opportunity to be on the other side of the fence and help to clear some of those obstacles away.”

British Cycling’s CEO Julie Harrington commented: “Chris Boardman’s passion in campaigning for better places to live and work for all road users over the last five years as British Cycling’s policy adviser make him ideally placed to take on this role. He will be a fantastic asset to the mayor’s team.”

Announcing Boardman’s appointment in July, former cabinet minister Burnham said: “I am a big believer in physical activity because it has a positive impact on both physical and mental health.

> Chris Boardman becomes Greater Manchester's first cycling and walking commissioner

“Going from inactivity to activity is often one of the easiest and most positive lifestyle changes people can make.

“Having taken that step, people are then more likely to make other changes – be that in smoking, drinking or diet.

“We need to encourage the people in our city region to move more, to cycle and walk and maximise the contribution to being a healthy society.”

He added: “I want Greater Manchester to be the sport and physical activity capital of the world.”

Boardman expands on his comments in this video released by British Cycling today.

A new role, unchanged goals@Chris_Boardman explains his new role as Cycling and Walking Commissioner for Greater #Manchester pic.twitter.com/a4bQFYB4vg

— British Cycling (@BritishCycling) August 29, 2017