Adventure Syndicate co-founder and inspirational mountain biker Lee Craigie has been announced as the new Active Nation Commissioner for Scotland.
Lee, a former professional mountain bike racer, will act as a national advocate for walking and cycling.
Her role will be to raise the profile of inclusive and sustainable modes of travel while promoting their heath, environmental, social and economic benefits to everyone who lives, works in, or visits Scotland.
What is an Active Nation Commissioner?
The Scottish Government committed to appoint an Active Nation Commissioner, through the 2017 Programme for Government, to help encourage a more active nation.
With the doubling of the active travel budget to £80 million, Lee’s role is to act as a national advocate for walking and cycling, raising the profile of these inclusive and sustainable modes of travel while promoting their heath, environmental, social and economic benefits to everyone who lives, works in, or visits Scotland.
The Active Nation Commissioner reports to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, but works independently of government to help progress the recommendations of Active Travel Task Force Report and ensure that walking and cycling is accessible and inclusive for all.
Lee said: “A large part of my mountain bike racing career has been about taking risks. My present work with The Adventure Syndicate is all about encouraging and enabling young people, and particularly young women, to take their own risks – to step out of their comfort zone and do something different to make them feel healthier, happier and more in control of their lives. Adventure is everywhere. It doesn’t take much to help people realise that.”
Commenting on the job, Lee added: “The ambitious vision of the Scottish Government is what attracted me to this role, but it’s clear to everyone in the active travel community that there is a need to take a few more risks in order to achieve greater outcomes, faster than ever, so that even more people can connect and engage with lifelong walking and cycling.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “I’m delighted to have appointed Lee to the role and I am confident she will not only be an inspirational advocate for active travel, but also progress high impact policy development.”
Cycling UK also welcomed the news saying that Lee was the ideal advocate. Suzanne Forup, Cycling UK’s Head of Development in Scotland, said: “We’re delighted that Lee has been appointed to this high-profile role.
“As a founder of the Adventure Syndicate and with her experience of working with young people experiencing mental health issues, Lee understands how cycling can improve our health, enhance our wellbeing and reduce inequalities.
“We’re looking forward to working with Lee to achieve our ambition of enabling more people in Scotland to cycle for transport, leisure and adventure whatever their age or ability.”