Cycling in North Wales Editor gets top Cycling Award

The work of thousands of local volunteers that helped to promote cycling in 2005 was recognised by CTC – the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation - at its AGM in April 2006.

For details of the extraordinary voluntary work carried out by all the winners, please click here

Council Chair Jill Kieran said “These awards are establishing themselves as a highlight of the CTC year. The contribution made by volunteers on behalf of their fellow cyclists is remarkable, without them so much of what we do would not be possible.”

The words below are extracted from the citations received in support of each winner and from the comments of the judges.

Roy Spilsbury - Regional Winner for Wales and CTC National Volunteer of the Year 2005, winner of the Moss Medallion

Roy Spilsbury has for many years worked to promote CTC and cycling in Wales, but particularly in North Wales. He is a founder member of CTC Cymru, of which he is a previous Secretary and presently Vice Chair, and he is very active in the Right to Ride network. In 2005 he has been particularly active devoting much time to fighting local opposition to the proposed Glan Conwy cycle route. Roy campaigned actively for the route, working closely with both Sustrans and Conwy Council and he gave evidence at the resulting Public Enquiry. Not just a campaigner he also founded the CTC Colwyn Bay Mid -Week Section, which he particularly targeted at those returning to cycling, particularly on retirement. The result has been a thriving mid-week section where, even in winter, 20 riders meet to cycle along the North Wales coastal route. In partnership with his Right to Ride colleague Maurice Clarke, he also edits the much visited North Wales Cycling website.

Roy would be a worthy winner of a CTC award on any occasion, but the beginning of 2006 saw this award take on special significance.

With the tragic death of four Rhyl Cycling Club members near Abergele in January 2006, Roy became the “voice of the CTC” both on the TV and radio, and also in the local newspapers, being contacted immediately after the tragedy by the media not only because he was so well known, but as someone who has been close to the Rhyl cyclists as a personal friend since he was involved in founding the cycling club in the town.

Despite being so personally close to the tragedy it was Roy who was able to give a local and national perspective to the problems facing cyclists on our roads, and shortly afterwards he began campaigning for a commemorative network of quiet lanes to be established near the town.

On winning his award, Roy Spilsbury said: "In this, my fiftieth year of CTC membership, it is an immense privilege to have received this Merit Award, primarily for my work as a CTC Right to Ride Representative. Never before have so many people wanted, and needed, to ride a bicycle. But paradoxically, never has cycling been under such threat. Any success I have achieved has only been possible through the superb and often unsung support of CTC professional staff. I would urge fellow members, whatever their skill or experience, to consider joining our Right to Ride Network. I promise they will never have a dull moment - or find a better way to serve their community!"

CTC National Volunteer of the Year 2005, regional winner for Wales and winner of the Moss Medallion - Roy Spilsbury

CTC National Volunteer of the Year 2005 runner up and regional winner for London - Clive Oxx

CTC National Volunteer of the Year 2005 third place and regional winner for the Southeast - Steve Carpenter

CTC Voluntary Group of the Year runner up - Diss Section of Norfolk District Association

For details of the extraordinary voluntary work carried out by all the winners, please go to www.ctc.org.uk and follow the link.