Personality of the Month - Tex Pemberton, West Sussex County Council
What is your job or other main activity that involves cycling?
I am the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport in West Sussex, an elected Member of West Sussex County Council
How long have you done that?
For more than 7 years.
Where do you live?
In a beautiful country lane in West Sussex.
What most encourages you about cycling where you live?
The challenge, mostly hills and the lovely countryside of the South Downs.
What most discourages you about cycling where you live?
First and foremost having returned to cycling, encouraged by my wife, I have been deeply concerned at the volume of traffic on the road and the lack of consideration for the cyclist. Passing is invariably too close and car drivers are too impatient to wait for the right opportunity to pass a cyclist. Secondly, I would perhaps prefer fewer hills in the area in which I cycle!
How would you describe yourself as a cyclist?
I am a born again cyclist, with a 45 year gap!
What is you earliest cycling memory?
As a young boy living in York I went with my father to a second-hand cycle shop and there picked out my very first cycle. I rode it home with my father riding at my side and ‘holding’ me up so that I would not fall off. I was about 7 at the time. Imagine doing that with today’s volume of traffic on the road!
Where is the best place you have ever cycled?
I think Florida rates the top, very flat and lots of off-road facilities for cycling in a lovely environment.
What is your greatest achievement, in terms of encouraging more people to cycle?
Raising the profile of cycling in the West Sussex 10-year Transport Plan (some call it the Local Transport Plan) and giving greater prominence to cycling in the county with a determination to get a modal shift, not just for leisure, but also commuting as an alternative means of transport. I am raising awareness more each year, getting a good response, creating more off-road cycle routes and expanding the cycling network, spending more money, encouraging formed enthusiastic bodies. I have appointed an elected Member as the West Sussex Cycling Champion
What single thing do you think would do most to encourage more cycling in the UK?
Sorry , not single, there are two that go together: more off-road facilities and linked with that, safe, secure parking for cycles.
What has been your favourite cycling experience?
My youth cycling activities in York that I have described above. Those were halcyon days
What was your worst cycling experience?
Haven’t had it yet!!
What is it about using your bike that you like the most?
Exercise, obviously, and when in country quiet lanes the freedom of movement – even quite fast – but with no noise whatsoever, just the enjoyment of the countryside.
The answers given are the opinion of the individual and do not necessarily reflect those of any organisation they may represent.
