I like working in open air to get more people on bikes
Andy Sargent is retired and lives in Syke, Rochdale and volunteers as a local ranger for the charity Sustrans on routes 92 and 66, which are part of the National Cycle Network – 14,700 miles of cycle and walking routes throughout the UK.
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Where do you live?: How did you first get into volunteering for Sustrans?: When I retired I started going further afield on my bike and exploring the cycle routes. It’s such a great resource and I wanted to help look after it. I had a bit of spare time and being a ranger appealed as the work helps to promote cycling.
What activities do you do as a Sustrans volunteer?:
I’m mainly responsible for path maintenance and signing. As rangers, we go along the route and put ourselves in the position of someone who is riding it for the first time and put up signs to help them to find their way. We also report problems to the local authorities who own the route, such as a fallen tree across the path. Sustrans created the National Cycle Network but many different landowners look after it.
What do you enjoy most about it?:
I really like the fact that it’s something I can do in the open air and the work helps more people to get out on their bikes. I think cycling really improves lives as it gets people out of cars, so it reduces traffic congestion What do you like to do in your spare time?: I love to get out on my bike and cycle further afield. I’ll take the bike over to Whalley and cycle through the Forest of Bowland or from Lancaster to Windermere. There are some lovely areas in Lancashire for cycling.
What’s your favourite thing about Rochdale?:
It’s great to be in the middle of some really beautiful countryside. There are a lot of good cycling routes from here and you tackle hills wherever you go. The Tour de France passed along Blackstone Edge, which is a classic