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Sustrans
Cycling Rangers work in tandem
Think of a ‘Ranger’ and what do you envisage? Perhaps the Countryside Ranger protecting wildlife and habitats? The Forest Ranger managing our ancient woodlands? Or perhaps the Urban Park Ranger working with disaffected youths? Then there are those other more “mythical” rangers - the Power Ranger; the Texas Ranger or even the Lone Ranger on his white horse. But there’s yet another sort of Ranger – not mythical but very real; not on horseback but on a bike - not exactly masked riders of the plains but definitely heroes of sorts. Sustrans, the UK’s leading green transport charity, relies on over 1,600 “Volunteer Rangers” to help maintain sections of the National Cycle Network. Jo Barrell of Sustrans explains.
The Volunteer Ranger Programme
Sustrans UK-wide series of cycling and walking routes linking
communities to schools, stations, city centres, and to the countryside started
with a Millennium Commission Lottery Grant of £43.5 million in 1995. Ten
years on, the National Cycle Network comprises almost 10,000 miles of safe,
attractive cycling and walking routes. So why do we need so many people to volunteer
as “Sustrans Rangers”? Because, as the National Cycle Network grows,
so does the need to maintain it.
Shortly after the receipt of the Lottery grant, an appeal was
made to Sustrans’ supporters asking for help maintaining the Network and
an impressive 400 people responded. In 2001, with money from trusts and a grant
from the Community Fund, the “Volunteer Ranger Programme” was set
up, to better co-ordinate these dedicated volunteers and begin recruiting many
more country-wide. In 2003 our efforts were recognised when we won the UK Charity
Award for the programme.
It’s both Sustrans’ efforts and the hard work of the volunteers that make the programme so successful. A recent independent study concluded that Sustrans “Rangers” are motivated to volunteer by a commitment to both the environment and to cycling and that based on an average two hours a week, are equivalent to an extra 80 full-time staff. Life is never dull for Sustrans “Volunteer Rangers”. Some of the tasks they perform include:
Close partnerships
It’s not surprising, feeling so passionately as they
do about bicycles, that Sustrans Rangers understand the importance of working
in tandem (no pun intended)! They have close partnerships with authorities,
keeping them informed of any problems that needs their attention. Local Authorities
are ultimately responsible for ensuring that the routes are well maintained.
This means keeping them as safe and attractive as possible for cyclists, walkers
and wheelchair users. 60% of Rangers work in groups, each co-ordinated by a
volunteer Liaison Ranger, and our aim is to have most Rangers working together
in this way so that they can benefit from each other’s experience and
skills.
Thus you can see that Sustrans Rangers aren’t ‘lone’ Rangers at all. Neither are they alone in their passion for a future where people travel in ways which benefit their health and the environment.
Visit sustrans or call 0845 1130065 for more information.