Steve Brooks
Steve Brooks joined Cycling UK as Director of External Affairs in July 2026, bringing more than 25 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs and campaigning across the charity and public sectors.
Inspired by a lifelong love of cycling that began exploring his hometown of Blackburn on a Raleigh Tomahawk, Steve has dedicated much of his career to helping organisations create positive social and environmental change. His previous roles include senior positions at Oxfam, the Sustainable Development Commission and the Electoral Reform Society.
Steve was an Executive Director at Sustrans between 2016 and 2021, initially joining as National Director for Wales. During his time there, he established the organisation’s UK external affairs directorate, co-founded the Walking & Cycling Alliance, and worked alongside Cycling UK and other partners to secure significant additional investment in active travel.
His experience spans policy, advocacy, communications and stakeholder engagement, with a strong track record of building influential partnerships and shaping public debate to deliver lasting change.
Alongside his executive career, Steve has served as a trustee of the walking charity, Living Streets, and was a Commissioner on the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales between 2022 and 2026, helping to shape long-term thinking on transport and infrastructure.
Steve is motivated by the opportunity to change the conversation around cycling and build a powerful, connected movement that can unlock the many benefits cycling brings to people, places and communities across the UK.
Outside of work, Steve remains a keen cyclist and enjoys exploring new places by bike, reflecting a passion that has stayed with him since childhood.
Our CEO, Sarah Mitchell, said:
"I'm delighted that Steve is joining us, he brings with him deep knowledge of active travel and of effective influencing, as well as broad knowledge from across the charity sector. Crucially, he also shares our passion for impact and our determination to enable many more people to have healthier, happier and greener lives through cycling. I'm looking forward to welcoming him to the team."
Speaking about joining Cycling UK, Steve said:
"I’m thrilled to be joining Cycling UK and leading a brilliant team. We live in an uncertain political and economic climate, but the solutions cycling offers have never been more obvious. My focus will be on changing the conversation around cycling and building a powerful, well-connected movement of supporters. It’s an incredibly exciting time for the charity, and by bringing together our dedicated members and local groups, we can drive lasting impact in communities right across the UK.”
