Ashley takes the chair of Cycling UKs Board of Trustees
We’re delighted to welcome Ashley Wheaton as Cycling UK’s new Chair of Trustees. A passionate cyclist and experienced leader, Ashley brings with him a wealth of experience from across the worlds of tech, entrepreneurship and education.
His career includes time at Microsoft, founding and selling his own software business, and now serving as Vice-Chancellor at the University College of Estate Management.
Away from work, Ashley’s love of cycling is front and centre. Whether it’s commuting on his Brompton, completing John o’ Groats to Land’s End or riding up the iconic Tourmalet ahead of the Tour de France, cycling is far more than a hobby for him – it’s a way of life.
“It gives me the mental release from my very demanding day job and the ability to relax in the freedom of cycling and switching off your brain,” he said.
Ashley’s motivation for taking on the role runs deep. After being seriously injured in a collision while cycling to work, he became a vocal advocate for safer roads.
“As I was stood at the side of the road bleeding... I really felt incredibly vulnerable. That’s what I want to see change.”
Now, as Chair, Ashley is focused on helping to grow Cycling UK’s reach, campaigning for safer streets and building a stronger sense of unity among all who ride. He is keen to make cycling normal, safe and accessible to all.
He said: “If we can blur the lines between ‘cyclists’ and everyday people who ride bikes, we can transform how the UK sees cycling – as transport, as recreation and as a force for good.”
Ashley said he was thrilled to take on his new role. “When I received the call to say I’d got the role, I quite literally had tears in my eyes. That’s how much this means to me.”
The role of the board of trustees is to govern Cycling UK and provide overall strategic direction to achieve its aims. The fundamental responsibility of trustees is to look after the resources given to Cycling UK by individuals and organisations, and ensure these resources are used effectively to achieve the particular purpose for which they were given. Minutes of board meetings are published on the Cycling UK website.
