John Grimshaw (cyclist)

John Grimshaw CBE (born 1945) is a voice for cyclists in the UK.

Route 8 sign near Harlech, North Wales

National Cycle Network signpost near Penelewey

Sustrans, run by Grimshaw, started the National Cycle Routes. The signposts are a cycle with a number outlined in red. Also, on the routes, there is usually a cast-iron signpost. Grimshaw has a signpost in his front garden as a reminder of his work.

After 30 years with Sustrans, Grimshaw decided to step down from the role of Chief Executive,^[1] wanting to pursue other opportunities.

After stepping down, Grimshaw remained active advising and surveying potential new cycle routes for Cycling England^[2] before its abolition in 2011.

Personal life

Grimshaw married his first wife, Rosalind, and moved to a commune in Clifton, Bristol looking over the Clifton Suspension Bridge. He fathered four children with Rosalind. However, the eldest died in infancy from a hole in his heart. The couple divorced in the mid-1980s. Now, Grimshaw is with his partner, Sue, in Clifton Wood, Bristol.

A cousin is the architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw.

Honours

• Honorary Master of Science (MSc) from University of Bristol (2007)^[3]
• Appointed an CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to the development of the national cycle network. (2008)^[4]

References

Further reading

• Gould, Mark (8 June 2005). "The seat of power". The Guardian.