Matt Collas Awarded Latest "Yellow Guernsey" for Services to Active Travel
The Health Improvement Commission, with support from the Better Journeys Project, is delighted to announce the second recipient of the newly relaunched Yellow Guernsey Award.
The Yellow Guernsey Award recognises individuals who lead the way as active travel rolemodels in Guernsey's community. Inspired by a campaign delivered by Cycling UK, the award celebrates people who encourage and enable walking, cycling and other forms of sustainable transport. Like the leader of the Tour de France who wears the famous yellow jersey, Guernsey's recipients are presented with a specially knitted Le Tricoteur Yellow Guernsey.
The relaunched Yellow Guernsey Award was presented in July to Monty Desforges in recognition of his outstanding contribution to promoting active travel at the Sixth Form Centre.
The second recipient of the relaunched award is Matt Collas, whose commitment to encouraging cycling and active travel in Guernsey has made a significant impact across the island.
Matt is perhaps best known for the popular Only Fools and Donkeys cycling events, which have raised thousands of pounds for local charities, including the inclusive cycling charity Wheels for You. He has written and published a book celebrating cycling in Guernsey and organises two annual cycling sportives which are open to riders of all abilities.
In addition, Matt has supported the work of the Better Journeys Project through activities such as traffic counting and data collection and creation of the Guernsey Cycle Scheme. He is also an active member of the Guernsey Road Users Network, offering his design skills for free, and actively promotes sustainable travel through his work with Admiral Park Plaza. This has included organising events such as free bicycle maintenance sessions to encourage more people to cycle.
Matt has also generously supported the Health Improvement Commission through graphic design work that has helped promote cycling and active travel initiatives across the community.
Rollo de Sausmarez, Director of the Better Journeys Project, said:
"We look for true community champions who inspire others and drive change. Matt has all for those attributes in abundance and has been doing it all quietly for years. He’s truly a worthy winner.”
Amy Woollaston, Active Travel Officer for the Health Improvement Commission, said:
"Matt contributes to cycling in Guernsey in so many different ways, often behind the scenes and without seeking recognition. From supporting charities and community organisations to encouraging individuals to get back on a bike, his passion and commitment have helped make cycling more accessible, visible and enjoyable for many islanders. He embodies the spirit of the Yellow Guernsey Award."
The Yellow Guernsey Award is funded by Mourant and the Tom Dorey Eco Legacy via the Better Journeys Project, set up as a community initiative to help people make a sustainable and healthier change for the better. www.betterjourneys.life
Helen Wyatt, Mourant Managing Partner adds: ‘The Yellow Guernsey Award celebrates people who are helping to create lasting change in our community, and Matt is a fantastic example of this. His efforts to encourage cycling, support local charities and champion sustainable travel reflect the values at the heart of the Better Journeys Project. We're delighted to see his contribution recognised and congratulate him on this well-deserved award.’
If you know someone who deserves a Yellow Guernsey, please contact amy.woollaston@healthimprovement.gg. Nominations will be considered for future awards.
Comments