meet the bike for good team
We are an interesting, dedicated bunch of people who like to share their cycling enthusiasm with anyone and everyone. Below are a few random facts and pictures to give you a better feel for who we are.
Greg Kinsman-Chauvet
CEO (Cycling Enthusiast Officer)
Tourer and Commuter
Professional life:
- Ex-corporate slave with 7 years’ experience in IT, finances and Marketing Management
- My life changed when I learned to ride a bike at the age of 30.
- I set-up the charity in 2010 to change more lives through cycling.
Socially I like:
- My hobbies are cycling round the world, and round it again and hopefully again.
- I am so excited about cycling that I was on the News of the World naked (part of the Naked Bike Ride obviously).
Contact me about: Big ideas and changing the world through cycling
Contact me on:
Colin Freeman
Operations Manager
Social Cyclist & self-proclaimed Ironman Triathlon racing legend!
Professional life:
- Joined Bike for Good in April 2015 as Operations Manager of all aspects of the Social Enterprise sector of the Organisation including Haugh Road & Victoria Road shops and workshops, Volunteers, B2B/Outreach department and the operation of Glasgow Nextbike, Glasgow’s mass automated bike hire scheme.
- Before that? Ran my own Triathlon Coaching Company in Toronto, Canada for 3 years, ran my own Triathlon retail business in Scotland for 7 years and before that was Area Manager for Scotland for Cafe Nero for 7 years.
Socially I like:
- If I’m not working, I’m training. If I’m not training, I’m eating, drinking or sleeping. A full but simple life!
Contact me on: colin@bikeforgood.org.uk
Victoria Leiper
Head of Projects
Daily commuter, serial bike buyer and occasional cycle tourer.
Professional life:
- Project Coordinator for youth charity/social enterprise Transition Extreme – an indoor skatepark and climbing wall
- Development Officer for Cycling UK – running a city wide youth cycling project called Bike Club
- Joined Bike for Good in 2012 as Campaign Manager and over the last 7 years built up our community outreach programme.
Socially I like:
- Running up and down the hills and mountains of Scotland
- Making clothes – badly (but it is the effort that counts)
Contact me on: victoria@bikeforgood.org.uk
Shgufta Anwar
South Community Hub Leader
Part time/wannabe cyclist & Hijabi rider.
Professional life:
• Joined Bike for Good in April 2017 as Development Officer for the new Glasgow South Community Hub after having worked with the organisation on a previous project for s number of years and thought it was a pretty cool place to work….
• Project Manager at Al-Meezan for various climate change projects developing a food and community garden, resourcefulness workshops, helping people to improve energy efficiency and starting the now very popular BME ladies cycling group.
• Campaigns Officer for Scottish Natural Heritage running campaign on the Big 5 (can you guess what they are?)
• Communications Manager for General Motors (and current role is repentance for earlier climate sins!)
• Assistant Product Manager at PC World started my graduate career into the world of marketing with Monday morning 6.30am starts!
• Various retail positions where I learned to spend my salary on clothes quicker than I was earning it (and that was with staff discounts!)
Socially I like:
• Studying (don’t ask! – I forever seem to have an exam or deadline)
• Raising 2 young girls and nurturing their passions for cycling (my youngest wants to be an Olympic cyclist!)
• Being the hostess with the mostest – whether that’s cooking up storm or organising a good get together with friends and family or a good party – happiest around people.
• Helping others whether its political activism or speaking up for the oppressed or abused or fundraising.
Contact me on: shgufta@bikeforgood.org.uk
JanieB Smit
Volunteer Coordinator
Outdoors, cycle touring, hiking and traveling
Professional life:
- Joined Bike for Good in 2015 as a volunteer
- Project manager – mobile app development
- Digital – film media – Cooked in Africa Studio
- Digital media – Cosmopolitan, Bicycling magazine, Runner’s World, Golf Digest, Men’s Health, Shape magazine
- Overland safari guide – South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe
Socially I like:
- Having a good barbecue no matter where or when
- To travel if the money tree will just grow faster
- A good book
- Music – in my ears
- A great podcast
- I once was a contestant on a reality tv show…
Contact me about: Volunteering opportunities
Contact me on: janie@bikeforgood.org.uk
Joanna Soraghan
Development Officer
Slow and steady tourer currently on maternity leave
Professional life:
- After not cycling since I was a child, I bought myself a new bicycle at the age of 26 and haven’t looked back since.
- My budding career in statistics was thrown to the side and I headed off on a bicycle tour from Canada to Chile, before coming home to find Bike for Good and my current job as Development Officer.
- I coordinate and deliver our outreach programme in schools, alongside the wonderful Bike Academy team.
When I’m back from maternity, contact me on: joanna@bikeforgood.org.uk
Richard Andrews
B2B Coordinator
In denial about being a middle aged man in lycra
Professional life:
- Worked in bike shops for years, now enjoys engaging with the cycling scene in a non-retail capacity
Socially I like:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Adventure
Contact me about: B2B opportunities
Contact me on: richard@bikeforgood.org.uk
Raymond Gibb
Workshop Coordinator
MTB – BMX – cruising aroon’
Professional life:
- BFG life started for me in August of 2014. I began as a part time mechanic and have since spannered and torqued my way up the drivetrain to be the workshop Coordinator. A challenge it has been but rewarding none the less – as are all climbs.
- Bmx instructor for Radworx Action Sports – riding your bike and being paid, nothing better!
- Chef at Rogano – Slicing, dicing, chopping and mopping.
- Cosy Camper – Working at all major festivals in the UK (Party central)
- Furniture restorer, cabinet maker and upholsterer.
Socially I like:
- My hobbies and interests can be found here @constructingraymond
- Anything and everything that keeps my mind active!
Contact me on: raymond@bikeforgood.org.uk
Carol Harkins
HR & Admin
Our collective auntie
Professional life:
- Spent 30 years working for a privately owned company working my way up to Head of HR then seen the light and moved to the third sector.
- Started my third sector journey working for Cruse Bereavement Care covering maternity leave and loved every moment.
- Been with Bike for Good since August 2016 as HR/Admin Officer. Love the values and ethos of the organisation and how everyone talks the talk and walks the walk!
Socially I like:
- Looking after my family!
- I am a keen traveller and live for my holidays
- I also like to try to keep active mainly by walking, cycling (still learning) and yoga
Contact me on:
Paul Clarkson
Training Officer
Wannabe shredder, will ride any bike
Professional life
- Started in the cycling industry in 2010 as a Volunteer in a recycling project in Fremantle, Australia.
- Started at BfG in 2014 as a bike mechanic before moving to the projects.
- Mountain Bike leader, fixer of bikes, teacher of maintenance.
- Skinny panda, was one of the many jobs that I have done in the past
Socially I like:
- Beer
- Burgers
- Bikes
- Coffee
- Travel
- Greyhounds
Contact me about: Bike Academy
Contact me on: paul@bikeforgood.org.uk
Nina Borcard
Development Officer
Professional life
- Cycle trainer for a bike project aiming at young adults in Switzerland
- Press officer Intern at the Federal Office for the environment in Switzerland
- Postgraduate Degree in Environmental Communication at Glasgow Uni
- A few months of volunteering at Bike for Good while studying
Socially I like:
- Bike touring
- Hillwalking
- Trying new sports, especially water sports
- Good wine
Contact me about:
Wheelbeing and Bikes For All
Contact me on: nina@bikeforgood.org.uk
Kimberley White
Communications Officer
Books and bikes and brains
Professional life
- After an initial stint in advertising, I went on to working with entrepreneurs to develop their marketing and build their businesses
- I worked overseas in Bangladesh on a textiles business development project, assisting local entrepreneurs
- I then coordinated projects and marketing for Textiles Scotland for a few years
- Currently studying for a Masters in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Developing a cycling hobby on my round the world travels led me to Bike For Good in 2019!
Socially I like:
- Backpacking around this weird and wonderful world
- Drinking coffee
- Yoga
- Cycling the canal paths of Glasgow
- Reading all about the brain
Contact me about:
Communications and marketing
Contact me on: kimberley@bikeforgood.org.uk
Eilidh Graham
Cycle trainer
Cargo bike queen
Professional life
- Studied Community Arts, and started working in the arts, but gradually shifted to ‘community cycling’, although still manage to fit in some art and music, and sometimes manage to do some collaborations to create some fun and interesting projects!
- Volunteered and worked sessionally around Glasgow since 2010 with various cycle charities, working with different groups. Now I see Glasgow as a big village where I can cycle everywhere and always see familiar faces.
Socially I like:
- When I’m not working I’m also still cycling, and encouraging others to do so. I often cycle a different way home to see what I can discover.
- Playing in a massive samba band and making people smile and dance (including me!)
- Hosting people from all around the world in my home and showing them our wonderful city (also many touring cyclists!)
- Cycle touring; have cycled in France, Spain, Morocco, Brazil, Sri Lanka and India, looking forward to covering more!
Contact me on: eilidh@bikeforgood.org.uk
Lorna Stubbs-Davies
Events Coordinator
Long time cycle commuter, first time cycle tourer
Professional life
- I joined Bike for Good in January ‘18 as a volunteer, soon took on a month-long internship before happily joining the team as a full-time member in June ‘18!
- Before upgrading to Glasgow I studied art in Edinburgh where I was a keen cycling commuter
Socially I like:
- Sharing meals with friends
- Planning lazy Highland escapes
- Drawing, sewing and graphic design if the mood takes me
Contact me about:
Velocommunities and the Southside Hub
Contact me on: lorna@bikeforgood.org.uk
Chris Watson
MACH Maintenance Coordinator
A man of many parts
Professional life
- I studied at GSA in the MacIntosh studios and moved to England for a career as a Freelance illustrator for Magazines, Fashion, Music & Books. I have an online shop for prints and still do art & design commissions part time.
- I joined the Cyclists Touring Club age 13, then Central Scotland Wheelers. I got a motorbike at 21, joined Glasgow Mercury MCC and taught myself to repair and service my own motorbikes and bicycles.
- My family returned to Scotland in 2013 & was hired at BfG as a part time mechanic for the nextbike launch in 2014, becoming team co-ordinator in 2016.
Socially I like:
- Being outdoors
- Spending time with family & friends
- Cycling for sport will do 2 or 3 group rides, track, cross or road race most weeks.
- Good company, good chat, good food & drink.
- Music, gigs, dancing, films.
- Books, drawing, writing.
Contact me about:
Nextbikes
Contact me on: chriswatson@bikeforgood.org.uk
Hannah Hughes
Training Officer
Mountain loving adventurer and serial volunteer
Professional life
-
I currently oversee the Community Programme at our Glasgow South branch. This is great fun as I get to work with people across the community and make sure we’re delivering activities according to what people want! Before moving to Glasgow in 2017 I was…
- Volunteer Mechanic at Pedaller’s Arms DIY Bike Workshop in Leeds
- Youth worker with Leeds City Council
- Mountain Leader outdoor instructor
- Bikeability Instructor in Leeds Primary Schools
- Director & Co-founder of Leeds Bike Mill CIC in Leeds
- Maintenance Instructor & Mechanic at Leeds Bike Mill
Socially I like:
- Walking, mountaineering, climbing, cycle touring, camping, and exploring
- Music, dancing, and festivals
- Volunteering with Living Rent, Glasgow’s Tenants Union
- Volunteering at Bikes for Refugees & Unity Centre
Contact me about:
Activities at Glasgow South Community Hub
Contact me on: hannah@bikeforgood.org.uk
Gail Murray
Cycle Trainer & Coordinator
Fun, friendly, and ‘to the point’
Professional life
- Bought a bike and child carrier after being made redundant and had to give up my car.
- Completed my Cycle Trainer qualification and worked for 2 and half years as a self-employed instructor
- Started working for Bike For Good – still haven’t replaced the car!
Socially I like:
- Amateur dramatics
- Running
- Art / painting / face painting
- Reading
- Walking and Swimming
- Anything that does not involve computers (they don’t like me)
Contact me about:
Cycle lessons, cycle training and PCAT courses
Contact me on: gail@bikeforgood.org.uk
Sarah McAllister
Cycle trainer
An energetic body, mind and soul
Professional life
- From chippy to chambermaid, library assistant to literary agency, eventually taking on a role in a corporate profit mongering health and fitness club in London. I consoled myself with plenty of perks, free spa, steam rooms, gym, etc.
- Self employed yoga teacher and massage therapist for many years leading to a role working for a Glasgow charity organising and leading recreational activities for adults and children with a visual impairment. Loved that job!
- Currently studying to qualify as a personal trainer. One day this WILL happen…
- Always keen to work in a role that celebrates a wider and worthy cause. I started volunteering for Bike for Good last year and was delighted to be given the opportunity to become a cycle trainer. Everyday is a school day…
Socially I like:
- I adore fitness training – just completed my first marathon in a respectable time, inspiring me to give the Glasgow half marathon in September a bit more welly!
- Creating and sharing music playlists
- Documentaries, especially about people and places
- Food glorious food and a few bevvies to wash it down!
- The Brass Monkey pub quiz on a Sunday with hubby and friends
Contact me about:
Cycle training at the Southside Hub
Contact me on: sarah@bikeforgood.org.uk
Alasdair (Ali) Ness
Training Officer
Mountain Bike Enthusiast, Trail Builder and general cycle lover!
Professional life
- Started out in the bike industry in 2016 working as a sales mechanic at Dales Cycles
- In 2017 i started volunteering with Sustrans to give something back to local communities and develop my cycle ride leader skills.
- I love how happy cycling makes me so i wanted others to experience the joy cycling can bring so in 2018 i started at Bike for Good working on the Wheelbeing project.
Socially I like:
- Throwing myself down the hillside on my MTB
- Hiking
- Snowboarding
- Climbing
- Chilling out with friends and family
- Travelling
Contact me about:
Contact me on: alasdair@bikeforgood.org.uk
Filip Cao
Cycling Coordinator
“Oops, I picked up too many expensive hobbies…”
Professional life
- 2013 – Discovered what my dream job is
- 2016 – Living the dream
- 2019 – Still living the dream
Socially I like:
- Mountain bikes
- Tidy tool kits
- Challenging opportunities
Contact me about:
Contact me on: filip@bikeforgood.org.uk
Angus Cunningham
Workshop Coordinator
Mountain biker at heart
Professional life
- Started work at Bspoke Cycles in Peebles in 2011
- Began working as a mechanic at Bike for Good part time in 2016 when I moved to Glasgow to study
- Went over to working full time after I finished studies in May 2018
- Started as Workshop Coordinator at Bike for Good Glasgow South in September 2018
Socially I like:
- Climbing and bouldering
- Mountain biking
- Cycle touring and camping
Contact me about:
Bike servicing, repairs and sales at Southside Hub
Contact me on: angus@bikeforgood.org.uk
Neil Logan
Skills & Development Officer
Father of 2 young humans seeking cycle time
Professional life
- I completed a 3 year apprenticeship in outdoor instruction in 2009 and have taken groups into the outdoors for their personal development via mountain biking, rock climbing, hillwalking, canoeing, kayaking and more, throughout Scotland.
- I volunteered with Bike for Good in 2013 before gaining employment as a mechanic. I am now back working with young people using bikes as a means for development with The Bike Academy!
- I have an undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts and recently have set out to complete a masters in Community Education, completion date is June 2019!
Socially I like:
- Strong black coffee, weak beer, peaty whisky and pancakes with maple syrup.
- Riding my bike as far as time gives me to find trees, camping and sunshine.
- Exploring the remote outdoors of Scotland with my wee family.
- Reading, if I can sit still long enough…
Contact me about:
The Bike Academy, youth engagement, skills and development opportunities, mountain biking.
Contact me on: