Gary Perrett
Chairman
I have ridden all sorts of bikes from a young age (remember those Chopper bikes?), this goes along with my love of the outdoors and just being in the open spaces. The photo is of me at Hartside café in Cumbria, on one of our coast-to-coast riding adventures.
I also cycled to work (11-mile round trip) each day for over 20 years; it made such a difference to my working life, sharpening my mind and keeping me in good health.
Back in February 2019, we thought it was right to start a volunteer group looking at the Bridgwater cycling and walking infrastructure network. Seeing if we could make a difference. Taking time to assess public views on cycling and trying to ensure their safety.
I am a family man, wife and two fully grown sons. Now retired. I love to walk our dog, plan trips away in the camper van, explore the UK countryside and keep on cycling!
Carleton Lord
Treasurer
Hi, I am Carleton Lord, cycled for pretty much 60 years now. Over the years the reasons for cycling have changed, always for fun but initially to get to school, then commuting and finally mainly for leisure and exercise. A lot of my holidays have also been cycling-based in various countries, one could say I am hooked on it.
I also spend time looking after grandchildren, gardening and assisting BACC with cycle campaigning.
I am the treasurer of BACC and hopefully I am an asset, having run a business for many years.
David Thomas
Volunteer Liaison
Growing up in a village, ‘a set of wheels’ meant a self-built cart to race around the lanes! Then at age 10 I went with my father to the Post Office and withdrew from my Savings Account enough to buy my first £10 bike from the second-hand shop. It was a different world, because I then rode it home, all alone, six miles on the A361 from Glastonbury to Pilton. I’ve ridden bikes ever since. Mainly at a utilitarian level once I started work, then became serious about it at retirement. Now I ride as often as possible!
Living on the Poldens my main interest was the ‘Area’ part of BACC but that has grown into full involvement. This has included auditing roads and routes throughout the town, organising and managing bike rides for those of all capabilities, assisting with events, reviewing and commenting on planned developments, acting as the Safeguarding Lead and now becoming proactive in campaigns.
Family activities are an integral part of my personal life. The outdoors and wildlife in general are a motivation for much of what I do. Neighbourhood Watch operates in our village and as the Lead Co-ordinator proves to be quite interesting! Being a Volunteer Ranger for Sustrans involves working with a local team of volunteers in caring for the National Cycle Network route 3 from Shapwick to Chedzoy.
Geoff Bell
Engineering consultant
I have been a keen cyclist for 60+ years. My first recollection was in East Africa at the age of five on a tricycle, then I progressed to two wheels; it was a great climate to cycle in. Then in my teens back in the UK I used to cycle to school racing the double-decker buses and beating them (they were a lot slower then). Now I find it a great way to keep reasonably fit while being able to appreciate the countryside. Another benefit for me is meeting like-minded cyclists for encouragement and especially their company.
As a retired engineer I have a linear way of thinking – e.g. easiest point A to B – meaning a more practical and hands-on approach to solving and achieving our goals. I let the more academic side of running BACC to the others.
I am a family man with two sons in their 40s. One of my other passions is motorcycling, preferably in France and Spain; there again you meet like-minded people and I’ve made many friends. I am also a keen DIY-er and always looking for small projects to keep me busy and my mind active.
In conclusion, I’m happiest when cycling in company that brings physical and mental health benefits and appreciating the wonderful countryside around us.
Colin Gummer
Communications
I first got into bikes in a big way in my teens. I’d always been turned off by competitive sports at school, but cycling gave me a physical outlet I could pursue in a casual and carefree way, either alone or with friends. Since then, I’ve ridden off and on my whole life.
My role within BACC is to handle things like social media and our website. I’m inspired by the work of others like the Dutch Cycling Embassy and Sustrans, and I love sharing knowledge about how riding bikes can help everyone.
Aside from bikes, I work in acoustics and noise control, I’m a home-educating househusband, and I help run my wife’s small business too.