Mike Davies, Transport Manager (job share with Amanda Nolan)

What does this position entail?

There are two main parts to my role. Firstly, I lead on all transport related matters for North West Cambridge. I also oversee the delivery of projects and initiatives to support the recently adopted Transport Strategy.

What is your (education/qualifications) background and how did you get here?

I have spent over 30 years in a variety of highways engineering roles, during which time I studied Civil Engineering on a day release basis at Anglia Polytechnic University (now Anglia Ruskin), as well as undertaking ILM Management Training and project management courses such as PRINCE2.

What were you doing before joining the Environment and Energy section?

I was working for Cambridgeshire County Council leading the team that develops and delivers cycling infrastructure projects for the County Council, Greater Cambridge Partnership and the Combined Authority. My main responsibilities were to secure funding, manage budgets and guide projects through political approvals, though I also dipped in and out of projects to ensure that they were all on track.

What is your proudest professional achievement?

It was particularly satisfying to secure large amounts of funding through competitive processes, and also to be involved with high profile Cambridge infrastructure projects such as Addenbrooke’s Road and Riverside Bridge. I’m most proud of being a finalist in the 2015 Cycle Planning Awards in the ‘Cycling Champion’ category, though the actual winner (quite rightly) was the Leader of Waltham Forest Council for his work to drive forward the Mini Holland programme, in spite of very active opposition.

What are you most looking forward to getting your teeth into in the coming year?

This role gives me an opportunity to broaden my transport experience. In my first few weeks I’ve already learned about electric vehicle charging and the operational aspects of North West Cambridge, so I look forward to learning more.

What gets you out of bed (and into work) in the morning?

I have a real interest in the Growth Agenda in Greater Cambridge, and the part that sustainable transport can play.

What is your environment related pet hate?

People driving very short distances.

What is your favourite green gadget?

My bike provides me with very economical, door to door journeys, and helps to keep me fit. 

What do you think is one of the biggest environmental challenges (globally or locally)?

Given recent events here in the UK, it’s evident that rapid improvements in flood and land management are needed to ensure that people can continue to live in places like The Yorkshire Dales and cities like York and Worcester. 

Who is your inspirational figure (real or fictional)? 

I am a big admirer of John Grimshaw, founder of Sustrans. I’ve got to know John quite well, and he is a very practical and canny person who not only had a vision for a National Cycle Network, but he went on to secure funding and land to ensure the first sections were built. He then worked hard to expand the network, and to incorporate elements like public art. Having left Sustrans he has continued with a smaller, much more hands on organisation (Greenways and Cycleroutes) that brings volunteers together to continue delivering attractive, traffic free routes.

Do you have any hobbies?

Every year I get away for a week or two for either cycle touring trips or long distance walks. I’ve cycled Land’s End to John O’Groats three times, and last year I walked The Pennine Way. I’m currently in the planning stage for walking The Cleveland Way this year.

First impressions of Cambridge?

I’ve lived and worked in the Cambridge area for most of my life, and know the area very well. It’s interesting to see the new developments on the city fringes taking shape, but I have rather mourned the loss of a few pubs over the years!