Nike's Will Norman is London's new cycling czar

Will Norman: London has so much potential to be a more active city and I’m looking forward to applying my knowledge and experience to open up cycling to everyone in our city

Will Norman: London has so much potential to be a more active city and I’m looking forward to applying my knowledge and experience to open up cycling to everyone in our city

For the first time ever a full-time walking and cycling commissioner for London has been appointed. Nike director Will Norman has been given the role of helping deliver the pledge to get more Londoners active by making cycling and walking safer and easier in the capital.

Norman will work closely with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Deputy Mayor for Transport Val Shawcross and Transport for London (TfL).

Sadiq Khan said: “I’m determined to make walking and cycling safer and easier for all Londoners, which is why I’m providing more investment than ever before, and appointing a Commissioner to focus full-time on this vital area of work. 

“Will Norman brings to this new role an impressive track record in delivering major international projects to get more people active. As the first ever full-time Commissioner, he will be able to make a substantial difference getting Londoners of all ages and backgrounds walking and cycling more – improving our city for everyone.”

Will Norman said: “I’ve been working for the last five years advocating the benefits of exercise and physical activity to people’s lives around the world. Cycling and walking can play a transformational role in improving our health and happiness, and building better communities for everyone. 

“London has so much potential to be a more active city and I’m looking forward to applying my knowledge and experience to open up cycling to everyone in our city, and give walking the focus it truly deserves. Too often the importance of walking has been underplayed - I’m determined to put it higher on the agenda.”

Among Norman’s work has been a partnership with UNESCO and the German Development Agency GIZ to successfully reform physical education in South Africa.

The new walking and cycling commissioner is a full-time role responsible to Val Shawcross, deputy mayor for transport. 

Will Norman was appointed after a rigorous and competitive selection process, unlike his predecessor Andrew, according to Sadiq Khan. Some 152 people applied for the new post.

Norman was formerly the global partnership director at Nike, spearheading a programme to make physical activity a global policy priority. This has included working with the UN, the European Parliament, G8, World Health Organisation and International Olympic Committee.