Yorkshire's Only Nominee for National Tourism Superstar Award

North York Moors man Rob Brown is in the running for a prestigious national accolade for the positive impact he has had on thousands of people’s lives by making cycling more accessible and inclusive.

Rob who works for Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, has been shortlisted to win Visit England’s Tourism Superstar Award 2024.

The public are being encouraged to go online and vote for the nominee they consider to be the most deserving of the top prize. People then have until midnight on the 24 March to place their vote before the winner is announced a few days later. 

Rob, from Pickering, was originally nominated for the award by the North York Moors National Park for the crucial role he has played in making cycling far more inclusive, which has enabled more people to enjoy beautiful surroundings such as Dalby Forest; and enriching the region’s reputation as a caring community. 

Rob has helped hundreds of people though his work with schools, disability groups and charities across the region. 

Realising that cycling can break down many social and physical barriers, Rob has devoted a huge amount of time, not just to teaching the skills to ride a bike, but also in developing more positive mindsets so that people, youngsters and adults alike, feel empowered to achieve more. 

In particular Rob has helped school children across North Yorkshire to develop life skills through cycling, whether it’s teamwork, encouraging their friends or developing resilience and a sense of ‘I can do this’. Importantly, through his work with special educational schools, he has provided a therapeutic escape and helped build coping skills for those living with unique challenges.

Through working with the National Park, Rob has also accessed grant funding to enable the Cycle Hub to expand its fleet of adapted bikes and invest in accessories to support those with particular mobility and sensory impairments so they too can enjoy the freedom of being outdoors. 

Rob comments: “I first became aware of the need for accessible cycling some years ago, whilst working with a primary school. There was one little boy who used a wheelchair and the teacher explained that he would stay in the classroom whilst the other children rode their bikes. I just felt so sad, and I promised I would find a bike so that he could join them. I did, and from that moment on, my life changed, and so did his. 

“There are so many inclusive bikes available now that can liberate the lives of people impacted by illness or injury, and we want to get that message out there. Why is that so important? Well when you hear the laughter of a mum who was able to ride in the forest with her daughter for the first time. Or the shout of encouragement from a group of friends to their mate who survived a stroke. Then you will know, and you will understand why I do what I do.”

Rob goes onto say that cycling should be for everyone....

Catriona McLees, Head of Marketing and Communications at the North York Moors National Park adds: “Rob is an inspiration. Through his involvement with our Tourism Accessibility project, we saw how passionate and dedicated he is to helping people get more out of their lives. 

“His work at Dalby Forest Cycle Hub has helped the North York Moors become a blueprint for other destinations to follow when it comes to increasing their accessibility and inclusivity. Crucially he has also enabled us to go beyond showcasing the beauty of the North York Moors and show how there’s a caring community at the heart of the National Park.” 

Whilst Rob is delighted to receive the accolade he had no idea that he had been nominated.

To vote for Rob, go to:-

https://visitenglandawards.secure-platform.com/tourismsuperstar/gallery/rounds/304/details/27207