Lord Chris Smith, former Culture Secretary and current Chairman of the Environment Agency has become a patron of Sustrans.

A keen walker, Lord Smith will support *Sustrans*’ Arts and the Travelling Landscape programme.

Sustrans is one of the largest commissioners of public art, with more than 2,000 original artworks along the 12,600 miles of National Cycle Network UK-wide.

Lord Smith said:

‘Ever since the Millennium year, Sustrans’ work in establishing the National Cycle Network has been outstanding. Now they’re making it even better, extending the routes, and joining together with local communities up and down the country to create works of art that everyone can be proud of.

Art can provide colour, beauty, life and understanding. It can – and will – delight all who see it.’

Lord Smith was welcomed as patron by *Sustrans*’ Chief Executive Malcolm Shepherd and *Sustrans*’ Arts Director Katy Hallett.

’We’re delighted that the arts programme now has its own patron’ Katy said. ’It’s symbolic of how important artworks along the National Cycle Network are to people’s experience of, and engagement with, the outdoors. They allow people to pause, relax and contemplate their surroundings in a way they may not usually be encouraged to do.

‘Our research has shown that ’pleasant surroundings’ are the number one reason why people choose to use the Network, so the artworks along the way are a vital part of encouraging people to explore on foot or bike.’

More than 300 artists have been involved with Sustrans over the last thirty years to create the artworks on the Network. The art often directly reflects the history, industry and landscape of an area.

But it’s not just artists that are involved in the creative process. Across the UK, Sustrans is in the process of creating a series of steel benches depicting portraits of local heroes that have been nominated and voted for by the public. The heroes range from celebrated athletes, politicians, comedians and actors, to community workers and volunteers.