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At 17, Emily Bridson is already a successful competitive cyclist and one of the Jersey Cycling Association Youth Academy’s rising stars.
Her next challenge is already in sight: the HSBC Let’s Ride Jersey event taking place this Sunday, which members of the JCAYA will be attending.
But before peddling her way to success on Sunday, the young cyclist, who moved to Jersey in 2013, spoke to Express on the kind of chain reactions she'd wheely like to see happen on the island...
I believe we should continue to develop the already expanding network of segregated cycle tracks. Why? To create a safe, extensive route for young cyclists to use, both for commuting and for the growing membership of the JCAYA.
Pictured: Let's get the island cycling with more tracks, Emily says.
The island could take inspiration from the plans being made to implement such routes in Manchester, which involve over 75 miles of segregated cycle track in a 1276km2 area.
I would love to one day see the opportunity for Jersey youngsters to have the opportunity to train for every Olympic discipline there is - just as children in the UK do. For me, this includes facilities such as a 250m velodrome and a full-size, mechanical gated, tarmac bermed BMX track and start ramp.
Pictured: Emily learned her art on a BMX ramp - how about some proper equipment so that Jersey youngsters can have the same opportunity?
My cycling journey started at the top of a BMX ramp, and I’d love for it to be able to start there for a Jersey child too.
To ensure quality of life and health, I also firmly believe in increasing allotment space available.
Pictured: A lot of allotments would be an excellent way to promote health and wellbeing, according to Emily.
As someone who understands just how vital fresh fruit and vegetables are for not only general health, but performance in school, work and sport, this is an area I would like to see addressed.
I would love to see more opportunities for young people to have an active involvement in politics and shaping the island’s future.
Pictured: There are already initiatives to get young people involved in politics, but we need to do more.
This is already a movement in progress, as demonstrated through the fantastic Youth Debate in the States Chamber and inaugural meeting of the Jersey Policy Forum, which focussed on the question: ‘Who’s future is it anyway?’, and at the Jersey Skills Fair, where two questions were raised to me: what skills do we need on island, and how do we make them sustainable?
As a keen supporter of the idea that education is the greatest wealth one can possess, I would definitely try to change the level of international student fees charged to island students. This is particularly apparent when looking to study at the University of Cambridge or Imperial College London, who charge in excess of £20,000 per year extra to island students (totalling over £50,000 p/a for merely course fees in some cases).
Pictured: Clever students from the Rock shouldn't be financially penalised for going to university, Emily argues.
These are some of the best higher education institutions in the UK, Europe and indeed the world, and the simple fact that we do not fit into the UK, EU or EEA renders us ‘international students’, even though no extra cultural or linguistic assimilation or support would be required. This is also relevant to students looking to study in New Zealand, America and Australia, where certain courses may only be available in those countries.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and not of Bailiwick Express.
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