Sustrans has announced that Transport for London (TfL) high-flyer Xavier Brice will become its new chief executive from June 2016.

The sustainable transport charity is “excited” by the appointment of Brice, who has spent the last 10 years working on a number of high-profile cycling projects for TfL. He designed a new cycling strategy for London – which led to the introduction of the Cycle Superhighways and the ‘Boris bike’ Cycle Hire Scheme – and has also overseen the recent London Underground transformation programme.

"I’ve been enthusiastic about the benefits of cycling for a long time, both professionally and in my home life – where I’m introducing my young daughters to the joys of getting around by bike,” said Brice.

“As a long-term supporter of Sustrans I’m looking forward to leading the organisation and making walking and cycling a more attractive and practical option for communities across the UK.”

Brice will be expected to continue the work of Sustrans in championing cycling as a healthy and sustainable form of transport. A recent report from the charity highlighted that three quarters of the public want the government to invest more cycling, while another found that the National Cycle Network has saved the UK economy ‘more than £7bn’ since it was established 20 years ago.

Brice will replace Sustrans’ current chief executive Malcolm Shepherd, who has been in his current role since 2008. Shepherd will leave the charity at the end of March, with current operations director, Andy Wistow, acting as interim CEO until Xavier joins Sustrans in June.