Welcome to our “Who Are We” page, where you can meet the group behind the Sunshine Coast Greenway project. Each member of our campaign group brings unique expertise and a shared passion for transforming our community through sustainable and inclusive travel. From local councillors and environmental professionals to local business owners and enthusiastic volunteers, our diverse team is united by a common goal: to create something new and unique that will bring so many tangible benefits to North Essex.
Here, you’ll find detailed profiles of each team member, including their backgrounds, roles within the project, and their personal motivations for being part of this transformative initiative.
Tony Curzon-Price – Chair & Secretary
I am a recent Brightlingsea resident who still regularly commutes to London. Cycling to Wivenhoe or Arlesford to catch the train ought to be much nicer, and that was why I initially got involved. But my interest in the wider route has grown, and working on it has been the occasion to discover a lot of the beauty and charm of the area. I have been involved in cycle campaigns in London (I was one of the founders of “Londoners on Bikes”, which worked to get cyclists to “vote with their bikes” in mayoral elections). Professionally, I work in public policy, with a special focus on energy & on data/tech regulation.
Aaron Ashwood
I joined the Sunshine Coast Greenway project with an aim to improve active travel infrastructure in Colchester and surrounding rural North Essex. My role for Colchester City Council is Active Environments, which is about ensuring our built and natural environments and the connections in between, are designed or adapted around people, creating the opportunities for all to inclusively improve their physical health and mental wellbeing. I believe this would be a fantastic asset for Colchester & Tendring residents and visitors, to be able to commute and explore the area in a more active way.
Rowena Macauley
I grew up on a farm and enjoyed great freedom to roam, which I took for granted in equal measure! As an adult, I have been a wheelchair and hand-bike user for many years, and inclusive access to the countryside has become an abiding passion. I’m a co-founder of The Colchester Orbital Project, a 14-mile walk/cycle route around the city (soon to be little sister to the Sunshine Coast Greenway!). I have worked in the field of inclusive design for walking and wheeling for many years and I’m a committed advocate for barrier removal wherever possible. Above all, I want to celebrate our amazing green and blue landscape and stretch the ambitions and actual horizons of mobility-restricted countryside lovers, across all abilities.
Rik Andrew
Rik is a Wivenhoe councillor who chairs their Travel & Transport Sub-Cttee. Before moving to Essex he worked in Transport Planning for 20 years, specialising in Active Travel. He worked on a variety of strategic projects, joining up London Boroughs and resolving missing links and major hazards, which deter many from Cycling / Walking. He has always believed that routes – of whatever type – must be good quality, throughout, to attract new users. Rik’s previous Greenway projects include: Royal Parks; Thames Path; and Regents Canal – formerly neglected & under used – now regenerated & popular. Rik also influenced the outcome of the Wandsworth Commons Inquiry, which led to clearer standards for Shared Use paths.