Modeshift crowns Buckinghamshire’s sustainable travel leaders, recognising Rebecca Dengler-Jones for exceptional leadership

Winning projects include a School Streets programme that cut school-run car use from 28% to 10%, and a logistics park where sustainable travel now accounts for 62% of trips.

Rebecca Dengler-Jones of Buckinghamshire County Council received the Team Modeshift Contribution to Sustainable Travel award, recognised for her exceptional leadership and her ability to bring out the best in the people and communities she works with. 

Two others received the same award: Chris Ward of Suffolk County Council and Phillip Darnton OBE, who, as Chair of Cycling England, drove the creation of the national cycle training programme that became Bikeability, and is now Honorary Patron of The Bikeability Trust.

The winners of the Team Modeshift National Travel Awards 2026 were announced at a ceremony at Old Trafford, Manchester, on the evening of Wednesday 11th November 2026. This year’s theme, “Team Modeshift United: Better Everyday Journeys Together”, marks 25 years of Modeshift. The 15 awards celebrate the partnerships between councils, schools, employers, health bodies and charities leading the way on sustainable and active travel across the UK. With 88 speakers and more than 30 sessions, the Convention is Modeshift’s largest to date.

The programme includes video messages from Active Travel Minister Simon Lightwood MP and Chris Boardman. The programme also brings together walking and cycling commissioners from across the country. Olympic champion Ed Clancy OBE (South Yorkshire), Simon O’Brien (Liverpool City Region), Beccy Marston (West Midlands) and Rhiannon Letman-Wade (York and North Yorkshire) join a panel on how the regions will meet the national target of 60% of children walking, wheeling or cycling to school by 2035.

Nick Butler, CEO, Modeshift, said: "What makes these awards so special is that they are decided by the industry, for the industry. To be recognised by your peers is the highest compliment in our sector, and every one of this year's winners has shown outstanding commitment to improving everyday journeys. In our 25th anniversary year, it is inspiring to see their work creating healthier, more sustainable communities across the UK, and setting an example others can follow."