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CTC Scotland
A part of the UK's National Cyclists' OrganisationGathering of CTC Scottish membershipStirling - Council Chambers – 24 NovemberThe CTC vision in SCOTLAND |
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Actions for CTC Scotland to achieve – with priority for action by date of AGM in green/brown bold (in no particular order)
A short silence was held in memory of Gordon Selway who had died the previous week. His usual friendly and knowledgeable contributions will be sorely missed.
This Gathering in Stirling brought together around 40 members from all over Scotland, all the CTC Scotland committee, many Right to Ride activists and a number who under stated themselves as ‘just ordinary’ members. Peter Hayman (Councillor) welcomed everyone and introduced the five staff from National office who had joined us to look at the future for CTC in Scotland. This one topic for the day was divided into four aspects.
Firstly we had CTC Director Kevin Mayne outline how the new CTC Vision was moving the Club on and how CTC’s experience can be used to address all the new objectives of government. More people are taking up cycling and there is more money available to deliver its development. CTC Charitable Trust allows us to take a lead and promote an active, healthy, enjoyable, low carbon model for the future.
Gerard Vlaar showed how the successful CTC Aberdeen Group was broadening its scope, moving into cycling promotion; while Alex Patterson spoke of the Try Cycling Tayside project successfully filling a need, but failing to get continued funding. Recent attempts to get funding from the Lottery for new CTC enterprises in health and social inclusion had demonstrated to CTCS chair John Taylor a great receptiveness and co-operation from potential end user organisations. He saw this sort of venture as a fresh, worthwhile chapter in the substantial, up and down, history of CTC Scotland. It would complement its range of traditional activities, rides, rallies and support for other events.
Getting Lottery money in England has allowed a whole new approach and CTC Cycle Development mgr. Rob Fuller outlined how 13 project coordinators plus 2 supervisors were being set up around the country to facilitating all sorts of cycling schemes and voluntary efforts, to meet quite exacting ‘Active Travel’ objectives. Discussions then centered on our need for paid help but had to focus on specific task requirements.
Secondly, after coffee, we considered the extensive CTCS interaction with the Scottish Government and their agencies and how to make our representation more effective. CTC Campaigns & Policy mgr. Roger Geffen welcomed the SG’s new budget allocation for cycling and suggested that project work should lead campaigning and could include paid staff. However for CTCS Right to Ride (on-road) Peter Hawkins pointed to the SG continued increase in road building and urged for direct appeals to MSPs. As secretary of the SG cross party group on sustainable transport Brian Curtis admitted that it lacked bite, but he pointed to a whole raft of SG funded and voluntary organisations growing dramatically and driving cycling forward, which we are, or should be, working with.
Two members, who are also transport planners, talked of the difficulties in engaging with Local Authorities who pay lip service to cycling but bow to pressure from developers.
Lively discussion continued while everyone tucked into the lunch provided.
Thirdly, as CTCS RtR (off-road) John Taylor used the Outdoor Access legislation and its Core Path requirements to show another range of work we engage in and how it links to LA and Transport Scotland cycle provision – or not. Again we are stretched to cover the ground and need to improve our joint working and effectiveness. Rob Fuller saw filling in some of the gaps as well as training and management as part of a new enhancement of the RtR network. A new CTC intranet will help keep RtR reps informed and in touch.
Roger Geffen ran through changes in RtR structure with Debra Rolf, who was present, and Adam Coffman combining to do the Cherry Allan role, while Cherry concentrates on information. Campaigning will be dealt with by Chris Peck doing the ‘quiet’ policy bit and Richard George the ‘loud’ up front work. A revamped Handbook and group training initiatives with Sarah Basterfield should all help to enhance the Scottish RtR network.
Treasurer George di Ponio showed that any finances could be well managed but that we need to be clear what any potential funders wanted to be done. Discussion covered some local and UK campaigning successes, touching on several techniques and legal points. RtR reps tend to be working in isolation at present and need more interaction.
Fourthly, after tea, CTCS secretary and CycleTalk editor Mike Harrison ran through the Scottish membership position, how we try and keep in touch with our spread out Club and various events CTCS and others promote. All these have mixed success and would benefit from some new thinking, input and organisation. This was what the whole day had been about and was the cue for Kevin Mayne to run workshops to tie down the emerging outcomes from all the contributions. The lists of ‘Start doing’ and ‘Stop doing’, picked off the flip charts may not be too scientific but at least they were spontaneous and certainly good fun. They can be seen, along with a full report of the Gathering at www.ctcscotland.org.uk.
Everyone seemed to take something positive from the day, as they went on their ways, with a sizable contingent going via the pub to continue the discussions.
CTC Councillor, Scotland
13/12/07
Introduction:
Peter Hayman welcomed members. A moment's silence was held in memory of Gordon Selway, who died the previous Saturday. Peter introduced the National Office team. The Scottish members then introduced themselves. This was a one topic day, to consider how the CTC should develop in Scotland. Four sessions were to cover - Local Groups and developments – representation of cyclists – campaigning – priorities for action. CTC Scotland has its own geographic, government, legislative and cycle org. environment.
Kevin Mayne (CTC Director) introduced the UK Vision and noted members' wish to see campaigning as a central focus. Its aim is to help new cyclists do what the experienced do already. From the outside there is a new interest and awakening to what we already knew – the role of cycling in helping the wider environment, health, well-being, tackling obesity and sustainable transport. It addresses all of government’s headline objectives. Numbers doing cycling in various forms are large. More money is coming in – Cycling England £100m, Transport for London £30m, Lottery £50-100m, Sustrans ?? The Vision statement is based round health, mobility, transport and leisure.
The new CTC Charitable Trust can spread the benefits of cycling and improve access to it, raising public and political awareness. More CTC members ride to commute than ride for leisure. Focus on personal contacts – as guides, role models, bike buddy etc. People now coming to CTC for help in starting. CTC members are anything but ordinary – They are active, low carbon. We offer a model world view.
Gerard Vlaar (Aberdeen) made us all want to go and live there by showing how they had it all 'just right'. Training is offered for new ride leaders and for schools. Events include Grampian Rally. A Cycle Forum has been established. He believes the way to increase cycling is to reduce car parking in the city, as Zurich has done. Also doesn't like the name 'Right to Ride' (RtR).
Alex Pattison (Tayside) gave the background of Try Cycling Tayside, aimed at 'inactive adults'. Strong support from Council and Health Sector, but hoped for doctors' referrals did not happen. Future funding has not been found to continue the necessary work.
John Taylor (D&G) outlined the history of CTC Scotland (CTCS). We currently lack media presence, a remedy would be a paid officer with an address and phone. A bid was made to PrimeTime (Lottery) with the help of Chris Peck (CTC funding officer – now campaigning - with a new CTC fund raiser to be appointed) It was not successful but gave valuable experience. Recent CTCS events included the Birthday Rides, KM Rally, TriVets, Bike Week (BW) ‘Parks & Ride’, and support for Pedal for Scotland (PfS).
Rob Fuller (CTC Cycle Development) spoke of the 'champions' project, aimed at anyone wanting to promote cycling in a voluntary capacity. An 'Active Travel Consortium' comprising CTC, Sustrans, the Ramblers and others had bid for £20m from the BIG Lottery fund, based on (in)activity. 13 paid positions were being funded (England only), with 4 years' funding. Mainly based on local councils. Aim for each officer to help 2500 into cycling. Tough areas were included.
Discussion:
David Marsh (Edinburgh) Need skills and resources funding and emphasised the need for paid support in Scotland. Tobias Bauer (W Lothian – Transport Planner) CTC lack's profile in Scotland. Campaigning is our most important work. There's confusion over the roles of the various cycling bodies in relation to the Scottish Government (SG). Cycling Scotland (CS) and Sustrans are not campaigning organisations. Spokes is, but only regional. Hence a gap nationally. Relying on volunteers is not enough. Dave Holladay (CTC Public Transport campaigns) claimed Scotland has good links to Gov't and good communication links – we do talk to each other. But our wide geographical spread means we should try different methods. There is a RtR e-network but maybe we need a broader one. Caroline Butterfield asked about the structure of CTCS. KevinM said we need a Business Plan to get a paid officer. The job spec we had given was far too wide.
Coffee break:
Peter Hawkins (RtR on-road) A Scottish Cycle Forum with Local Authority (LA) officers and CTC used to cover cycling issues but we now have to deal with SG and CS. Latest SG review shows there is still a big discrepancy with spending for roads (up 34%) over cycling (1%) for the next 3 years. Now is the time to write to our MSPs about this. A few letters are enough to make an issue. We should oppose the lobbying from business for more roads; which cannot be shown to help the economy or congestion but are known to generating traffic and be unhealthy for the environment and individuals.
[A less road biased form of STAG appraisal, taking account of health and environment, was outlined by Stuart Knowles (Fife Council) to the recent CS conference.]
Brian Curtis (CS, SG cross-party group) described how much cycling is happening. Scottish Cycling (SC) the sport arm, includes clubs like Edinburgh Road Club which has 1000 members of whom about 400 are active; weekly training rides held. Attracts a younger, hard-riding membership, and triathlon. 3 paid staff. Spokes has 1000 members and campaigns locally; no paid staff. Other cities also have local campaign groups. Sustrans has a staff of 20. CS gets £400K from SG and does training, Pedal for Scotland (PfS), the Cycle Friendly Employer Scheme, assessment of Local Authorities, and assists LAs with design projects. Has 12 paid staff. Wants a closer relationship with CTCS to get funding. The Bike Station (Edinburgh) reconditions bikes and sells them at cost price. It trains new mechanics, offers classes in bike repair, training for adults; claims 1300 new cyclists for the city; very popular (queues to buy the bikes). Staff of 4, plus volunteers. Try Cycling in Edinburgh runs monthly rides for new cyclists and runs a Film Festival and is very successful. Other groups we could work with include Regional Transport Partnerships (RTP), Tourist Information Centres (TIC), Cycle Forums, Health groups. There will be at least 6 cycle tours in Scotland next year.
Roger Geffen (CTC Campaigns & Policy) welcomes Scottish Government (SG) funding but says barriers to cycling need to be removed. Cycling bodies must show that we give value for money and spend it well, so that gradually the fringe becomes central. All the other cycling bodies in Scotland want closer ties with CTCS and for us to be stronger. Paid staff can be involved in project work. Andy Mulholland of CS wants us cyclists 'on the ground' to help with LA assessments – how well are they doing? Projects should be establish on development first, before campaigning.
Discussion:
Gary Cummins (Fife) also a Transport Planner, spoke of Transport Assessments (TA) and how LAs seek transport 'mitigation' for large housing schemes. The presence of any local cycling facility is sufficient, no matter how awful or unsuited for commuting. Tying ‘Walking and Cycling’ together meant that neither got the most suitable infrastructure.
Ian McConnell (Angus) asked about progress with Cycling by Design (CbD). The omens are not good. PeterHy reported that CbD was due out by Christmas and would be put on the net. TobiasB. noted that big housing schemes are nearly all pre-ordained in LA Structure Plans and will go ahead despite their TA. Current mechanisms for LAs to get benefits from private developments are very poor. LAs pay for infrastructure and the private sector reaps the rewards. That's why there is only peanuts for cycling schemes.
David M asked for a report of SC conf. PeterHy said one for it, and others, was in hand.
Lunch break:
John Taylor (RtR off road) spoke about Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Outdoor Access Code, Paths for All (PfA) and Land Reform Act (Scotland) 2003. PfA's job is to promote, delineation and signing of paths. Problem of advising the public on which paths are available or suitable for cycling – info boards, leaflets. Not all Access Forums (LAF) have a cycling rep, and of those that do, the rep isn't always a CTC member, so there's little contact nationally. Transport Scotland (TS) doing trunk roads are often not aware of relevance of Core Paths Networks (CPN) and role of a trunk road in facilitating them. The CTC-branded routes in D&G could be a model for other LAs. We cyclists need to ensure our local CPNs are sufficient for purpose – and also that they get implemented.
Rob Fuller outlined how the RtR network is to be enhanced based on the Tanner report; by more recruitment (current network is patchy); through training and management of networks; through data provision and more info; an intranet on the CTC website; and personal development. The Champions project is about upgrading volunteer skills, eg. how to write an effective press release.
Roger Geffen praised Cherry Allan (now RtR info support)for her production of the regular mag 'Cycling Digest'. He distinguishes Policy; the 'quiet' bit ChrisPeck – eg. consultation doc's, from Campaigning; the 'loud' bit Richard George – media, letters to politicians etc. Policy Handbook to be re-vamped and divided into key messages, and briefings on specific topics. Help will be offered to local groups for training initiatives with Sarah Basterfield, and for involvement in bid issue campaigns such as major transport developments through Debra Rolfe (CTC RtR – present) and Adam Coffman (CTC RtR).
George di Ponio (Treasurer) outlined the role of the Treasurer and its focus on budgets and managing funds. We need to identify what potential funders want to do and require.
Discussion:
The importance of procedure when dealing with LAs was mentioned – eg. Some photos of bad road surfaces had been presented to an LA. This was evidence, it was minuted, which meant action had to be taken – very effective. Councils have to be seen to be taking due care. Cyclists can get improvements by being assertive but not aggressive – a fine line. Cyclist Defence Fund (CDF) was becoming a viable backup for legal fights.
DaveH recalled our successes in some campaigns, eg the Highway Code; bike parking at the new St Pancras. And the visual elements – artwork, graphics, cartoons – can be effective in getting message across.
Tea break:
Mike Harrison (CTCS Sec.) spoke about 1) membership – 2300 households, equating to about 3000 members. Turnover is small. We offer campaigning, insurance, magazine, club rides, extras like LEJOG info for free. Our publicity leaflet went out to 6,000 BW entrants in CS goodie bags. 2) communication and publicity comprises info to members and non-members. How can members talk back to us? – comm. tends to be one-way, eg CycleTalk. We tried Open Days in specific towns but they attracted existing members almost entirely. There is an internet Yahoo group for RtR members, and another for CTCS cttee – should we have a wider one for all members? 3) Events: Rallies tend to be for 'anoraks' not outsiders. Even the Birthday Rides didn't attract new blood. One successful programme has been Try Cycling in Edinburgh (TCiE). It started by targeting already-established community festivals, it offered a chance to try out tandems, recumbents, kids' bikes. Then moved on to monthly rides, very popular, now 50+ participants – short distances, slow pace. CTCS’s ‘Parks and Ride’ and TriVets hoped to raise funds; good turn-out of target cyclists, but modest charges just covered costs.
Workshop:
Finally KevinMayne organised workshops to establish the immediate way forward, and to gather 4 ideas which we want to progress, and 4 which we want to get rid of by the AGM (19 January 2008). These and reams of flip chart will be summarised elsewhere.
The Gathering concluded at 4pm and Peter Hayman thanked everyone for taking part.
Notes by Peter Hawkins, 27 Nov.2007
Revised 28 Nov. 2007 Edited PJH 05 Dec 2007