Peter Macdonald

Space for Cycling Campaigning

Kick Off – April 2014

• Loved the clear message• National Ride • 2 weeks to go!• So we did a ride too• Little planning and rapid turnaround• Short loop around City Centre• Loads of risk!

It worked! About 100 participants

Where to Next?

2 Key Activities– Councillor Pledge– Bigger ride in 4 months

• Inter-connected activities– providing a target date

Plan Plan Plan!

PromotePromotePromote

Where to Start?

At the top!Nick ForbesLeader NCC

Councillor Pledge…

• Loved the system– Easy to use– Graphical– Feedback system

• Use social media to support• Keep chasing and persevere• 68% sign the pledge• Roger @ CTC – “Newcastle a beacon”

The Civic Ride• Event Management Plan• Liability Insurance• Northumbria Police• Marshalls• Promotion Campaign

– Social Media– Media– Handlebar flyers– Personal Invites– General Flyers– Countdown

Civic Cycle Ride 2014 - Newcastle, 27 September 2014 - BBC Look North.mp4

The S4C Campaign continues…

• Another ride organised• Local Election• Maintain focus on Councillors Pledges• Engage with the Safety Advisory Group

Disaster!

“The Members of the Safety Advisory Group made the decision that they were unable to support the event on live carriageways due to Public Safety. The event manual did not address the concerns of The Safety Advisory Group or the risk involved of cycling on live roads in a large group of riders.”

What are the specific issues to "Public Safety"?What are the concerns that did not get addressed in the event manual? What are the risks involved in cycling on live roads in a large group of riders?

Lessons learnt…

• The Police – essential and helpful• Unless supportive avoid public bodies• Keep badgering Councillors• Plan• Promote• Persevere

STAY OPTIMISTIC!