Bromley Cyclists

London Cycling Campaign

Report of Group Meeting of 8 Oct 08

at Bromley College

 

Present:

Ian Magrath

Steve Watkin

Andrew Fergar

Janet Gascoine

Charles Potter, Co-ordinator

 

Apologies:

Andy Braben

Jonathan Burns

 

1. From the previous meeting report, which centred on the British Cycling Go-Ride Project, there was update, including the meeting coming on 15 Oct to which Bromley Cyclists are invited; Jonathan Burns has volunteered to be trained as a coach, but one or two more are needed to be trained, to share the task; training course is 2 days in January and one in April, so candidates need to be identified soon, if the club is to start after Easter ‘09; training costs £295, but it is expected that grants will be available; Bromley Cyclists can apply for such a grant; in addition to putting out notice about the project to borough traditional cycling clubs, the CTC groups have also now been invited.  The post Easter start of the club coincides with Bike to School Week, which can be made much of in lead up publicity.

 

2. Finance Special Item: the following two motions were passed unanimously:

 

'That we, the Bromley Cyclists (the official London Cycling Campaign Bromley Borough Group), close the existing Co-op account and revert to using only the HSBC bank account, as provided by London Cycling Campaign central Head Quarters.'  Proposed: Charles Potter; seconded: Steve Watkin.

 

‘That Jonathan Burns, Derek Mark and Charles Potter be signatories to the HSBC account, provided that they are members of the LCC.’  Proposed: Steve Watkin; seconded: Andrew Fergar.

 

3. Beginners Rides Update: The intention to prepare a leaflet for borough school distribution containing beginner rides from the traditional cycling clubs and ourselves is still on track for producing in the spring.

 

4. Activity Reports:

a. London Freewheel: The Bromley ride was a great success, both to and from central London, in contrast to a number of other rides that depended on a regional hub.  We had especially capable marshals and ride leader.  There were 95 riders counted passing Beckenham Park Place on the way in, and 60 riders departed the south end of London Bridge on the return.  We will be receiving £300 for having provided the ride, as last year.

 

b. In Town Without My Car Day: While the Bromley Cyclist presence went well, the overall effect of the day was questioned.  Perhaps the Council could be encouraged to move to a weekday as in other European cities, in which people are encouraged to leave their cars at home for one day.

 

c. Rides Report: It was noted that there are still few Bromley residents turning out for our led rides.  Charles to approach one or two newspapers to see about giving us editorial space to list our coming rides.

 

5. Rides Planning: It was felt satisfactory to offer more than one ride on the same day, since they would be of contrasting length/difficulty.  Various short routes were discussed, as a way to encourage beginners.

 

6. Website: It was hoped that our website become a resource to the cycling community.  Therefore, it should accept and display led rides of an introductory nature from other clubs, or provide links to them, and also have links to useful cycling websites.  The quality of photos was raised: Charles explained that he needs the best quality of photos just as they come from the camera, sent to him by email, because his software automatically reduces the size of photos before publishing them on the web.

 

7. AOB: Possible new directions mentioned but left to another discussion time: lobbying the council to experiment with 20mph streets; using printed LCC cards to promote cycle parking in front of shops; encouraging commuting with a workplace cycle competition.  

 

Correspondence received from the Sec of State for Health inviting participation in ‘Change4Life’ – it was thought that we wait to see if the LCC campaigns department co-ordinates a response.