Well, back on topic, the CTC are asking their members to attend, and as I'm a CTC member I'll be there, plus at least one cycling colleague at my work. Let's hope that CTC have done their homework and that it demonstrates the right thing to the right people.
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Events, rides etc.
Active Transport Budget Protest
(285 posts)-
Posted 12 years ago #
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Ah - good to know. I was just about to join CTC, but that's saved me a few bob.
Posted 12 years ago # -
I believe I am some sort of associate member of CTC through BC / ESCA membership for competition licence.
I get the 3rd party insurance and occasional emails so seemed worth it for that.
They have struck me as an organisation that is less about the touring and cycling and more about being a bit of a political / pressure group. I could be wrong in that, it's just the air their communiqués give off. Perhaps that's why they dropped the name "Cyclists Touring Club" for the more neutral CTC?
Posted 12 years ago # -
As a CTC member I can only say that it appears CTC Scotland were asked to forward a message from Stop Climate Chaos Coalition, which they duly did. CTC are supporters/members of Stop Climate Chaos Coalition, along with many other organisations.
CTC's Mike Harrison appended this message:
'This message is targeted to members in the Edinburgh area, apologies to those in the Borders who have an EH postcode who get it. Also apologies to those who will be at work at that time, but if you are retired, unemployed or having a day off and are within reach of Edinburgh, please consider supporting this action.'Not exactly unqualified support for the protest, then! It's a tricky one: clearly CTC supports the principle of making voices heard over the cuts to active travel funding, but perhaps has issues think this specific action.
I'll be there on the 11th as it's possible for me that day. Despite the reservations expressed here about the timing and location of the protest, I think it's a rare opportunity to publicly raise awareness of these cuts.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Carlton Reid opines about the historical accuracy of Alan Bennett's 1972 TV play 'A Day Out', which features members of CTC in a 1911 club ride to Fountains Abbey. He says: “I most especially object to the mixing of classes and the wearing of Cyclists’ Touring Club uniforms.” He adds: “It’s highly unlikely that cycling club members in 1911 would be wearing CTC uniforms.”
http://www.roadswerenotbuiltforcars.com/alan-bennett-got-it-wrong-on-roads-ctc-uniforms-and-class/
I like this quote from Bennett in 2006:
“You always know when you’re going to arrive. If you go by car, you don’t. Apart from anything else, I prefer cycling. It puts you in a good mood, I find.”Some scenes from the play:
Posted 12 years ago # -
Unfortunately, turns out i'm going to be out of town on the day of. But I do think it would be worth as many people attending as possible.
Posted 12 years ago # -
"more than 200 people have signed up to attend cycling budget demo"
http://www.spokes.org.uk/wordpress/2012/01/jan-11-budget-demo
Posted 12 years ago # -
'A Better Way To Work' were tweeting about it yesterday. I tried with them as well to let them know that there would be no ministers; and that transport is based at Victoria Quay anyway. No response either.
Posted 12 years ago # -
"Hi Gail, I fully intend to be at the 11th January protest (though not for the full hour given I work at the other side of town so will be riding over). I’ve mentioned on Facebook, and Twitter, something which may have escaped the notice of the organisers (of which I assume you are one). On Wednesdays the MSPs are primarily at Parliament, not at St Andrew’s House. Essentially we will be protesting to a group of civil servants on their lunch break.
Obviously there is a big transport aspect to this as well (hence the cycling round-up), but the Transport department is based at Victoria Quay. I assume, however, that John Swinney is based at St Andrew’s House (though as mentioned he’d normally be at Parliament on a Wednesday). Has he accepted the invitation to receive the letter? Also, is a copy of the letter that is to be presented available online?
You might be interested in the discussion surrounding this on the CityCyclingEdinburgh forum: http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4718&replies=38
Regards (and good luck)
Anth"
Posted 12 years ago # -
I'm so tempted to make a 'Down with this sort of thing' banner. Who wants to do a 'Careful now' one?
(I also think that the protest is so far down the line that changing place/date would be impossible now anyway, and it's at least something being visible, but I'm not really convinced Swinney will turn up - hope I'm proved wrong).
Posted 12 years ago # -
Maybe have a back up for if he does start making claims.
http://xkcd.com/285/Posted 12 years ago # -
I love XKCD....
Had a response to my email. Basically it's a 'one sie fits all' solution. Need somewhere central so most people can get there; targeted at the government rather than the parliament; given it's at lunchtime then John Swinney may be available to come back up from the parliament to receive the letter.
I guess that all fits. Here's hoping it has some effect. As I say, I'll be there as long as I can (if I can get out of a midday conference call that I've just noticed is in the diary).
Posted 12 years ago # -
I guess the key thing is to get a big enough crowd and suitably equipped journalists/news crews there, then the politicians will know about it. 200 attendees is a good start.
Posted 12 years ago # -
If I can get there I will though...
Posted 12 years ago # -
Unfortunately (on two counts) as my wife is leaving me (temporarily!) and I have to take her to the airport. Extra cycling while she's away though!
Posted 12 years ago # -
I'll be there with No.2 daughter at 1pm. I've even made a wee placard to attach to the child seat.
If anyone else is planning to attend, see you there!
Posted 12 years ago # -
Posted 12 years ago #
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I'll only be able to stick around for the first half hour, but I'll be there for 1.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Perhaps CCE people could gather at entrance to Calton Hill/Old High School (just east of St.AH on opposite side of road) if anyone wants to put faces to user names.
1:00-1:10??
Posted 12 years ago # -
Yay I have the bike and will be there just after 1. Orange Cotic >X< with flo top, beige trousers and red/white helmet. Are you going to be there chdot? Would be nice to put a face to the
nameerr... username.Posted 12 years ago # -
I've got a conference call 12-12.30, so should have time to get changed and ride over for 1. As with others I'll only be able to hang around for half an hour or so. But it does mean another Cotic X... ;)
Posted 12 years ago # -
"Are you going to be there chdot?"
99%
White bike (not sure which one).
Posted 12 years ago # -
In case I can get back from the airport in time (ironic?), what's the best way to St A House from Cameron Toll direction? Over the bridges? Sorry but cyclestreets isn't working on my phone and I don't cycle much up north.
Posted 12 years ago # -
"Over the bridges?"
Still flying?
Down The Bridges turn right.
Posted 12 years ago # -
BBC | Concern over possible cuts to cycling promotion cash
"The rally event in Edinburgh is being supported by the Olympic and Tour de France cyclist, Chris Boardman."
Posted 12 years ago # -
I'll look a bit like Groundskeeper Willie from the Simpsons,if he wore a grey helmet and rode a black and gold Raleigh.
Posted 12 years ago # -
I'm going to try to be there if I can get through this morning's tasks super quickly.
Posted 12 years ago # -
I will turn up, possibly with some work-people.
@Uberuce I'll bring your magnet.Posted 12 years ago # -
Maybe we should have a mobile coffee stall.
Posted 12 years ago # -
"The rally event in Edinburgh is being supported by the Olympic and Tour de France cyclist, Chris Boardman."
If true, that is quite odd.
Perhaps they mean Hoy??
Posted 12 years ago #
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