Joint Training Conference - London, 15 March, 2008
This conference was organised jointly by the CTC, the Campaign for Better Transport (formerly Transport 2000) and Living Streets (formerly the Pedestrians' Association). It was aimed at campaigners in the fields of cycling, walking and transport generally.
Right from the start it was emphasised that we Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) need to work together in our campaigning activities, we need to share ideas and hear about each others' challenges and successes and build upon them.
Rod King of Warrington Cycling Campaign (WCC) informed us that the UK has the highest number of pedestrian road deaths in Europe, while countries with the least pedestrian road deaths have the highest levels of cycling. WCC's policy is to oppose cycle lanes less than 2 metres in width and cycle unfriendly speed humps. Rod spoke about Warrington's twin town of Hilden, Germany, where 23 per cent of local travel is by bicycle encouraged by strict enforcement of a 30kph (18.5mph) speed limit in residential streets. In Britain the culture is definitely changing; a recent survey found that 80 per cent of the population favour a limit of 20mph.
Caroline Russell of Islington Living Streets showed slides of a recent successful scheme in her area. To ease access to a local school by pupils and parents they were successful in getting a kerb realignment to slow through traffic and give a greatly increased area of footway. This was achieved by lobbying the local council, meeting with the local road safety team, organising a 'walk to school' event, the children making posters to display at the side of the road - 'Be cool, walk to school', getting photos into the local press, establishing Junior Road Safety officers, and inviting the mayor to the problem area.
Caroline said it was necessary to ensure the borough bid for finance from Transport for London, establish data on speed and volume of traffic through the area, use community newsletters and the local media, prepare FAQs - frequently asked questions and answers to be given, engage a network of neighbours, and lobby councillors. She said one needs to make things easy for volunteers - prepare a pack of instructions and materials for each one.
Chris Barker, Campaign for Better Transport for the whole London area, spoke of three principal themes to work on: (i) the need to combat climate change, (ii) improving public transport, (iii) traffic reduction - reducing the need to travel. The congestion charge in inner London allows more space for pedestrians and cyclists, but there is now a need to reduce traffic in outer London which has greatly increased in recent years. Oxford Street is now totally congested with buses (and taxis and motorbikes when we last cycled along it). TfL is now considering how to make this street more pedestrian-friendly seeing the number of big stores along it. Replacing the buses with a light tram system using on-board energy production is one option.
Chris also spoke about gyratory one-way systems, introduced in the 1960s to speed up traffic. They do that alright, as well as isolate those members of the population unfortunate enough to live on the 'island'. Of 17 such systems in London, one has already been replaced and others will follow in due time. (Amazing that here in Norwich they have just voted to bring in such a system, apparently not having learnt anything from London's mistakes.)
Chris's suggestions for campaigning on such issues: make extensive use of one's website; e-mail letters to councillors, council officers and the press; make sure they receive a deluge of letters from campaigners.
Marcus Churchill, freelance broadcaster, spoke about how to get one's message across. He gave a handout, included here. He stressed the need, when using the media, to tailor one's message to the supposed audience in language they can understand. Repetition is necessary to get the message across. Avoid being preachy and don't be put off by presenters and voluble listeners phoning in. Facts and figures from surveys and straw polls, as well as anecdotes, help. Misconceptions need to be countered, for example, that driving is quicker than walking within a town setting. If the interview is on TV, dress in smart everyday clothes - wearing special cycling gear will put viewers off. Whether on radio or on TV, 'live' interviews are best as they can't be edited. For live interviews, always ask beforehand what is likely to be covered and/or asked. Avoid jargon at all costs. Keep the message short and simple, sound confident. Don't be drawn into argument or raise voice - keep cool! If you don't want to answer a question, say what you want - politicians' trick! With the press, letters should be as short and to the point as possible to hopefully avoid editing which could alter the emphasis or meaning. For press releases, always give a contact telephone number for the editor's quick question.
Marcus was an excellent speaker. certainly a professional.
The concluding message of the conference was that we should work towards three important targets:
- cyclists and pedestrians (+ horse riders?) should work together, perhaps producing a joint website;
- traffic reduction;
- 20mph as a default speed limit in residential areas.
It was an excellent conference. Maybe we could get together again in 2 or 3 years time to discuss progress?
Phyll Hardie
Richard Bearman
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