Cycling UK Forum

gaz wrote:

Boltzmann wrote:Well, the designer of the voting form would not like to be thought of as gerrymandering surely?

OK, I'll pop my serious hat on for a moment.

How large a sample of forms has been examined to determine the difference in type font?

I don't know

What evidence exists that a difference in type font would produce an actual change in voter behaviour re the vote they choose to cast?

I don't know


Now I'll take it back off again.

Have the subliminal messages in this post affected your answers?

Clever stuff gaz. There is much evidence to support the use of heavy typeface when the message is "This is important".

When the typeface emphasis is so subtle as to be almost unnoticeable then the "This is important" message becomes subliminal.

The required change in voter behaviour could be quite small so long as it makes the difference between a 74% and 75% yes vote.

With regard to the size of the forms sample I regret to say that I have only been sent one form but this form contained 9 examples of exaggerated For text.

I don't suppose that my form was any different from those sent out to the rest of the Club membership. Perhaps someone with a form could confirm my observation with regard to typeface differences.

If you didn't notice this on your form then you may have already been subjected to it's influence.

You can see that I haven't been influenced by your "I don't know" messages.

Stay cool man.

Well, the designer of the voting form would not like to be thought of as gerrymandering surely?

The voting form appears to be carrying a subliminal message as follows:

All the "For" text is approximately 30% heavier type than the "Against" and "Abstain".
The type has the same point size so that this is not very obvious.
Will "Electoral Reform Services" invalidate any postal vote which attempts to influence voting in this manner?
This would damage the reputation of the Club and needs to be urgently addressed.

We now have 17 pages of posts but as Trevor, of Beiderbecke fame, might say "All I want to know is ..." what is the CTC?

If the Cyclists Touring Club is it's members then the CTC Memorandum and Articles of Association 5.8.1 say that "It shall be the duty of members of the Council to promote and be responsible for the interests of the Club". Translated this says that they are responsible for the interests of the members and as a result they must not vote in favour of any motion which degrades membership.

If the Cyclists Touring Club is an entity independent of it's members then there is no problem since the word "Club" takes on any meaning which the Council cares to assign. In this event they can vote for conversion to charitable status and they then have no further obligations towards the members.

Trevor again - "and another thing ..." never make an investment decision based on tax advantages unless you want a poor return.

The M520, M540, M515, M505, M770, M970, M959 pedals can all use the Shimano SM-PD22 reflector. This can be locked on to one side of the pedal by tightening up the release adjustment screw. It converts one side of the pedal to a flat bed suitable for domestic shoes. Handy if you are wearing SPD shoes and encounter difficult road conditions in town. I don't think there is a reflector solution if you want to keep pedals double sided. Google SM-PD22 will probably get you several suppliers.

Hi Malconotus

Guess you might like to know why I started this search for reflectors.

Road legal was my first thought as I knew that any damages awarded to me by the courts could be reduced by a good defence lawyer claiming poor visibility at night. Having run down batteries in my BS standard lights could similarly be used to reduce a claim.

Life preservation is also a major factor so not only did I want BS lights I wanted flashing LEDs and reflectors on my pedals. I came to this conclusion over many years as a motorist when I have had ample opportunity to observe extremely poor cycle lighting and a lack of pedal reflectors. Many cyclists don't know that looking through a car windscreen doesn't offer the same visibility afforded to the naked eye of the cyclist.

Most of my cycle clothing has reflective patches but I don't like wearing a high-vis vest because I find them too warm.

When it comes to considering the economics just ask yourself how highly you value your life. As far as I'm concerned you are entitled to make any profit you think the free market can stand. Thank you for solving my problem. You are providing a great service to cyclists and I wish you well.

Knowing that work expands to fill the time available can we assume that the tax clawback will encourage higher administrative costs?
Perhaps the plan is to offer something useful to the members such as a Members Handbook containing useful touring information. Maybe we will have lists of suppliers who have agreed discounts when supplying CTC members. How about lists of repair shops approved by CTC members. Perhaps we will have space in Cycle magazine for members sales and wants. CTC approved accommodation and refreshment would be great in a form you could put in your saddlebag.

We could have a really great club if it was run for the benefit of the members. We could call it The Bicycle Touring Club or perhaps we tried that before!

Cheapest solution is a glass of water with added salt and sugar to taste. Decide on your own best mix proportions. I usually go for half a teaspoon of salt with two of sugar in the works canteen after riding into work. When touring I usually make up a bottle of cold lemon tea with plenty of sugar and a little added salt. Takes a little while to get the mixture right - if it's too salty it's not right - should be mildly salty. If you suffer from high blood pressure or hypertension go easy in the salt and consult your GP for alternative solutions.

Can anyone advise of a stockist for Shimano SM-PD40 reflectors. They are specified for use on PD-M424 pedals but I am unable to locate a UK source.