Brilliant day - I thoroughly enjoyed it, enough to want to get more involved. The purpose of the day, if it wasn't initially clear (I didn't quite get it, I'd just seen a list of great speakers who I wanted to hear) was to set up a group to lobby Labour politicians locally and nationally on what they should be doing to encourage more cycling and to have this included in the next general Election Manifesto. Lobby not just to harangue them, but to ensure they have all the information, research and examples of best practice to ensure they'll support it. This launch went smoothly, a constitution passed, committee formed and membership established, it'll affiliate to the Labour Party when the membership reaches the required number. I expect all the details will be on the website before long
https://labourcycles.wordpress.com/Even if I had no interest in the outcome, it was a fantastic day. A fair smattering of people I know, some if different guises, some familiar Cycling UK faces, and as expected a great line up of speakers. Chris Boardman kicked it off, I thought he was a good cycling ambassador a year ago, his role as Manchester's Cycling and Walking Commissioner has taken that to a new level, he has the knowledge and examples from around the world and an entertaining straightforward way of presenting it. The representatives from several councils/regions gave good account of what can be achieved, the barriers and ways to try and overcome them. Rachael Maskell MP -Shadow Minister for Transport, and Dr Rachel Aldred – A Senior Lecturer in Transport, University of Westminster stood out for me, so much enthusiasm. Plenty of other speakers and all taking Q&As, though kept to a tight schedule by the chair.
Reasonable lunch, free book (Bike Nation) and the ticket was only a tenner! Train ride on the scenic Trans Peak in the snow, all in all a good day out.
But of course far more than that, this could be the first time a major political party puts a cycling commitment of this magnitude into a manifesto. Wouldn't really matter what party did it, establish it as part of the agenda and it'll be here to stay.
