Cycling UK - HELP TO GET MORE MEMBERS?

[wearwell]

I'm getting on a bit and just done my first Parkrun https://www.parkrun.org.uk/
They are brilliant at bringing in new members and encouraging running; basically by encouraging / inviting absolutely anybody who can propel themselves over 5km on their own legs. A very cheerful experience with lots of encouragement.
Worth looking at for cycling clubs perhaps? Nearest equivalent I can think of would be 50km Audaxes.

[Philip Benstead]

I'm getting on a bit and just done my first Parkrun https://www.parkrun.org.uk/
They are brilliant at bringing in new members and encouraging running; basically by encouraging / inviting absolutely anybody who can propel themselves over 5km on their own legs. A very cheerful experience with lots of encouragement.
Worth looking at for cycling clubs perhaps? Nearest equivalent I can think of would be 50km Audaxes.

You are aiming too high, I suggest clubs run of say 20 to 30 miles at say 8 to 12 mph plus stops?

[jimlews]

Perhaps it is time for a name change ?

I suggest that CYCLISTS TOURING CLUB has a nice ring to it.

[Snoopy]

I ride a bike.for the personal freedom it gives me. Nothing more , Nothing less
What in the society we now live in, is a club ?

[VinceLedge]

Locally some of this area has been taken up by Breeze Rides, which are organised by women and for women. They range from short easy rides to medium length ones (80km ish) and are pace for the slower riders. They seem to be fairly popular locally for new or returning riders. Only recently realised they are under the British Cycling umbrella.
I don't know of anything similar for mixed or male groups.
UK Cycling doesn't really make it obvious what its purpose is to attract new members and maybe BC have beaten them to this one.

[arnsider]

I firmly believe Cycling UK already fulfils the needs of cyclists outwith the activities of local groups and if it wants to attract more members it needs to improve its existing activity and advertise such to bolster the voice we already have in society in general and to increase revenue.
There are possibly five fundemental reasons we cycle;
Health and Fitness - Cycling offers a unique method of maintaining strength and stamina
Financial Savings - Cycle Commuting offers massive savings over car use and public transport.
Time Efficiency - Cycling can cut journey times in congested urban areas.
Mental Well being - Cycling involves safety critical skills and acute awareness, engaging both mind and body.
Environmental Impact - Cyclists, consciously or not,make much less negative impact on the environment.
This Forum alone is a priceless interactive medium covering all five reasons.
Our third party insurance scheme is an absolute winner to members.
My own view on insurance will not suit everyone, but I firmly believe all cyclists should be required by law to carry some form of third party insurance. Children should not cycle on public roads unaccompanied by their parents, who should carry insurance covering their offsprings.
Our voice on Road safety is vital and we need to put resource into safety campaigns as a priority.
Older town infrastructure is often not conducive to getting from A to B efficiently and short cuts that are glaringly obvious are often blocked. Highlighting these pinch points should be a part of our campaigning.
New infrastructure, at planning stage, should get referal and consideration from cycling officers on councils.
We should be more active and vociferous in expanding the carriage of cycles on public transport.
Cyclists get bad publicity via the lawless activity of fast food deliverers and Police need to clamp down on the reckless activity of these people. Are we voicing the need for police action?
Perhaps Case Studies of savings in our publications on commuting costs, might be a good way of promoting cycling, in these cash strapped days.
How much of our effort goes into encouraging schools to offer cycle training to vulnerable youngsters?
A few here seem to want inclusivety, but are a lot of potential members actually competent awheel?
A quick glance at the machines they turn up on should give you an idea of their commitment.
As an aside, the bike racks at my Grammar School received regular visits from the Police Road safety division (Yes they had them way backl!) If you got a red stcker, you had to see a senior master who read you the riot act on the state of your brakes, tyres, handlebars etc!
Well, I've digressed somewhat, but I think we should carry on doing all the things we do and should really be more mindful of our underlying strengths than harping on about inevitable weaknesses.