Cycling UK Forum

According to HQ, CTC members renew their subscription because of CTC work on Campaigning and the CTC Magazine.
I joined the CTC many years ago because of it`s name Cyclists Touring Club and it`s third party insurance. These days I only renew because of the third party insurance and committee duties. Why do you renew your subs?

maybe not in the correct order:-

1. they campaign on useful things like not making the use of 2 meter long cycle lanes compulsory in the new highway code

2. third party insurance

3. legal help if I need to make a claim

To tell you the truth I do not know why I renew my subscription to the CTC and the next time I have to renew I am out! The 'CTC' is only used now for publicity and I strongly suspect the CTC rather the 'CTC' would just clear off! The magazine has gone to the dogs with lots of mountain bike stuff and seems to be in the hands of weird people and weird sections. Poor old 'CTC', what have they done to you??!

What paulah said,

plus I like the magazine though I'm not interested in mountain biking, too much after ride cleaning for my taste.

plus I am tempted by but never tried one of the CTC holidays.

Also I am one of the 80% (is it?) that don't take part in the local section Sunday runs.

I'm in for the insurance and the perceived benefit of helping fund an organisation which acts responsibly and effectively to promote cycling and the needs of cyclists.

The mag's ok - you can never please all the people with them...

I actually left the CTC and joined British Cycling for a couple of years, but I missed reading the mag, so I rejoined earlier this year. I think they do a lot of good work campaigning on behalf of cyclists. I used to ride with the local CTC section, but don't any more.

Bill Reynolds wrote:The magazine has gone to the dogs with lots of mountain bike stuff and seems to be in the hands of weird people and weird sections. Poor old 'CTC', what have they done to you??!

Yeah, the rot set in when they started reviewing bikes with French-sized wheels and more than 5 speeds

...and shock horror, we stopped riding high ordinaries and CTC campaigned for ladies to wear split skirts in order to be able to cycle.... women cycling heaven forbid

Renew what's renew? Life member!
Campaigning and insurance and legal aid are all equally invaluable to me.

Ive got one of those 3 year membership jobbies.

I must admit, I love the magazine and only wish it came out more often. I mainly joined for the third party insurance, although Im not sure if it is only for coverage while I cycle in the UK or not.

Again, the legal advice section - not sure if that will cover me in an accident on the island, but nevertheless I shall renew my membership as any flag ship for cyclists is great in my book anyway.


Mary

In order I perceive to be of importance.

1) Legal Help.
2) Insurance.
3) Campaigning
4) Information (Magazine included in that)

I first joined when looking for third party insurance. I found that it was pretty much the same cost as joining the CTC but without the other benefits. It was an exercise in getting worth for my money.

Yup, I’m an old scrooge.

Humbug!

>;o)

Gazza

I have to say my local group rather put me off.

chris667 wrote:I have to say my local group rather put me off.

Really?

Where are you?

My local group are a good bunch.

I tend not to get out with them that much though.

Gazza

It's all the lycra!
I love cycling, but cycling groups just don't do it for me. Not their fault.

Mainly, I am a member for the magazine, third party insurance and potential legal help if ever needed, although used to also go out with the DA a lot. This forum is also a good benefit although you don't need to be a member for it I suppose.

Manx Cat, the third party insurance is worldwide except USA & Canada.
details : http://tinyurl.com/9yyqrw

My own 5 year membership comes up in April so it's time for hard think.

In these litigation conscious days, I think the third party insurance is bordering on the indispensible; be held responsible for any sort of injury accident and the bill could easily have 000's on the bottom line - even 00,000's. I doubt there is any means of obtaining similar cover without having a policy specially written at disproportionate cost.

Beyond that?

Legal assistance? Russell Jones and Walker (the CTC solicitors) are excellent, but their no-win, no-fee service is available to anybody with a decent claim.

Campaigning? Many of the local volunteer reps (Right to Ride) work extremely hard in difficult circumstances. Obviously, resources at the national level are limited and are pitted against a huge car lobby. On the other hand, it's my personal view that the last Highway Code revision was a disaster, not helped by trying to spin it as a magnificent victory.

Technical advice etc? Invaluable, but difficult to put a value on. (I'm a bit suprised but I don't think anybody else above has mentioned this - because it is an excellent service.)

Cyclists' Defence Fund? Excellent, but as a charity its benefits are enjoyed by all cyclists.

Discounts in bike shops? For somebody like me with enough junk in the garage to open their own shop, not much of an incentive.

Magazine? Well, a discounted membership for anybody not wanting the mag might just tip the balance and tempt me to renew. Otherwise, it's a matter of how much do I need the third party insurance?