Leah and her team have been hard at work recruiting more members to the Cycle Campaign. Membership numbers are important because it gives us more weight when we lobby the Council, Network Rail and other bodies – showing the depth and breadth of our representation of cyclists in York. And of course, the more members we have, the more likely it is that some will get actively involved helping us run events, responding to calls to action, and coming up with ideas about what the Campaign can focus on.

Leah explains;

‘We had pop-up recruitment drives on Parliament Street, Thor’s Orangery, Bishy Road, and Millennium Bridge over the summer which has yielded a lot of interest and new members. A particularly fruitful tactic has been to hover around cycle stands, or target people wheeling bikes. Of course, some people are tourists and others are from York but don’t cycle – although it’s interesting to find out why they don’t. Quite often it’s because they don’t feel safe, which underlines the need for the Campaign in the first place.

‘Based on the predicted weather forecast over the next few weeks (i.e. changeable!), pop-up recruitment will take place during the summer at short notice. We have a What’s App group for coordinating volunteers, and occasional meetings to discuss ideas, plans and progress.

‘Future recruitment events are planned around Kidical Mass (free social ride on 24th September) and Fresher’s Week at York University.

‘We’re also working on a Refer a Friend Scheme (watch this space), pre-Christmas Ride & Competition on Sunday 3rd December, and indoor stalls at York Railway Station over the winter.’

We are always looking for people to help with recruitment and for ideas to increase our membership. If you are interested in helping, please contact Leah.