Many thanks to Tim Thorne of CycleWight (pictured here with Roger Geffen) for this report of cycle campaigner, Roger Geffen’s recent visit to the Island. Ed
Roger Geffen the Campaigns and Policy Manager of the CTC1 spent two days on the Island last week meeting various groups about cycling on the Island.
He met David Pugh, leader of the council and Edward Giles, the portfolio holder for Transport and the Environment, as well as several senior Council Officers. He outlined ways in which cycling will help deliver a wide range of benefits to the Island; quality of the environment, increase in space if less dependency on cars and health benefits, amongst other things.
He also addressed the campaign group CycleWight at their AGM and the Island’s Cycle Forum.
Mr Geffen’s address to the Cycle Forum highlighted issues that will be arising in the next year and how to ensure that cycling maintains its profile. Andy Newman the CTC Right to Ride2 representative on the Island and Cycle Forum member said, ‘Mr Geffen is a nationally recognised figure. He brought a countrywide perspective so as to give us some pointers on how we are doing and what needs to be done next. ”
This was the inaugural meeting of the Forum being organised by members of voluntary groups rather than the Council. “It was disappointing there were not more members from some of the official bodies attending,” said Alec Lawson, from the Wayfarers Cycle Club, who was acting as secretary for the evening, “but this is a fresh beginning and one of our main aims is to be more purposeful and inclusive to all who have any interest in improving cycling.” 3 Mr Geffen stressed that there needs to be involvement of a wide range of bodies in promoting and providing facilities for cycling and not just the Council and its officers; the primary care trust, the large employers and chamber of commerce for example.
Over 50 people were present at the CycleWight AGM. Attending as invited guest were Councillor Taylor, the Chair of the council, Mr Turner MP. Councillor Giles, Councillors Dixcey. A presentation from Mr Geffen concentrated on the advantages of cycling to local environment and dispelling the myths linked to cycling. He highlighted research that showed it is more dangerous to sit at home and do nothing than get cycling and exercise. Tim Thorne, chair of the group said, “Roger threw down a challenge to us cyclists to get out and give the message of the huge benefits that cycling has, not just for the individual, but the local economy too.”
Mr Geffen also took advantage to look at some of the cycle routes on the Island.
