Derby Cycling Group

Annual General Meeting Friends’ Meeting House, Derby DE1 3GY

19.00 (7pm), Tuesday 12th May 2009

Agenda

1 Apologies 2 Minutes of AGM 2008 3 Matters Arising 4 Annual Report 5 Secretary’s Report (Membership) 6 Treasurer’s Report 7 Election of Committee (nominations attached) 8 AOB

On termination of the formal part of the business there will be a short presentation given by John Stubbs, outgoing Chair of the Derby Cycling Group, entitled,

Why are we cycling and where are we going?

The meeting should close around 21.00 (9pm)

1 Apologies:

1 Minutes of AGM 13th May 2008 Present: (18) Ian Alexander, Nigel Aspdin, Mark Brown, David Clasby, Andrew Harrison, John Horrocks, Alastair Johnson, Alan Locke, John Palmer, Martin Quarton, Tony Roelich, Les Sims, John Stubbs, David Turner, Dave Waldram, David Walker, Paul Whitaker.

Guest speaker: Peter Price, Head of Transportation, Derby City Council

Minutes Chair: Ian Alexander, Secretary CTC Derby Section

The chair opened the AGM by welcoming everyone. He asked John Stubbs (JS) to take the AGM through the formal part of the agenda. 1 Apologies Martin Aldred, Lucy Care, Alastair Clark, Mike Madin, Mavis Ratcliffe, Gwen Sandu, Bella Stewart, Jane Temple, Bob Troup 2 Minutes of AGM 2007 JS asked for the approval of these which was given by the meeting 3 Matters Arising None that would not be dealt with under the main agenda 4 Annual Report This was presented by JS who started by presenting to the AGM a list of the committee positions held throughout the year and commented that there had been no change to this throughout the year.

JS then presented a review of the DCGs activities throughout the year and emphasised the huge amount of work that active members had put into events organisation and campaigning issues. Chair’s full report is contained in the AGM document..

David Clasby raised the issue of the future funding for CycleDerby which was not yet confirmed and could have serious implications for cycling in Derby.

Alan Locke mentioned the on-going and unresolved issue of permeability of Derby city centre with respect to cycling. Peter Price responded by saying that the current situation was neither workable nor enforceable and needed further resolution.

David Walker remarked on: - the amount of fly-posting around the city and recommended the DCG organise a mass ride to remove as much of it as possible. - the number of cars parked in cycle paths which should receive just as much adverse publicity as pavement cycling. 5 Secretary’s Report (Membership) This was delivered by Barbara Rathbone who commented on the success of the recent hard copy newsletter in getting subscription renewals. Although total membership was now considerably lower than a few years ago, she anticipated a substantial recovery with more subscription renewals coming in. She did however comment of the need to attract new members to the DCG

John Palmer asked if membership cards were being given to all new and rejoining members and Barbara assured that they were. David Turner pointed out the necessity of having membership cards to prove membership and obtain discounts at cycle shops. 6 Treasurer’s Report This was delivered by John Palmer, DCG Treasurer who pointed to the usual healthy financial surplus of the DCG notwithstanding the expense of hosting the CTC conference in May 2007. As in previous years he emphasised the generosity of many members who gave donations to the group and this together with the interest that accrues from the bank balance keeps the DCG solvent.

2 7 Election of Committee The following nominations were received:

Position Nominee 1 Chair John Stubbs 2 Secretary (Memb) Barbara Rathbone 3 Treasurer John Palmer 4 Web master Alastair Johnston 5 Newsletter production Andy Harrison 6 Newsletter distribution Esther Wadsworth 7 Schools Liaison David Clasby 8 Railway Station Liaison Martin Aldred 9 Events co-ordinator Martin Quarton 10 Minutes Secretary Vacant 11 Derby Cycle Forum Alan Locke 12 CTC Representative Ian Alexander 13 County & South Derbyshire Liaison David Waldram 14 Campaigns Coordinator Tony Roelich 15 EMTARS and Travelwatch East Midlands Vacant

There were no other nomination for any of the above positions

JS asked the floor: - if there was anyone with web site design skills who would be prepared to take over from Alastair Johnson as web master. - to accept the above proceedings as being consistent with the business of a formal AGM. Proposed: Les Sims, Seconded, John Horrocks 8 AOB JS informed meeting that the next AGM of the DCG would be 19.00 (7pm) Tuesday 12th May, 2009, Friends’ Meeting House, Derby DE1 3GY

There being no further business, the formal part of the AGM terminated at 19.55 (7.55pm)

Upon conclusion of the formal part of the AGM’s, there followed a of presentation by Peter Price, Head of Transportation, Derby City Council, a summary of which is given below:

After a brief description of the structure at Derby City Council for planning, implementing and maintaining the city’s transportation system, the presentation outlined the rationale for the 6Cs (Derby, Leicester, Nottingham and their respective counties) Congestion Management Study. It was highlighted that transport modelling predicted that on present policies, based on 2006 data, by 2021, car ownership in Derby would increase by 20%, car journeys by 22% while cycling journeys would decrease by 11%, walking journeys by 10% and public transport usage staying static. This outcome would result in much longer (ie slower) journey times, more congestion and considerable economic loss to the city.

The next step in the work was to develop a full business case which would seek significant sums of Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) capital to deliver an innovative package of infrastructure improvements over the next 5 to 10 years, centred upon radically better public transport and cycling facilities, allied to a major expansion of publicity and promotion. These improvements would be delivered in advance of a congestion charging scheme, which would help restrict the growth in travel demand by car and encourage people to switch mode.

However, the 6Cs have decided not to progress with the development of a business case, which means that we will not be able to bid to government for the funding to deliver this package of improvements.

After a series of questions and answers, JS thanked Peter Price for providing the DCG with a very interesting and informative session. The meeting closed at 21.00 (9pm)

3 3 Matters Arising

4 Chair’s Annual Report, 2008

4.1 DCG Committee, 2008-2009 At the last AGM (13th June 2008) the following committee was elected for 2008-2009:

Position Nominee 1 Chair John Stubbs 2 Secretary (Memb) Barbara Rathbone 3 Treasurer John Palmer 4 Web master Alastair Johnston 5 Newsletter production Andy Harrison 6 Newsletter distribution Esther Wadsworth 7 Schools Liaison David Clasby 8 Railway Station Liaison Martin Aldred 9 Events co-ordinator Martin Quarton 10 Minutes Secretary Vacant 11 Derby Cycle Forum Alan Locke 12 CTC Representative Ian Alexander 13 County & South Derbyshire Liaison David Waldram 14 Campaigns Coordinator Tony Roelich 15 EMTARS and Travelwatch East Vacant Midlands

4.2 Review of 2008/09

Derby Cycling Group review of 2008/09 Many of the issues that we have dealt with this are on going from 2007/08 and even before. But there are a few new ones. The key campaigning activities of the DCG in 2008/2009 (year ended 31st March) are set out below.

Connecting Derby/Inner Ring Road Campaigning While being opposed in principle to the construction of the road, the DCG has been working particularly hard over the last year to ensure that the opportunities for cycling created by this new road are optimised. Much progress has been made in discussions with the City Council but there still remain some important outstanding issues, particularly regarding the proposals on King Street by St Helen’s House.

Duffield Road bus lane This scheme has been retained by the City Council which the DCG fully supports due to the benefit it provides to the bus service in particular and public transport in general. However, as we reported last year the bus lane is not helpful to north bound cyclists on Duffield Road. Consequently the DCG has been in close discussion with the City Council during this year about developing a suitable alternative cycle route. The discussion is ongoing.

4 Sturgess Field Campaign This project by the University of Derby to build a road across an important green wedge in the city’s landscape, was rejected by the City Council in September 2007. The DCG supported this campaign, led by Friends of the Markeaton Brook, not only because of opposition to road building in principle, but also because the proposed road scheme ran counter to long standing DCG goals of having improvements made to the existing cycle paths leading to the University. But the University appealed against the City Council’s decision and so the DCG was involved in taking its case against the scheme to a formal Planning Inquiry which convened in October 2008. We triumphed in the end however as in January the Planning Inspector dismissed the University’s appeal and indeed reference was made to the DCGs representation at the Planning Inquiry in the Inspector’s Report. So this green wedge has now been preserved for the benefit of the local community.

Railway station cycle parking and Travel Plan The DCG welcomed the new bicycle stands at Derby Railway Station that were installed in July 2007 but was still critical at the lack of capacity they afforded. Since then, the City Council has required Derby Station to establish a Station Travel Plan (as part of a nationwide scheme) and the DCG has a seat on the Steering Group for this project giving it input into improving the station’s cycling storage and access facilities.

Road junction development A6/A511 (Raynesway) This large road project to the south east of the city is being taken forward by the Highways Agency (HA). All points raised by the DCG with the HA have been addressed and the scheme has been through a Planning Inquiry in September 2008. While it is unknown when the project will start, every opportunity has been taken to get best possible cycle facilities there.

City Centre Permeability This issue relates to having cycle access to the pedestrianised city centre and this has been a long standing goal of the DCG. Although we have yet to achieve this, the recent decision to allow motorised pedi-cabs in the pedestrianised may provide an opportunity here. Cycling England had concerns over the lack of permeability to this area on their visit to Derby last summer.

Derby as a Cycle Demonstration Town During the year the city had its status as a Cycle Demonstration Town reassessed by Cycling England and whilst the bid was eventually successful it was a close call. Issues over the quality and quantity of some of the recent cycle infrastructure in the city nearly lost the bid. This has resulted in convincing the Derby City Council to commit seriously to increasing its investment in cycle infrastructure and, more importantly, has lead to the Council making a commitment that all future highway infrastructure schemes will be audited for impact on cycling. The Council are now committed to producing a Strategic Cycle Network Development Plan.

5 Strategic Cycle Forums (SCFs) and Derby City Council The DCG regard SCFs as the principal means to interface with the City Council and through them the DCG is now involved in the proposed audit of the existing cycle network. One potentially serious setback for the DCG this year was the loss of a dedicated Cycling Officer in the council but we successfully campaigned to have one reinstated . If there are any issues about cycling infrastructure that concern you then please contact Tim Banton and Rachel Shardlow on [email protected] make it: ‘FAO cycling infrastructure’. Tell them the problems and please tell us too!

Newsletter developments Recent years have seen the DCG move substantially towards electronic communication with members through the production of a, roughly, quarterly e-newsletter. While this achieved considerable savings in both time and resources, it has been felt that this has been at the cost of having a reduced impact upon members. Consequently it was decided in 2007/08 to produce an annual hard copy newsletter to be sent direct to members’ home address while still retaining the e-newsletter for the rest of the year. The success of this formula has meant it has been continued for the current year just gone.

As always much thanks is extended to all members who have worked for the group during the year and thereby helped improve cycling conditions in Derby.

John Stubbs, Chair, May 2009

5 Secretary’s Report (Membership), 2009: Last year the Group posted out a printed newsletter in March to all members with a reminder of when subscriptions were due for renewal. This was very successful in encouraging members to renew and we have done the same this year. The reminders went out in March with the newsletter and so far 33 members have renewed, 27 are still outstanding.

We still need to try to attract new members to support the Group.

A strong membership base does help us in our campaigning work, both in adding weight as we represent so many people and with the expertise and experience our members can bring to the group’s work.

Membership statistics 2005-2009 (year ended 30th April)

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Total number of members 597 468 293 251 278 Subscriptions for renewal 177 113 133 179 60 New members ? 10 9 8 6 Renewals ? 46 38 112 33

Note that the figures for 2008 are for the whole year, but figures for 2009 are only up to end of April.

Barbara Rathbone, Membership Secretary, May 2009

6 6 Treasurer’s Report, 2009:

To year ended 31st March 2009:

Income Expenditure Members' subscription 474.00 Subscription CCN 48.00 Donations 352.00 Travel 8.15 Bank Interest 5.59 Postage and stationary 93.04 Building Society Interest 83.87 Additional memory 6.00 Room rent & catering for 21.08 AGM

TOTAL INCOME 915.46 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 176.27 SURPLUS 739.19 TOTAL 915.46 TOTAL 915.46 Balance Sheet: Derbyshire Building Society & Royal Bank of Scotland: Opening balance 1st 3641.34 Closing balance 31st 3745.97 April 2008: DBS March 2009 DBS RBS 109.44 RBS 744.00 Surplus 158.73 3750.78 4489.97 Accounts audited by David Vince

For comparison with last year: Income Expenditure Members' subscription 333.00 Subs CCN & donation 75.00 DCACC Donations 226.00 Printing photocopying 23.05 Derby City Council 50.00 Postage and stationary 10.64 Bank Interest 3.74 Room rent & catering for 15.00 AGM Building Society Interest 98.89 DCG website hosting 58.75 CCN/CTC Conference 1447.40 CTC, CCN Conference 1218.26 Travel 3.60 Newsletter, production and 137.72 distribution TOTAL INCOME 1929.89 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 1771.16 SURPLUS 158.73 TOTAL 1929.89 TOTAL 1929.89 Balance Sheet: Derbyshire Building Society & Royal Bank of Scotland:

Opening balance 1st 3446.51 Closing balance 31st 3641.34 April 2007: DBS March 2008 DBS RBS 130.54 109.44 Surplus 158.73 3750.78 3750.78 John Palmer, DCG Treasurer, April 2009

7 7 Election of Committee

Ian Alexander, Alastair Johnson, Andy Harrison, Alan Locke, John Stubbs and Esther Wadsworth are standing down from their respective positions at the AGM. The following nominations were received (other nominations will be accepted at the meeting):

Position Nominee 1 Chair Mark Brown 2 Secretary Simon Lysaczenko 3 Treasurer John Palmer 4 Membership Secretary Barbara Rathbone 5 Newsletter Editor Graham Collins 6 Webmaster Robert Snodin 7 Events co-ordinator Martin Quarton 8 Campaigns Coordinator Tony Roelich 9 Press Officer David Clasby 10 Railway Station Liaison Martin Aldred 11 Strategic Cycle Forum and LTP Rep vacant 12 County & South Derbyshire Liaison David Waldram 13 14 15

In addition to the 12 identified posts, there are vacancies for three further, without portfolio, committee places.

Next AGM of Derby Cycling Group:

Tuesday 11th May 2010, Friends’ Meeting House, Derby DE1 3GY

8 Minutes of AGM 12th May 2009 Present: (18) Nigel Aspdin, Mark Brown, Ian Dent, Paul Grimsdell, Mark Hicklin, John Horrocks, Alastair Johnson, Simon Lysaczenko, John Palmer, Ian Pettitt, Martin Quarton, Barbara Rathbone, Tony Roelich, Amanda Salt, Gwen Sandu, John Stubbs, David Varley, Dave Waldram.

Apologies: Ian Alexander, David Clasby, Alan Locke, Les Sims, Jane Temple

Minutes

John Stubbs (JS), opened the AGM by welcoming everyone. He explained that as he was standing down from the position of Chair he was going to ask Chair Elect, Mark Brown MB, to take the meeting through the formal part of the AGM business.

2 Minutes of AGM 2008 MB asked for the approval of these which was given by the meeting 3 Matters Arising None that would not be dealt with under the main agenda TR asked why the slides from the presentation at the last the AGM had not been made available as promised. JS replied that these slides had been repeatedly requested from the Guest Speaker but had not been forthcoming.

4 Annual Report This was presented by MB who started by presenting to the AGM a list of the committee positions held throughout the year and commented that there had been several changes to this throughout the year.

MB then presented a review of the DCGs activities throughout the year and emphasised the huge amount of work that active members had put into events organisation and campaigning issues. Chair’s full report is contained in the AGM document..

There being no questions on the Annual Report, the meeting proceeded with: 5 Secretary’s Report (Membership) This was delivered by Barbara Rathbone who commented on the success of the recent hard copy newsletter in getting subscription renewals. Although total membership was now considerably lower than a few years ago, she was pleased to report that the membership level was showing sign of recovery as this last year had seen an increase in membership. As last year however, she commented again on the need to attract new members to the DCG

There being no questions on the Secretary’s Report (Membership), the meeting proceeded with:

6 Treasurer’s Report This was delivered by John Palmer, DCG Treasurer who pointed to the usual healthy financial surplus of the DCG, although a few expenses had not come through until just after the end of the financial year. As in previous years he emphasised the generosity of many members who gave donations to the group and this together with the interest that accrues from the bank balance keeps the DCG solvent. He emphasised that there was no need to increase subscriptions.

A question from the floor was raised as to what the DCG might be planning on doing with the surplus in the accounts.

MB responded that he intended to have new membership card printed and purchase some new equipment for the DCG

JS responded by saying that one of the key things the DCG really needed, being a voluntary group, was time but it was not easy to buy that!

9 7 Election of Committee During the year Ian Alexander, Alastair Johnson, Andy Harrison, Alan Locke, John Stubbs and Esther Wadsworth, stood down from their respective positions on the committee.

The following nominations for the new committee were received: Position Nominee 1 Chair Mark Brown 2 Secretary Simon Lysaczenko 3 Treasurer John Palmer 4 Membership Secretary Barbara Rathbone 5 Newsletter Editor Graham Collins 6 Webmaster Robert Snodin 7 Events co-ordinator Martin Quarton 8 Campaigns Coordinator Tony Roelich 9 Press Officer David Clasby 10 Railway Station Liaison Martin Aldred 11 Strategic Cycle Forum and LTP Rep vacant 12 County & South Derbyshire Liaison David Waldram 13 14 15

There were no other nominations for any of the above positions and so these people were elected

JS explained that under the DCG Constitution there were allowed up to 15 committee positions but only 12 had been filled and so there were three, without portfolio, vacancies for anyone so interested.

JS asked the floor to accept the above proceedings as being consistent with the business of a formal AGM. Proposed: Tony Roelich, Seconded, Martin Quarton

8 AOB JS informed meeting that the next AGM of the DCG would be 19.00 (7pm) Tuesday 11th May, 2010, Friends’ Meeting House, Derby DE1 3GY

MB explained briefly to the meeting how he planned to expand the range of activities undertaken by the DCG particularly regarding recruitment.

There being no further business, the formal part of the AGM terminated at 19.45 (7.45pm)

Upon conclusion of the formal part of the AGM’s, there followed a presentation by John Stubbs, outgoing Chair of Derby Cycling Group entitled:

Why are we cycling and where are we going?

In posing the question, why are we cycling?, the presentation asked whether cycling is promoted principally for the clear enjoyment that many people derive from it or more for the societal benefits it brings such as, relieving traffic congestion, improving the environment and delivering better community health. Realising these societal benefits however requires a reduction in car traffic. But is campaigning for car traffic reduction within the remit of cycle campaign groups like the DCG? How this question is answered then depends upon whether cycling is being promoted as an end in itself – enjoyment etc, or as a means to an end – the end being improved environment, better health etc. How this latter question is answered depends in turn upon how the original question of, why we are cycling, is addressed?

In posing the question, where are we going?, the presentation pointed to a huge decline in cycling in Britain in the 1950s and 1960s, but with a generally stable trend since then.

10 Looking into the future it appears, based on past trends at least, cycling may not be going very far! Often poor cycling infrastructure is cited as being the culprit behind preventing increases in cycling. An equal, if not stronger reason however, might simply be the ease and convenience of car transport over cycling? In this case, where we are going with cycling in the future might depend more on overall transportation policies regarding restraints on motorised traffic rather than on cycling policies per se. This observation though brings the debate back to whether campaigning on traffic restraint issues is within cycle campaigning’s remit and the answering of that question then comes back again to the first question, Why are we cycling?

On termination of the presentation JP thanked JS for his contribution to the DCG over the years and presented him with a Life Membership card.

The meeting closed at 20.55 (8.55pm)