tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4031352915519488668.post5492183087376094566..comments2023-10-31T08:49:14.757+00:00Comments on Cambridge Cyclist: Local Democracy and Cyclists - we're doing it wrongCab Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09019615820672574343noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4031352915519488668.post-48897490472636076832013-02-03T15:40:32.347+00:002013-02-03T15:40:32.347+00:00I think you are at least partly right. For the mo...I think you are at least partly right. For the most part - and I have seen one significant departure from this - those local meetings which the public can attend are in fact not widely attended by the public and are unlikely to be a useful forum for lobbying.<br /><br />What matters most to politicians, local or national, is their postbag. If they get a steady stream of correspondence on a particular topic, they will soon get the impression that this topic matters - even if, as you say, it is just a few serial moaners who have the time to write. That suggests to me that we have to mobilise our own like-minded folk to make similar nuisances of themselves.<br /><br />That is a big ask, as you say people are busy with work and family commmittments, but frankly I doubt we will make much progress unless we are willing, in larger numbers, to do just that. I think we have to say to firends who complain about the paucity of facilities, or lack of signage, or being busted by the plod for pavement cycling on an approved cycle path, "well, what are YOU going to do about it?<br /><br />Then, from time to time, we have to make ourselves felt in those meetings. I agree that they are deadly dull, and down here they tend to be held at inconvenient times for working people, so most members of the public attending are not, as you suggest, over 30 - they are over 70. But I have seen here how effective a batallion of wrinklies shouting and waving their fists in the air can be - sadly about their free on-street parking rather than anything worthwhile.<br />Paul Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07929808238663838155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4031352915519488668.post-71876206014392604652013-02-01T22:37:22.242+00:002013-02-01T22:37:22.242+00:00Prior to this meeting I had visited the Histon Are...Prior to this meeting I had visited the Histon Area Police Priority meeting and it was a really positive experience. There were about 10 cllrs, a few police and myself, and my local cllr introduced herself, and I had a chat with the police. It was friendly and decision making was positive and reached a consensus.<br /><br />Walking into the North Area committe tho. Wow, strange setup. Table of 12 cllrs behind desks in a row with mics and speakers - kind of like a worst case job interview. The audience were spread around the room sitting at tables too far from the cllrs. My late entry put me at the back of the room some 50yds away [with handheld mic] so interesting to read your account of their body language as I couldn't see their faces.<br /><br />I expected Cambridge to have some debate but there wasn't very much, perhaps ruined by having to wait for a runner with mic to reach you. Formalised a little too much, and seemed like the main aim was to keep to time.<br /><br />I didn't make a great job of making my point, but thought they might cut a member of the public a bit of slack as I crash through the china etiquette. Perhaps ask specific questions and clarify, but no, stonewalled. None of the 12 cllrs came to talk during the break or after, but there was a lot of lively chat with others at the back of the room and turned out to be the best part of the night. Kudos to Cllr Ian Manning for engaging on twitter later tho.Cottenham Cyclisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341822746581357047noreply@blogger.com