Tackling Bad Driving - How do we get there?

After briefly outlining the main themes of CTC’s longer-term campaigning plans, Roger will focus on one key element of those plans, namely a major campaign strategy for a fundamental overhaul of how our legal system deals with bad driving.  Over the next few years, CTC intends to work with partners such as Cyclenation, Living Streets and RoadPeace, to build up the arguments, the evidence and the climate of opinion (both in Parliament and the wider public) for a radical overhaul of road traffic law.

 At the heart of this campaign will be a website which enables people to report their experiences of bad driving – to the police and, where relevant, to regulatory bodies like the Health and Safety Executive.  The first phase of the campaign will provide data about how those authorities respond to cyclists’ reports of bad driving.  This will not only help us identify both good and bad practice, but will enable us to call on Police chiefs and the Home Office itself to give far greater priority to traffic policing.  Subsequent phases of the campaign will highlight the roles of the Crown Prosecution Service, the courts, and ultimately Parliament itself in strengthening road traffic law and its enforcement.  Media coverage of particularly acute failings of the system – including perhaps some high-profile legal challenges – will highlight the injustices cyclists currently face.

 As Roger will explain, this strategy is not a “quick win” – the cultural and political forces ranged against us are too strong to be overcome in a single bound.  However if we think strategically and take one step at a time, strict liability could become a genuinely realistic goal in the not-too-distant future.

	Warrington Cycle Campaign has over 200 members and is committed to making better use of the roads for all sectors of the community. Our main objectives are:- A safer environment by the adoption of a 20mph speed limit in all urban areas On-road cycle training for all children Better account taken for the needs of cyclists at road junctions and roundabouts Responsible cycling - using lights at night and respecting pedestrians Take a look at their website to view topical issues, etc
	20's Plenty For Us provides a wide range of resources, information and material for local 20's Plenty campaigners. These include many mixed groups where cyclists and pedestrians are working together for lower speed limits where people live.
	Cyclenation (formerly Cycle Campaign Network) works to create a nation of cycle friendly communities and is the federation of local cycle campaigns with nearly 90 such campaigns throughout the UK.
	CTC - the UK's national cyclists' organisation, are the country’s largest group of people on bikes. Their mission is to make cycling enjoyable, safe and welcoming for all. Their work includes high-profile campaigning on behalf of all cyclists.

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