How many of us here are members of the CTC?

[FluffyChicken]

Would you like a greater (more obvious) mtb representation within the CTC?

like Dalby Forrest ?

 

[joe careless]

unashamed bump to ask for more input please.

 

[lumos2000]

I was trying to find the details for the out of work membership today but didn't find anything, I used to be a member when I was working though never used it for anything. it would be nice to see a very basic membership that covers insurance and legal advice if needed

 

[joe careless]

Here is the page an it's unwaged what you want http://www.ctc.org.uk/join-membership

 

[Anthony]

I am a member, but I don't think it is anywhere near as good an organisation as it could and should be. I don't think it has any real interest in off-road and for example does nothing whatever (as far as I can see) about seeking improved rights of way.

It is the only cycling organisation that the government takes seriously though, and it does do good work on supporting people involved in road accidents and in lobbying for safer cycling conditions, so it deserves to be supported. When you look at what some people pay for a headset etc, the CTC sub isn't all that much by comparison.

I do intend to rejoin eventually but have issue with some of their politics and campaigns but at least I can vote against what I dont like. Better to be in with a vote as opposed to out and no say when they badger politicians into following their agenda. I dont agree with the idea that motorists should be liable in bike/car incidents automatically as they have in Europe and that the CTC wants in case you wonder at the politics statement.

Motorists aren't liable 'automatically' and that isn't what CTC is pushing for. In Europe, there is a default assumption that any accident is the motorist's fault, unless there is evidence to the contrary. This effectively puts a cyclist in the same position as a motorist - i.e., as a motorist, if somebody drives into the back of you or the side of you, the default assumption (either here or in Europe) is that it is their responsibility. In this country a cyclist is not in that position and consequently most motorists who hit a cyclist get away with it.

 

[lumos2000]

Here is the page an it's unwaged what you want http://www.ctc.org.uk/join-membership

yes found that but there's not to much to say what you get for that, or how do I qualify for it

 

[hamster]

I am a member, but I don't think it is anywhere near as good an organisation as it could and should be. I don't think it has any real interest in off-road and for example does nothing whatever (as far as I can see) about seeking improved rights of way.

The RTR (Right To Ride) Reps cover this - it's done at a local level as it has to liaise with the local authority Rights of Way officers.
Being local it depends very much on how active individuals are. However, it seems at least to cover riding in places other than trail centres. The fact is that the MTB community (in my opinion) has done a non-existent job of getting itself organised, other than for racing.
The CTC is the best that's available but its membership is more road-focused, largely for touring. The howls of protest in the magazine about features on racier road bikes shows how limited much of the membership are. But I've been a member for 20 years and it's still worth it.

 

[mattr]

It is the only cycling organisation that the government takes seriously though

And, erm, British Cycling. Slightly.

 

[Anthony]

I am a member, but I don't think it is anywhere near as good an organisation as it could and should be. I don't think it has any real interest in off-road and for example does nothing whatever (as far as I can see) about seeking improved rights of way.

The RTR (Right To Ride) Reps cover this - it's done at a local level as it has to liaise with the local authority Rights of Way officers. Being local it depends very much on how active individuals are. However, it seems at least to cover riding in places other than trail centres. The fact is that the MTB community (in my opinion) has done a non-existent job of getting itself organised, other than for racing.

No, the local RTR here is excellent and extremely active, but I'm sure she doesn't see her role as pressing for enhanced RoW. I am the Chair of the Local Access Forum and a member of a neighbouring LAF, and in all the years I have been involved neither LAF has ever had any contact from the CTC. I agree that the mtb community tends to be a rabble, but to be fair the chances of IMBA-UK ever getting going were always hampered by the existence of CTC, which has lots of mtb-owning members, but doesn't really do much for them.

 

[hamster]

Agreed that the CTC has never appeared to get organized with (say) the Ramblers and BHF on countryside access. I guess they picked their priorities.

I'm always surprised by the howls of a vociferous minority in the CTC about MTB coverage. I suspect it's the same ones who grumble about the lack of availability of quality freewheels, 27" tyres etc and are ageing (but noisy) stick-in-the muds...they also appear to hate Sustrans with a vengeance.