In the run up to the 2007 council elections, Darlington Cycling Campaign is hosting a symposium on the future of cycling in our town. This will give cyclists the opportunity to explain what will make cycling more attractive to the Darlington public, the political parties the opportunity to state their cycling policy for the election, and local community groups the chance to voice their wishes directly to cycling representatives.
We are also pleased to announce that Werner Brög, Socialdata, author of the original 2004 study that underpins much of the current transformation of Darlington’s cycle network, has accepted an invitation to address the symposium.
Darlington is currently one of six Cycling Demonstration Towns, having won £1.5m from central government to spend on improving the town’s cycle network. But this extra funding ends in 2008/9. Has enough been done for cycling, or can we do more? Can Darlington cyclists act responsibly on their new cycle routes? Or is cycling just a minority sport that attracts and encourages anti-social behaviour?
We would like to extend an invitation to you to attend the symposium, which will take place at Bondgate Methodist Church, Bondgate, on Saturday March 17th 2007, from 1pm to 5.30pm. Light refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon.
If you wish to attend, please reply by post, email or telephone using the contact details below, no later than February 28th 2007 to register a place. Please indicate how many places you wish to reserve, and whether you would like to contribute to the open floor debate at 3.30-4pm. If we receive sufficient interest, we shall extend that section of the afternoon. Registration is free. One week before the event, you will be sent an information pack with more details.
Draft Timetable
1.00 – 1.15pm Welcome; tea & coffee
1.15 – 2.15pm Better Cycling in Darlington 1: Cycling Campaign – Cycling Demonstration Town achievements and limitations. Followed by responses and debate
2.15 – 3.15pm Better Cycling in Darlington 2: Werner Brög, Socialdata, response / assessment of progress to date on 2004 survey. Sustrans – best practice and changing behaviours. Followed by responses and debate
3.15 – 3.30pm BREAK
3.30 – 4.00pm Better Cycling in Darlington 3: Open Floor – New Cyclists, Other Road users – Schools, Workplaces, Driving Instructors. Followed by responses and debate
4.00 – 5.00pm Better Cycling in Darlington 4: The Political Mainfestos for 2007 Local Elections. Followed by responses and debate
5.00 – 5.30pm Summing Up
Darlington Cycling Campaign, 51 West Crescent, Darlington. DL3 7PS Tel: 01325 468351 email: darlocycling@hotmail.com