You can contact your ward councillor(s) on cycling matters. It's the local politicians, the councillors, who make policies and give direction to the council officers, and it's the political will which we must develop and nurture. It's so important that we've made political engagement our first priority for 2012/13. Remember councillors can be very busy people with many issues on their mind, sometimes doing their civic duty whilst being employed, full-time. Be courteous. Focus on building rapport. If you are a member of the Newcastle Cycling Campaign, don’t hesitate to point that out. And always let us know how it went!

Where to start?

A bit of preparation

Step 1 Find the ward you live in (by postcode)
Step 2 Find the ward(s) you travel through (via aerial map)
Step 3 Who are your ward councillors?

And action!

Attend a ward meeting
- When are your ward committee meetings?
- Any questions? Ward coordinators should be able to help

or Email, letter, phone
- Write an email or letter, or make a phone call.
- Whenever writing and email cc the campaign in, and let us know about replies you receive.

You may like to

Talk through specific issues you have (let us know too!)

Ask your councillors how they get around

Tell your councillor(s) about the things the Newcastle Cycling Campaign is up to
- Newcastle's 10-year cycle plan
- Newcastle Cycling Manifesto
- 4C = City Chief Cycle Challenge and BikeWeek
- Newcastle Cllr Travel Survey 2010
- Safe Cycling Petition 2010

Invite them to join you for an Infrastructure Safari – a bike ride through the ward or along routes you regularly cycle, local shops, your commute to work. Contact us if you want some help and direction.

Get some ‘inspiration’ from Tyneside’s Loopy Lanes photo collection. http://www.flickr.com/groups/loopylanes/ - be warned it's loopy!