Do you care about climate change, public health or the cost of living? Maybe you feel cycling isn’t served well enough in Bridgwater? Well, with just a few hours a week, you can have a huge positive impact on all of these!
As our campaign enters its next phase, we are looking for enthusiastic people to join us. We are especially keen to include a diverse range of people with different experiences and skills. Maybe you’re someone who would like to take their kids to school safely by bike? Or maybe you’re an avid bike commuter already? You might be familiar with local politics, the planning system, or you’re skilled at engaging new audiences. Whatever your particular skill set, if you have the enthusiasm for active travel, we want to hear from you. In case you need it, here’s a quick recap of our mission.
We are a voluntary group run by cycling enthusiasts and local residents. Formed in February 2019, our main aim is to improve things for cyclists, promote safer riding and push for the provision of new route infrastructure in and around Bridgwater. We also support safer walking and wheeling and all means of sustainable transport.
The group has four main focus areas:
Safety
Advocating for vulnerable road users, seeking things like low traffic neighbourhoods, reduction in speed limits and assessing local areas for personal safety risk.
Behavioural change
Raising awareness of the benefits of cycling and physical activity. Helping decision-makers and the general public understand why cycling and active travel benefits society.
Infrastructure
Influencing changes to both existing and new bike routes and local route mapping by liaising with local planners and developers, and applying our knowledge of cycle infrastructure design policy.
Communications
Raising our profile and getting active travel higher up the agenda via our social channels and website, as well as liaising with local media outlets.
Over the years, we have amassed an extensive library of helpful information which you’ll have at your disposal. This includes:
- A comprehensive audit of the existing cycle infra around Bridgwater;
- Plans, policies, correspondence and data from central and local government;
- A wealth of helpful information about local development plans and what they mean for active travel around Bridgwater;
- Intervention and feasibility studies;
- Details of our partnerships with local organisations, e.g. schools & colleges.
Our communications programme includes steady promotion on social media, and a deep dive into the detail of our work on the website.
Chairperson
- Chairing BACC meetings and preparation of agendas;
- Co-ordinating the BACC volunteer team, ensuring everyone is working effectively together.
Group tasks
These would be shared out amongst the members, by mutual agreement.
- Applying for funding grants. If you have experience in bid writing, this will be an advantage, but training on bid writing is available.
- Attending local meetings related to active travel and/or general transport. These might include:
- Bridgwater Transport Forum;
- Somerset Council liaison;
- Bridgwater Town Council liaison;
- Bridgwater Local Community Network (LCN);
- EDF Transport Forum.
- Reviewing new infrastructure route design drawings, as prepared by Somerset Council or local developers. Providing feedback on design & route changes. Monitoring major local planning applications and commenting where appropriate.
- Liaising with local cycling groups and organisations, such as:
- Sustrans;
- On Your Bike;
- Life Cycle UK;
- local cycling shops.
- Attending and/or helping organise active travel related events, such as the Active Travel Day, open meetings, town festivals and markets, etc.
- Running social, guided and risk-assessed bike rides in the local area. Over the last three years we have also run Kidical Mass family campaign events.
- Providing advice and support to local councillors, business owners and members of the public.
Treasurer
A relatively straightforward role, but one that’s vital to the running of the group. This person needs to be diligent, organised and trustworthy. The actual job involves making payments and keeping track of all financial records.
Admin & Communications Officer
This is currently a paid position, and could continue on this basis subject to funding. This person will be organised and proactive. Duties include:
- Promoting our cause on social media;
- Compiling regular blog posts and email newsletters;
- Staying abreast of local and national developments related to transport, active travel and climate change;
- Liaising with other local organisations (as listed above) to facilitate cross-promotion;
- Minuting meetings;
- Promoting events such as social rides and Kidical Mass;
- Managing the website.
If you have the passion, we have a place for you!
