Recruitment

Call a public meeting of cyclists with the express intention of launching a group. This is often best done around a local issue: e.g. the need for cycle parking in a new shopping development.

• Choose a meeting location which is reasonably small and welcoming. Some groups meet in a quiet pub, others meet in people's houses.
• Choose a time which people can attend without rushing back from work or college. Mid-week is generally better than weekends, after 5.30pm.
• Advertise your meeting by putting posters up in your local library, bike shops, community centers GP surgeries etc.
• Leave leaflets on bikes at stations, shopping centres, etc.
• Get in touch with any local recreational cycling groups, and ask them to mention your meeting at their next ride.
• Write to your local press, and if possible work it into a news story: 'Cycle campaign moves up a gear'.
• Contact sympathetic local organisations - green groups, Friends of the Earth, 20's Plenty groups etc - and ask if you can publicise your group at their meetings.
• Speak to CTC and other national cycling organisations for help with contacting members in your area.
• Make the purpose, time and location of the meeting clear on any materials. Put a phone number (with voicemail) and an email address, so that people can get in touch with questions.