Present: Gavin Clark (Chair), Rachel Martin, Fiona McDonald, Michelle Short, Francesco Sani, Alastair Cassels, Alistair Gilmore, Deema Aburizik, John Johnston, Katy Hardacre
Guest: Catherine Wykes, Dundee Cycle Forum.
Summary
The Aberdeen Cycle Forum held their Annual General Meeting, featuring a presentation from Catherine Wykes, chair of Dundee Cycle Forum, who shared updates on cycling infrastructure and advocacy efforts in Dundee. The meeting included discussions about recent council consultations, including the School Streets pilot at Greyhope School and plans for Voi bike hire scheme launch in May. Forum members reviewed their activities from the past year, including attending the Cycling Scotland Conference, participating in the Celebrate Aberdeen parade, and organizing a successful litter pick. The group also discussed upcoming events, including potential participation in Envirolution and Bike Week, and noted the addition of new staff members from Cycling UK in the area. The conversation ended with the re-election of Gavin as chair and Katy as Secretary, and plans for the next meeting on May 26th.
Next steps
- Gavin: Follow up on Nestrans meeting date and confirm if the date is suitable
- Gavin: Follow up with Scottish Water regarding the closure of B979 Netherley Road and explore alternative routes for cyclists
- Continue monitoring the Union Street cycle lane construction and await Council responses to questions about cyclist safety at junctions
- Continue engagement with Voi Bikes regarding their universal hire scheme launch and parking locations
- Monitor progress on the School Streets pilot at Greyhope School in Torry as it approaches implementation in September 2024
Introductions
Rachel thanked Deema for organizing a successful litter pick event that had a high turnout despite poor weather conditions. Gavin welcomed everyone and introduced Catherine Wykes, the chair of Dundee Cycle Forum, as the guest speaker for the month. The meeting was set to focus on learning from Dundee’s active travel initiatives and comparing them to Aberdeen’s experiences.
Dundee Cycling Forum Overview
Catherine presented an overview of Dundee Cycling Forum, highlighting its origins as a council-established advocacy group in 2015 and its current objectives to promote cycling as a transport option. She discussed the forum’s manifesto, which includes calls for a segregated cycle network, improved cycle storage, 20mph speed limits, and better maintenance of cycling infrastructure. Catherine also reviewed ongoing projects in Dundee, including the Sustainable Transport Delivery Plan, the Bell Street Hub transformation into a green transport center, and infrastructure improvements along major routes like Union Street and Arbroath Road. She emphasized the importance of collaboration with other organizations and maintaining momentum in advocating for cycling-friendly policies.
We shared insights about the respective organisations, discussing engagement with the councils, challenges with maintaining a balanced approach between criticism and support, and strategies for expanding membership. Catherine highlighted the forum’s small but active membership and the importance of visible community activities. The discussion also touched on political will, public resistance to changes in active travel, and the use of media to promote cycling initiatives.
AGM business
This part of the meeting focused on reviewing ACF’s activities and discussing leadership roles. Gavin presented highlights from the past year, including attending the Cycling Scotland Conference, participating in the Celebrate Aberdeen parade, and organizing a litter pick. The forum’s membership has increased to 355, though 69 people have joined but unsubscribed from communications, perhaps inadvertently. Fiona announced she was stepping down as Secretary due to other commitments, and Katy volunteered to take over the role, which was unanimously agreed. Gavin expressed willingness to continue as Chair but noted he has held the position since 2018 and is always open to making way for new leadership. There being no other volunteers or nominations, Gavin (Chair) Clare Roberts (Treasurer) and Rachel (Communications and Campaigns Secretary) all agreed to continue in their respective roles.
Deema also reminded us all that congratulations were due to Rachel for being recognised this year as one of Cycling UK’s ‘100 Women in Cycling’
*Post-meeting note: annual accounts are included at the foot of these minutes.
Council & Nestrans, meetings consultations etc
Gavin reported on activities over the past month:
- GC/KH had met with Council officers about School Streets, noting that Aberdeen will pilot a scheme at Greyhope School in September 2024, though this timeline was criticized as slow – it being almost 2 years since the Council’s NZET committee agreed to proceed with a pilot.
- Had met with Voi Bikes’ upcoming universal hire scheme launch in May, and we had fed in comments on their proposed parking locations
- Have been in communication with ACC over details of Union Street cycle lane design, particularly around junctions.
- Response submitted on the Ashley Connects stage 4 design. Supportive in principle but with some comments on details of the designs. The response can be seen on the website.
- Gavin had attended the monthly ACTUP meeting although there was little to report. Most of the meeting had been taken up with a presentation from Voi, which was pretty well received.
- Close to confirming a date to meet with Nestrans and Council officers in relation to the RATN, ART-related projects, and mapping (Gavin, Katy and John to attend, also Ian Mitchell)
- Gavin noted that the aim of meeting with ACC events team is still outstanding.
- Gavin has been trying to engage with Aberdeenshire Council over the closure of the B979 north of Stonehaven, including the route of NCN1. So far little progress and we have been directed to contact Scottish Water instead. John offered to follow up.
Events and activities
Regarding events, Francesco confirmed they submitted an application for the Celebrate Aberdeen parade in August, and Katy suggested borrowing unusual or adaptive bikes from the Cycle Hub for the parade. The group briefly discussed potential participation in the Envirolution event in September and Grampian Wellbeing Month activities in May. New staff appointments were announced, including Rosie Ince as the new Cycling UK Development Officer and Katrina Schofield as People and Places Officer with Nestrans. Rosie has been invited to attend next month.
Any other business
AC mentioned that what is probably Aberdeen’s first cycle priority traffic signal seems to be in the process of installation at the junction of the Beach Boulevard with Links Rd. Gavin remembered that we had raised concerns about the operation of this junction at a previous meeting with the designers, so it was good to hear that we seem to have had some influence.
Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday 26th May, again at 19:45 on zoom
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2025-26 Accounts
Opening Balance 918.12
Income
Tshirt sales 35.00
Expenditure
Web hosting 43.20
Cycling Scotland conference fee 100.00
Closing Balance 809.92
Notes recorded by Zoom assistant, with manual editing.
Aberdeen Cycle Forum 