Lizzie Reather discusses her experience campaigning for improved cycling infrastructure as the chair of Leeds Cycling Campaign. She describes the challenges of cycling on dangerous roads in Leeds and strategies for effective campaigning, including responding to consultations, reporting on discussions, and lobbying decision makers. However, campaigning can be stressful and lead to crisis of confidence, so it is important to also take time to rest.

1. The loneliness of the
long-distance cycle campaigner
Lizzie Reather
Chair, Leeds Cycling Campaign

2. Leeds: motorway city of the ‘70s

3. My route to work
Road of Death
Rut of Life

4. Cookridge Street

5. Chapeltown Road

6. Leeds Cycling Action Group
Campaign

7. Fight smart

8. Ways of working
Collaborative
Antagonistic
Critical Friend
Stress
Cosy
Informing and Suggesting
Criticising and challenging
Maintaining Energy levels
Anger
Research & learning

9. What’s in the armoury?
• Pleading
• Responding to consultations
• Reporting discussions
• Fact-checking
• Blogging, Tweeting
• Lobbying
• Criticising and challenging
• Embarrassment

10. The organ grinder

11. Cycling champion vs decision maker

12. Friends

13. Crisis of confidence

14. Resting