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CTC – aka Cyclists Touring Club – today announced plans to become the number one provider of information on cycling topics for cycle users.
"Cyclists Welcome" is to be a new directory of services for cycle users with both a hard copy and on line version available by Spring of 2002, and CTC is investing heavily in its Helpline services with new telephone and IT systems.
At a local level CTC is to expand its network of voluntary information officers who will provide information on cycling activities, venues, routes and services directly to the CTC website, including more offroad correspondents.
CTC members and groups will be invited to adopt an area or a route that they know well and work with local businesses and tourism bodies to provide a complete information service which will be supported nationally through CTC HQ in Godalming.
CTC Chairman Peter Latarche said: "In the research that accompanied last year’s strategic review, the vast majority of respondents said CTC is independent, authoritative and trustworthy. People know that this knowledge comes from CTC members who love to share their enthusiasm, their knowledge and their experiences of all things cycling with other
people."
CTC’s Cycling Development Chair Alan Furley said: "Our members are the biggest and most knowledgeable group of cycle users in the UK, travelling more miles and covering more terrain on and off the beaten track. They have a passion for cycling and these changes will enable them to share their enjoyment of routes and areas directly with other
cyclists. These changes will make it easier to bring this knowledge to a wider audience."
Reorganisation at CTC HQ will see some services outsourced "to improve efficiency and enable information Officers to concentrate on giving telephone and written advice," said a press statement from Cath Harris, the CTC’s press office.
This may lead to some staff redundancies or early retirement packages.
Latarche said: "We have to stay at the forefront of technology and service delivery if we are to play our role in getting more people out on bikes. We will be working with the staff affected to get through these changes in a sensitive manner."
