Minutes of the meeting held on 24th January 2008

Present:    Lynn Bonser (Green Travel Plan)

Marie Carroll (Science and Engineering)

Jon Greenley (All Saints Library)

Andrew Hough (Higher Education Precinct Travel Coordinator)

David Jones (History)

Guy Lancaster (Sociology)

Emily Shields (Didsbury Library)

Cycle Purchase Scheme

1.1    Andrew Hough reported that he was confident MMU would now implement a Cycle Purchase Salary Sacrifice Scheme, despite apparent objections in the past.  He was currently investigating various organisations that provide administration for such schemes.  MMU also plans to introduce another salary sacrifice scheme for the purchase of tickets for public transport and, ideally, it was hoped that one company could administer both schemes.  Currently only one company does so.  The timeline for implementation was dependent on the tendering process, which was due to begin in the near future.  It was emphasised strongly that whatever scheme was to be implemented should allow purchases to be made from local suppliers and provide a wide range of bikes to choose from.

Facilities for cyclists

2.1    It was agreed that the absence of adequate cycle facilities was the main issue of concern for cyclists at MMU.  It was also agreed that the Green Travel Plan must include measures to improve facilities considerably, in order to encourage more people to cycle to work.  Secure parking areas with showers and changing facilities should be designed into all new buildings; a point already made to Mary Heaney.  They should be funded from the revenue raised through the introduction of car parking charges.  It was noted that the plans for the new building at All Saints are not yet set in stone so there should still be an opportunity to discuss the inclusion of cycle facilities there.

2.2    A document was available that had been produced over 12 months ago, identifying possible areas around the various sites for cycle storage areas.  It was noted that those plans did not include the buildings due for future closure.  It was agreed that this should be reconsidered.  It was noted that Hollings in particular had experienced significant problems with thefts.

2.3    A question was raised about the use of shower facilities at Sugden Sports Centre.  An arrangement had been agreed in the past whereby MMU staff cyclists could use the showers in Sugden free of charge.  However, it was reported that a member of staff had recently been told that there was a 50p charge.  Andrew Hough agreed to investigate.

Cycle training and buddy scheme

3.1    The possibilities of organising some cycle training and introducing a ‘buddy’ scheme were discussed.  Andrew was planning to meeting with BikeRight, a Manchester-based group who provide cycle training for both children and adults, to discuss the options available.  It was hoped that the introduction of a cycle buddy scheme might encourage less experienced cyclists to start cycling to work.

Web site and promotion

4.1    It was noted that the ManMetRiders information on MMU’s website was considerably out of date.  It was agreed that Marie and Andrew would ensure that the information was updated.

4.2    It was agreed that ManMetRiders should have a web site and/or online forum.  If a website were created it could be helpful in organising a buddy scheme.  It could also be used to recommend bikes, bike shops, etc.  Guy Lancaster kindly agreed to set something up once we had decided exactly what was wanted.

4.3    There was some discussion of how to promote the ManMetRiders group within MMU.  It was agreed that some posters should be produced for display around the various buildings, to try to increase membership.  It was reported that the travel survey showed that at least 7% of MMU staff, a significant number, cycle to work regularly.  

Other business

5.1    It was suggested that some sort of event should be organised as part of bike week in June.

5.2    The possibility of starting a student bike users’ group was discussed as they too need facilities.  There was some concern that this might ‘muddy the waters’ in terms of what ManMetRiders is trying to achieve, but it was agreed that the lack of facilities might be something that the Students’ Union could take an interest in.  It was also suggested that it may be helpful to seek support from Unison for what the ManMetRiders group is trying to achieve in terms of improving facilities.  

5.3    It was noted that Andrew Hough was to meet with representatives from Manchester’s Cycle Forum to find out more about their remit, and how they might be useful.

5.4    It was agreed that it would be helpful to identify a particular topic for discussion at each subsequent meeting, to prevent repetition of the same discussions.  It was agreed that the topic for the next meeting should be cycle facilities, and that appropriate staff from MMU should be invited to attend, such as Jeff Atkins (Property Management).

Date of Next Meeting

It was agreed that the next meeting would be held on Wednesday 12th of March at 12pm.