Memorial Ride

Aha!

I'm in favour of a weekend ride, and could we possibly get some of the big names in UK cycling involved having Sir Chris Hoy leading the group would certainly help push it up the ranks than merely having a few celebs and Boris involved.
A slow dignified route with police clearance with everyone in white would definitely send the message.

I live just outside London, but I'm horrified by the way cyclists are treated locally and a dread to think what its like in the city during rush hour, the few rides I've done there have been at weekends and that was bad enough.

about six months ago I was traveling down clerkenwell road and as I approached Goswell road I saw a mangled yellow Colnago and an ambulance. I cycled to up to the intersection and stopped next to the bike where there were police sort of milling about not even directing trafic. Then I heard one say "nice one mate, you're in his blood", and indeed I had rolled right into a significant patch of thick red. I just didn't see it, till I was in it. Somehow that explains a lot.

I was just thinking about this with my work hat on. From a media point of view I don't think it would work as well on a Saturday, because it would be old news by Monday. So you'd get Sunday media, at best. Sunday media can be influential, but generally best for exclusives and this wouldn't work like that. If it was done on a Sunday it would be 'Sunday for Monday' so there'd be more chance of getting it into Metro, Evening Standard, London Lite, etc.

There could be an embargoed release for 00.01 Sunday then there'd also be some chance of Sunday broadcast media covering it. Sunday's are quieter days so if we did something visually impressive might be able to get some news cameras along, or at least photographers for the Mondays.

I've worked in PR/marketing for six years - currently in a comms position at a Government watchdog. I'd be happy to do some pro-bono work on this to try and get some media interest. Might even be able to persuade my boss (Chief Exec) to let me have some time at work/access to work resources if I make up the hours as he's a cyclist too...

I am happy to lend my graphic design skills if needed for flyers and the like.
I'll definitely join in too. Anything that can be done to highlight the dangers we face on a daily basis is a good thing. As the government are perusing this at the moment, albeit in a slightly patronising fashion, now would be a good time to jump on their bandwagon.
Any kind of rough date in mind yet?

is anything happening on this? i'd be interested in writing letters etc. badgering government cycling groups (defra?) etc.

seems like a good idea, i'd be interested

Ive just seen this thread.
We are hoping to put Eilidh's ghost bike up at the beginning of Sept.
Im coming to London to meet with the CPS then, when they have made their charging decision. We were wondering how we could let people know it is up and have some sort of memorial - no idea what this would look like - and one of her friends suggested another ride but I thought we had already done that so people wouldnt be keen.
However, maybe we could have this general ghost/memorial ride - ride passed the other bikes and whatever route you decide and maybe finish up at Eilidhs ghost bike in Notting Hill? And then maybe going to that pub we went to last time- the Mitre. Helping making it a news story might be the news of CPS result.
Sat 5th Sept might be a good date. It is also 7months since Eilidh's crash. The ride we had for Eilidh in March was on a saturday and it went pretty well and London Tonight came down. Incidentally they just phoned me - thanks Buffalo Bill! - as there will be a piece today on London Tonigh about HGVs and cyclists. Keep an eye out for it.
Is that too soon to organise? Is anyone keen? Let me know what you think.
Ktee