Better Transport

Community improvements hardly ever happen when people work alone. When we work in groups we collect the necessary energy, enthusiasm, good ideas, contacts and skills that are needed to bring about real change in our neighbourhoods.

It's important to get as many of these people behind you as possible. Some of them will want to support you in a small way, by signing petitions or answering survey questions. Others might want to be more involved – helping you to run the campaign, writing letters to newspapers and councillors and lobbying decision makers. All these people can help you in different ways, so work with what you’ve got.

Think about other groups who might be interested in getting involved. What about the parish council, the local Women’s Institute or nearby schools? You could try local environmental groups and cycle clubs (some of whom might be on our website). Put up a poster in the local library and see who responds.

If you're promoting a scheme which will help kids get to school more safely then their parents are bound to be supportive; similarly if you are opposing a scheme which will increase pollution in your area then your neighbours may be willing to get involved.

Each region has a Regional TAR (transport activists roundtable), which is a collection of campaigners working on regional transport issues. If someone in your Regional TAR is attending regional transport board meetings then keep in touch with them. They’ll need to know specifics about the schemes, such as any regeneration benefits and predicted carbon emissions, and may have some useful information that you can use to get media interest in your campaign. Speak to our Regional TAR coordinator to find out what your Regional TAR has planned.

There are many great guides online to help you set up and maintain a successful group. We've compiled a list of the best.

Once you have some support, make a plan