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.

So, form a group! And once your group has a clear plan, get friends and allies to support the work your group is doing.

Form a group
Getting other people involved will build local support and make your campaign more credible to the local authority and the local media – and the involvement of a wide number of people is likely to result in a better traffic-calming scheme.

You could create a new group or see if an existing group – such as the residents’ association or an action group – wants to spearhead this campaign. The advantage of running the campaign through an existing group is that the group already has standing in the community and with the council. (Review our checklist of what makes a good group.)

Find some allies
Allies can help you win over your targets. Once you have a group, one of the first things you’ll want to do is let others know what you’re planning. Hold a public meeting or prepare a small information leaflet and see if you can find allies, whose support will come in handy later in the campaign. Be sure to tell:

• Nearby groups. To be successful, traffic calming measures should ideally be implemented over a wider area than one or two streets so widen your campaign to cover surrounding streets and create alliances with neighbouring residents’ associations and community groups. These groups can help your campaign later by canvassing views and gathering support. You can get lists of local groups from your local council or local volunteering centre. You should also contact your local branch of Living Streets, the charity that campaigns to make streets better for people on foot
• Neighbours. Can help your campaign later by signing petitions or pledging their support for traffic calming
• Local businesses. Can help your campaign later by putting campaign posters in shop windows and distributing leaflets
• Local schools. Can help your campaign later by involving parents in your campaign
• MPs. Can help your campaign later by putting political pressure on your council. Also good at getting media coverage

And think about how you can help these people! Are there ways you can support their community initiatives? Relationships are best when they are mutually beneficial.

Give some thoughts to your opponents, as well! Identify who might be opposed to what you are trying to do. Why are they opposed? What could you do to neutralise or counter their arguments?