2.
Host a hustings
You have your list, maybe a long list, of candidates, and want to know where each stands on cycling and what, if anything, they’re going to do if elected. How do you quiz and pin them down publicly? A hustings – an event where political parties or candidates are invited to address voters and debate a given topic – is the answer, says Zak Viney, Cycling UK campaigns officer.
a. Why do it? For politicians, a hustings is a chance to win voters over and debate with rival candidates; for cycle advocates, it’s a unique opportunity to quiz them on policy and their commitment to, for example, cycle infrastructure, road safety, or space for bikes on public transport. We know events like this work. For the national elections last year, Cycling UK co-hosted hustings in both Scotland and Wales, putting cycling on the agenda and inspiring warm cross-party commitment.5 Cycling UK also applied pressure at the London Mayoral hustings in 2016, asking candidates to commit to safer, direct vision lorries. Sadiq Khan, the successful contender, subsequently launched the ‘Direct Vision Standard’.6
Watch at: cyclinguk.org/event/watch-again-scotlands-cycling-and-sustainable-travel-hustings & cyclinguk.org/event/watch-again-active-travel-hustings-wales 6 cyclinguk.org/news/20160630-mayor-promises-autumn-plan-safer-lorries 5
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