Cycling UK AGM 2024: Voting results and what they mean

In the run up to this year’s AGM, we were in touch with members to explain some proposed changes to Cycling UK’s governance. These important changes were put forward following engagement with members, experts and the wider cycling community – with the aim of making Cycling UK more effective, sustainable, representative and impactful.

We also called on members to have their say by casting their vote. Cycling UK has always been powered by its members, so it’s vital that any changes have your backing.

I’m delighted to report that we had a significant increase of 25% more members voting this year compared to last, and that they voted to pass all of the motions on the ballot paper.

Thank you to every member who engaged with the proposed changes and had their say on the outcome. I’m keen that we keep the conversation going with you and explain what these changes will mean for Cycling UK and our members.

I want to focus on the three ‘special’ resolutions (motions 5-7) regarding Cycling UK governance, and two ‘ordinary’ resolutions proposed by members and supported by Cycling UK (motions 8 & 9).

Motion 5: Removing the requirement for members to vote on price increases

Passed with 77.69% of votes

Membership fees are a significant proportion of Cycling UK’s unrestricted income: your support powers the work we do. Uncertainty around this income – not knowing whether any increase in prices would be voted through – can make financial planning very challenging and in some cases prevented us reacting as quickly as we’d have liked to.

Trustees can now make the final decisions on these prices, which means we can plan better and ultimately increase our charitable impact. Many similar membership organisations have this setup in place, as trustees are ultimately responsible for the governance and financial sustainability of the charity.

I’d like to reassure you that the board is committed to ensuring that membership remains affordable and good value for money. As trustees we are all Cycling UK members, most of us of long standing, and we want to make sure that membership pricing is fair and affordable.

Trustees have and will continue to debate any proposed changes to membership price increases before they are implemented. We will always be open and transparent about any price increases.

Motion 6: Changes to the Cycling UK board

Passed with 91.72% of votes

This change is a vital one, which will ensure that we have the mix of skills, backgrounds and perspectives that we need on the board.

Members voted to re-balance the make-up of the board, by: giving the ability to co-opt up to four trustees (previously three); enabling co-opted trustees to serve the same three-year period as elected trustees (previously one year); to give the board flexibility to set any minimum period of membership before standing to be a trustee (previously a minimum of 12 months).

Against the backdrop of recent falling levels of members applying to become trustees, this will enable us to widen our pool of applicants and bring in a broader set of skills and backgrounds. There will still be 12 trustees in total, with at least two-thirds voted for by the membership, and all trustees are required to be members of the charity.

We know that it’s critical for the sustainability of Cycling UK that we see more people – and a broader range of people – cycling. Having a diverse range of skills and backgrounds among our trustees will enable us to reflect this wider cycling population and provide the expertise and knowledge needed to deliver on our ambitious five-year strategy.

Motion 7: Modernising Cycling UK Articles of Association

Passed with 92.63% of votes

These changes have brought the Articles up to date by introducing gender-neutral terms and aligning them with best practice. They reflect our commitment to improving equity, diversity and inclusion across Cycling UK and cycling. They are also important because they will bring the Articles in line with company law.

Motion 8: Cycling UK should actively promote the creation of a network accessible cycle routes across the UK

Passed with 98.92% of votes

This was the first of two member-proposed motions that Cycling UK supported. At Cycling UK we recognise that there are many barriers to cycling and we’re committed to helping to break down those barriers.

Promoting accessible cycling routes is one way we can do this, so we are pleased to see this motion pass. We continue to work with Sustrans and are keen to use our collective voice to call for a more accessible cycle network.

Motion 9: Increase in the maximum annual contribution to local member groups from £200 to £250

Passed with 97.07% of votes

This motion was proposed by members from Cycling UK Reading and again was supported by the board. Our member groups play a pivotal role in providing local cycling opportunities and we’re committed to supporting these groups, and where we can provide further resource to support valuable work they do.

We also want to explore how groups can support the implementation of our new five-year strategy, and how we can support them further in future years where there is a clear link to our charitable objectives.

Member groups have always been at the heart of Cycling UK’s long history and they will continue to be crucial for our future. Our new strategy builds on all the work done to promote cycling and improve conditions to help people cycle.

Now we’d like to be even more ambitious in our influence, to continue our great work and to show why cycling is good for everyone, not only those who cycle. Member groups are perfectly placed to help with this influence.

When I put myself forward to become a Cycling UK trustee, I wanted to see more and more people experience all the benefits that cycling offers.

I also want to make cycling safer for everyone who goes out on a bike, whether like me you ride with a group, go touring with friends or family, or see your bike as a means of transport for shopping, commuting or pedalling with your children or grandkids to school.

These changes will help Cycling UK to make this future possible, so I want to thank everyone who voted in support of them.