Thursday 15 March 2012

Is it worth it?

There have been times in the past when I've wondered if my videoing, and blogging was worth the hassle. There have been dark moments in the past when I have considered throwing in the towel.

Sticking your head above the parapet comes with it's downsides.

However, the last couple of weeks have shown to me that without a doubt what I do, and what many others like me do (I am not by any stretch of the imagination the best cycling blogger...) can make a difference.

Pedal on Parliament which is a collaboration between cyclists like myself, though diverse in nature, is going from strength to strength, and we are no where near the 28th of April yet! I've already mentioned our website, manifesto etc in other blog posts. POP28 seems to have been well received so far and we are getting some excellent publicity and support. So far we have:

  • Made it into the Evening News in Edinburgh (sister paper of the Scotsman) where Mark Beaumont has pledge support to our campaign
  • We have had pledges of support from cyclists all over the country with groups coming from Glasgow, Dumfries and Dundee to name a few
  • Our twitter feed continues to gain support at an amazing rate (233 at time of typing)
  • We have already gained the support of some MSP's and councillors (to be announced later on the POP28 page)
As well as the growing support for POP28 and our manifesto, I have seen some inspirational efforts by the organising team  in the work they have and are doing. It has taken a lot of work to get the website up, get the manifesto written etc. Everyone in the team will get a mention at some point. However, in this blog I wish to focus on the work of two of the team.

Anthony Robson, one of my fellow organisers has produced this wonderful promotional video.


This deserves to become viral!

Also worth a mention are the artistic skills of another co-organiser Andy Authur. Hecontinues to amaze me. In fact I have been dealt an incredible honour of inspiring one of Andy's posters.


I've never met Andy before, so I am amazed at how he has managed to capture my physique so accurately......ahem! Andy is working on several posters along a similar theme demonstrating the diversity of cyclists. Keep an eye out on the POP28 website!

Most importantly these posters contain the important information. Look at our website, follow the @POPScotland twitter feed, and keep an eye on the #POP28 twitter tag. Most importantly of course, come to Edinburgh on the 28th of April.

I now have absolutely no doubt that my blogging and videoing has been worthwhile. The last couple of weeks have demonstrated that individual voices, when they come together, can become very powerful and accomplish great things.

Set aside the 28th of April and you too could be part of something quite extraordinary.

1 comment:

  1. I've been seeing your comments about PoP for a while, and impressed you'd come so far to protest.

    Now reading this I realise, DOH! _Scottish_ Parliament.

    Excuse my anglo-centrism :)

    ReplyDelete