LCC or CTC

[joolsybools]

Hi,

I'm relatively new to cycling (commuting mainly but a bit of weekend fun too!).

I was thinknig about becoming a member of LCC (London Cycling Campaign) but have also heard of CTC. I wondered if anyone has any thoughts on which might be best?

I have searched for threads on both but couldn't find anything.

Thanks
J

 

[punkypossum]

I'm CTC, but don't live in London, so can't comment on the other one...

 

[yello]

You can do both. They have different aims and both are worthy of support. I was a member of both when I lived in London.

If it's just insurance you're after, I'd go for the CTC.

 

[mearle]

Both include 3rd party insurance, and magazines, but with LCC you get a 10% discount in many London bike shops.
As you're a commuter in London, I would go with the LCC out of the two.

 

[joolsybools]

Thanks everyone

 

[Crankarm]

LCC no contest. Have been a member of both simultaneously and LCC is a far more efficient organistion than CTC whose membership side of things leaves a lot to be desired. See their website forum for a few posts on how dissatisfied long standing members who've had no end of problems renewing their memberships have become. CTC seem indifferent to their administrative problems blaming everyone but themselves. Also I feel LCC seems to be a lot better at lobbying and campaigning. CTC seems to devote alot of it's time to fleecing it's members through 0870 and 0844 numbers. I left them after 7 years membership opting for LCC membership only as LCC was a lot less hassle and still includes 3rd party insurance and free legal advice. Although I no longer live in London I am still a member of the LCC. You can ring them up on normal direct dial numbers. There magazine is quite good and I believe cycling facilities would not have come on in the way they have without contributions and lobbying by LCC. Great organisation. Retailers in London and even Cambridge are happy to accept membership of LCC for discounts on purchases.

 

[Dan B]

I was an LCC member, now I am a CTC member instead. My impression is that the LCC are more focused on "facilities" and new cyclists, whereas the CTC are more geared towards cyclist who use the road. And the CTC magazine is a better read

Also the FNRttC is a CTC event and after doing a few I felt I should fork over and show support.

 

[BIGSESAL]

I live in Glasgow so can't really comment on LCC. I have found CTC very useful and worth the subscription fee. CTC also have regional groups. I am fairly sure that there will be a London CTC group or something similar. You will automatically get the nearest regional CTC newsletters for free.

 

[Sittingduck]

I am an LCC member. I got a free sticker! It's cool and it's green
Not too sure about CTC - they seem better for organised group rides and such.

Regards,
SD

 

[jimboalee]

Join your local club.

Then join the CTC for the legal assistance, if ever necessary.

Then join AUK and you will have insurance cover through the CTC automatically.

 

[joolsybools]

Thanks everyone. How do I go about findding my local club? I've joined the Meteup website and there are a couple of groups there who do leisure rides - not that I've been to any yet. Is that what you mean by local club??

 

[MacB]

I think I'm going to go CTC, have read the stuff re membership renewals/applications, seems to be a bit of an outsourcing disaster(nothing unusual there). But the night run to the coast swung it for me. If that crowd are linked to the CTC then they've got to be worth supporting.

 

[4F]

I joined the CTC mainly for the insurance and have to say despite reading the horror stories of the membership fiasco I have had no problems.

 

[Dave5N]

Well now, I wouldn't join the LCC as I live in Birminhgham but I hear they do good stuff. I thought about joining the CTC as they are an important voice, but I think a lot of the fee only duplicates the benefits I get as a British Cycling Member.

British Cycling is the National Governing Body for cycling, and I think it has recently introduced a new more affordable membership scheme called 'Everyday cycling' to benefit people who want some insurance and other benefits, but aren't active racing people.

Google will no doubt tell you more.