Terms of Reference

Get Ryedale Cycling Forum

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Terms of Reference, updated November 2024

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Formerly known as Raising Cycling in Ryedale, then Ryedale Cycle Forum, Get Ryedale Cycling Forum brings together all those involved in the development and promotion of cycling in recognition of the range of benefits that cycling offers as part of a more sustainable approach to transport and active travel.

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GRCF is not a decision-making body, but through the sharing of information and views seeks to contribute to, and  influence, the cycling related policies, plans and services of relevant organisations such as North Yorkshire Council, the North York Moors National Park Authority, Highways England, and Sustrans, where there is a consensus view across the RCF membership.

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GRCF’s overall aim is to encourage and enable more people of all ages and abilities to cycle more often  across the Ryedale district, whether they are local residents or visitors.

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GRCF understands that increased levels of cycling are proven to improve public health, economic    prosperity, the environment and bring communities together.‍

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Composition / Membership

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GRCF actively encourages appropriate participation by and contributions from the following:

• British Cycling

• British Horse Soc/Ryedale Bridleways Group

• Cycling campaign representatives

• Cycling UK (formerly CTC)

• Cycle shops and cycling businesses

• Local employers and/or workplace cyclists’ groups

• Local volunteers and groups

• Public transport operators

• Forestry England

• Local environment / climate action groups

• Health sector (primary and secondary care, and public health)

• Highways England

• Howardian Hills National Landscape

• Parish and Town Councils

• North Yorkshire Council

• North York Moors National Park Authority

• North Yorkshire Local Access Forum

• North Yorkshire Sport

• Educational establishments

• Sustrans (sustainable transport charity)

• Tourism partnerships

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RCF membership and participation is reviewed annually (August 2024)

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Organisation / Roles

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• GRCF will meet at least 4 times a year on a weekday. Meeting dates will be advertised on the GRCF website, currently http://getryedalecycling.org and by  email.

• Provision will be made for additional meetings as required.

• Meetings are usually held on-line, but can be face-to-face when required

• A range of cycling-related items will be discussed at each meeting, based on suggestions from GRCF members, using a standing agenda, but with the option to add other relevant matters. The area of benefit will usually be the former local authority administrative district of Ryedale.

• The agenda and associated documents will be circulated to all website subscribers in advance of each meeting. The minutes will be circulated no more than 4 weeks after the forum meeting. The agenda will be circulated at least 1 week in advance of the forum meeting.

• Forum documentation such as agendas, minutes of the meeting, associated documents and links, will be posted on the Get Ryedale Cycling Forum website.

• GRCF attendees must respect confidential information.

• Where more detailed discussion is needed or the focus is on one geographical area only, subgroups of the forum (working groups) can be set up by the Chair. These will have a limited timescale and should report back to the main forum upon completion or at a set frequency.

• If within the time capacity of volunteers, the agendas and minutes of every meeting will usually be copied to the following North Yorkshire Council officers and  elected representatives for their information, dissemination and comment:

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      - Head of Economy, Housing, Environment North Yorkshire Council

      - Transport Planning Department, North Yorkshire Council

      - Area Highways Manager NYC

      - All Parish and Town Council Clerks in the former Ryedale District area

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• Attendees are expected to make informed and constructive contributions in line with their areas of interest and operation, and the agenda for each meeting.

• GRCF members are also expected to follow up on matters discussed and agreed at each meeting, and report on progress at the following meeting or beforehand if required / appropriate.

• GRCF members are asked to promote the interests of cycling in Ryedale whenever possible.

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Consultation

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Where a change on policy or strategy e.g. Local Transport Plan, development (e.g. housing) or highway / PROW maintenance is proposed that might affect existing or potential new cycle routes / cycling facilities, GRCF requests that plans are brought to its attention at the earliest possible opportunity so that comments can be discussed and submitted with a view to design proposals being suitably amended wherever possible.

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Where a new cycling scheme or major improvements to a cycling route are being considered, GRCF asks  to be involved in the discussions at the beginning to comment on route alignment, links and other characteristics.

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23/11/2024