Colchester Cycling Campaign was formed in January 1990 as a response to Essex County Council plans for the Greenstead roundabout.

We were concerned that a six mini-roundabout junction would virtually cut off the 10,000-home Greenstead estate from the town and university.

It was a battle we lost but, ironically, the new junction proved safer that the previous roundabout, with cars travelling more slowly.

Since then we have been involved in a variety of projects. Early successes included working with Wivenhoe Town Council and Sustrans to create the Wivenhoe Trail, and helping Colchester Council establish a shared-use cycle paths along Ipswich Road, Cowdray Avenue and across King's Meadow.

We took an interest in planning issues and were able to link cycle parking racks to new development, resulting in a high number of bike parks, especially in the town centre. We also opposed the relocation of the town cinema to an out-of-town site, and suggested the former Post Office as its new site: there is now a six-screen multiplex run by the Odeon.

In recent years, we have realised that change must come from the county and central government, and have shifted the focus of our campaign to join with CTC and Cycle Nation on major issues such as strict liability and the rewriting of the Highway Code. We still believe national changes are needed before local efforts have full effect.

At our peak, in 1996, we had 400 members; at that time we ran social rides and had a print newsletter. However, in 1998, the group decided we were serving members more than campaigning so the decision was taken in 1998 to become web-based.

CCC is a democracy by participation. Details here.

CCC's monthly meeting is part of Bike Drinks, which is open to all cyclists. Bike Drinks is held on the second Tuesday of the month at 8pm at the Bricklayers Arms, Mile End Road; everyone is welcome.Our annual meeting is held each June. Please ring 07758 464 958 if you have any queries about Bike Drinks.