CTC officially rebranded as Cycling UK

CTC, the national cycling charity, has today officially become Cycling UK. The organisation’s chief executive Paul Tuohy said: “Through our new brand, Cycling UK will help more people, from any background, enjoy the gift of cycling.”

The organisation can now be found online at cyclinguk.org.

Tuohy said: “For 138 years, we have championed a simple belief – that cycling is a wonderful gift that should remain accessible and available to all. Today we remain the nation’s voice for cycling and the strongest force for progressive change.”

Founded in 1878 in Harrogate as the Bicycle Touring Club, the organisation was subsequently renamed the Cyclists' Touring Club in 1883. In 2011 members voted to convert to charitable status, at which point the name ‘CTC, the national cycling charity’ was adopted.

When road.cc reported on plans to rebrand as Cycling UK back in February, David Murray, Head of Communications and Campaigns, told us that the new name was really just a reflection of what the charity was already doing.

“For years, as the national cycling charity, we have worked hard to achieve three things: to inspire people into taking up cycling of all forms, be it touring, commuting, or family rides; we campaign to protect cycling interests, for example creating well designed and properly funded space for cycling; and finally, we help people to overcome personal barriers to cycling, like physical disabilities or economic barriers.

“Our change in brand is aimed at helping to more effectively present the work that we do, so that even more people embrace cycling in their lives.”

Channel 4 News presenter, Jon Snow, president of Cycling UK, added:

“The new name provides a more appropriate reflection of what we do and what we are as an organisation in 2016. Touring is, and always will be, a fundamentally important part of Cycling UK and will continue to be the first love for many of our 67,000 members.

“But our work and ambitions embrace so much more and our objective is to get everyone cycling in the UK. It doesn’t matter whether it’s on-road or off-road, whether you’re three or 103, male or female, disadvantaged or disabled, everyone should have the opportunity to cycle. Cycling is good for people’s health, fitness and well-being as well as bringing benefits to the environment and the economy.

“We will continue to celebrate our rich heritage, continue to press Government to provide more funding for cycling, and continue campaigning for cyclists’ rights, only it will now be under the banner of Cycling UK.”