The story behind our patron network

Bringing together our patrons

We talk to Richard Kramer, one of the founding members of LCC’s patron network:

“I was just a regular member of LCC for over a decade when in 2005, a colleague and dear friend of mine was tragically killed in a bicycle accident in Clerkenwell, right around the corner from our offices.

“Sadly, we have had similar accidents (involving HGVs) recurring with disturbing regularity. Her death galvanised my involvement, financially and emotionally.

“Raising three children in central London and seeing them benefit from the freedom of cycling and having it as part of my daily routine, I can see the benefits, from efficiency, health, and, thanks to LCC, safety. I now travel to and from my work, across Central London, mostly on a network of dedicated cycle lanes, which are absolutely crammed with usage.

“A few years ago, I discussed with the team at LCC the idea of bringing together a community of people to stand behind LCC’s projects and people, providing a sounding board as well as consistent financial support. A series of patron’s dinners fostered the community, and attendees have outdone themselves in joining me to support LCC.

“The patron network has enabled LCC to fund a full time community campaigner, the terrific Clare Rogers. Claire has had an immediate impact rallying support for cycling in Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster, and is bringing together a network of Healthy Streets, schools groups, and many others, to make common cause with cyclists. The added benefit of hosting the dinners has been to meet a fascinating, diverse group of cycling Londoners. We all want the same thing; a healthy, efficient, safe, and widely supported transport system, for ourselves, our families and neighbours and the planet.

“I remember talking with Ashok, LCC’s Chief Executive, and Lucy, who now runs LCC’s patron network, years ago about how vital it was to get organised around fund-raising and development, and how they could assemble a big group of people who really cared, and together they could really make a difference to the city. They did, and it has.

“I’m looking forward to getting more of you involved in supporting LCC’s projects: we can make London like any other Northern European city, where cycling is the everyday norm, and everyone is invited to share in it.”