Moving Target, , Issue #4, Summer 1989
compiled by A.D., C.C. Brave, Buffalo, Daily cyclist,
Mark Floyd
BYE BYE
MT would like to say "goodbye and thank you" to founder-member Paul Skillbeck who we gather has gone on to do impressive things with a pen and a mountain-bike. We wish him well.
GETTING THE NEEDLE
"Motorcycle courier John Orchard, aged 19, was fined £250 and banned from driving for six months by West Bromwich magistrates after he lost 50,000 hypodermic needles off his bike, causing £16,500, worth of punctures to 141 vehicles and blocking the M5 and M6," Guardian June 2nd.
UNION BLUES
Ever wondered why someone doesn't start a union and give cc's some power over their working conditions ? Well someone has, two people in fact. Last issue's suggestions from the LCC seem to have stirred things up somewhat and moves are now afoot to form the London Bicycle couriers Association. Co-incidently at much the same time the Dispatch Industry Workers Union was being organised. At the time of going to print there had been no contact between the groups. The D.I.W.U. was formed by individuals from the motorised side of the industry but is keen to attract membership from all workers, cyclists, drivers, controllers, telephonists, secretaries, mechanics, everyone. -Except the bosses. Their newsletter 'Road to Rebellion' is informative though aimed mainly at motorcyclists. Its basic aim is to reorganise the dispatch industry so that it improves pay and conditions for the riders and it proposes that members form workplace groups and become active campaigning branches of the Union. Membership is £1.00 per week if working or 10p if off work through sickness, blacklisting, or strike. More information is available from: D.I.W.U., PO Box 514, Brockley, SE4 1 DL.
The LBCA is not as organised yet but is certainly not lacking in ambition. After an initial tie up with the LCC it is now negotiating for affiliation with the TGWU which could provide it with office space and admin backing. Amongst it's comprehensive list of aims and proposals are: an agency to allow cc's to move more easily from company to company and to regulate the numbers of new riders per company; a campaign for helmet wearing, more helpful road markings and basic rates of pay; court representation for members; insurance cover, and a mobile repair service. Those interested should contact Mark Covell c/o 39 Azof St. Maze Hill, Greenwich, SE10. Or phone 261 0387.
WORLD DOMINATION
As you will probably be aware we intend to take over the running of the planet by issue six or seven. But we thought it only right to let people know who we are, so we did a bit of P.R. work first. So far Charlie B. has done his bit for the cause by appearing on Channel 4's "Survivors Guide" and Andy Dickson, Buffalo, and Mayn 1 gave their all in a probing L.B.C. Radio interview. In the printed media 'Bicycle Magazine' have given us a glowing report "...intended for courier consumption but has an edge to it's writing that will appeal to many other cyclists.- 'The Standard has mentioned us in dispatches, and last but best 'I-D' and The Face' no less, each devoted several column inches to our mission"....strong on photography, attractively designed, wittily written and offers a soap box to what has became something of an urban counter culture" (The Face. So now you know what you are !) Stylish...offbeat. Fresh, illuminating and slim enough to slip into the pocket of your Assos tights." (I-D). Heady stuff eh! Watch out for issue six or seven.
KIDS STUFF
The childrens' programme ’But First This' got a couriers eye view of life by mounting a camera to the bike of Mark Floyd (Sky). The film is about seven minutes long and should go out between 9.45 and 10.10 on Tuesday 25th July
Gutter Press aims to keep you informed about cc's, their interests, and the industry.
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