CTC actively campaigns to improve the cyclists’ lot.
They work with the DoT, talk to ministers – all in an effort to make your life better; CTC Right-to-Ride Reps pester your local council to improve facilities (I need to respond about the plans for cycle routes to the local primary school – the proposed lanes are too narrow. If I don’t point this out, with support from CTC HQ, they’ll be dangerous and unusable).
Um, BC do this as well:
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/campaigning
CTC re-branded themselves “the national cyclists CHARITY”, after it became apparent that there was confusion over the word “organisation”.
BC is the governing body of cycle sport but also runs a whole range of non-competitive programmes to improve participation, lobby parliament etc. CTC is a charitable organisation although it’s roles are largely allied with BC.
BC is £24/year though vs CTC at £41/year.
BC gives 10% at Halfords.
And an additional 12% off at Wiggle.