We have developed some guidelines to ensure that posting on our digital platforms is conducted in a peaceful and respectful manner. Our digital platforms include, but are not limited to: our Facebook group, our Facebook Page, Twitter and the comments facility on our website.
General
Leeds Cycling Campaign members are a friendly and helpful group of people. Please remember, though, that people of all ages and backgrounds use our forums and other digital platforms, so stick to common sense conventions with regards to the language you use.
- Opinions can be expressed in diverse ways, but please do not make personal attacks or engage in flame wars (long, abusive exchanges) as this inhibits debate and creates bad feeling. If in doubt, ask yourself: “Would I be comfortable saying this to their face?” If the answer is no, do not hit the “post” button.
- Avoid swearing (whether directly or in the form of abbreviations).
- Offensive posts will be immediately removed. For the avoidance of doubt, this includes any post that discriminates on the basis of a protected characteristic.
You can request that a particular post is removed or edited. However if you do this simply because you disagree with what a member has said, or dislike the way they’ve said it, your request is likely to be ignored. Dislike and offence are different. If in doubt, ask yourself if the basis for your complaint falls into any of the above categories.
Guidelines that our social media admins will follow
In this section the word “group” applies to any online group, digital platform or messaging app that we operate.
- Postings are allowed from anyone who has joined the group; they do not have to be paid-up Leeds Cycling Campaign members.
- Postings should be cycling related and have some local impact (either directly or by comparison with other cities/regions).
- Advertising for commercial products and services is not generally allowed and such posts may be removed by an admin. Advertisers will be warned and persistent offenders may be removed from the group.
- Advertising of services or an event being run by a local community-based group shall be allowed if relevant to the group.
- Postings which appear to be personal attacks on another member of the group shall be removed and the poster advised and warned about their behaviour.
- Postings which are clearly and openly offensive towards groups protected under Equality legislation (and/or any minority other groups we also consider deserving of protection) shall be removed without warning as soon as practicable and the poster blocked or removed from the group.
- Postings which appear to be derogatory towards groups protected under Equality legislation (and/or any minority other groups we also consider deserving of protection) shall be challenged and if severe or persistent be removed without further warning. Consideration will also be given to blocking or removing the person responsible.
- Apparent “trolling” will be called out by an admin and clearly abusive or obsessional posts shall be removed. Consideration shall also given to blocking or removing the person responsible.
- Postings which are clearly spam shall be removed as soon as practicable and the spammer blocked.
- Postings which appear to be hijacked or diverted into a fruitless discussion on an unrelated issue (for example helmet use) shall be curtailed by the suppression of further comments.A link to a website offering unbiased views may be provided.
- In the event of uncertainty, admins shall discuss with other admins any posts they feel contravene the above guidelines and a decision on action shall be taken collectively. Moderation may be used for posts from individuals we are unsure of.
- Admins shall inform other admins about postings they have removed or group members for whom they have switched on moderation or whom they have blocked or removed. Serious issues that the admins cannot resolve collectively shall be escalated to the Committee.
Leeds Cycling Campaign
September 2016
Revised July 2022