The Cross Canada Cycle Tour Society October 2016, Volume 33, Issue #10
President’s Report John Pringle
Club Governance – An extremely sexy topic.
“Governance” – according to Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary is a synonym for “government”. The meaning of the latter we’ll assume, for this discussion, is “the office, authority or function of governing.” The Club has had a very simple governance model since its founding; the Board of Directors (ten to thirteen elected members) makes and administers policy to allow for the development of safe and enjoyable tours and hub & spokes for its members. Beautifully simple, so why contemplate change?
- Club growth – The Club was originally 25 or so members, which grew slowly over the years since 1983 to and into the 21st About 10 years ago, possibly coincidental with greater numbers of fit retirees, the Club grew rather rapidly to a current steady number of about 600 annual members;
- Population centres – Coincidentally, the geographic distribution of Club members increased from groups in Greater Vancouver and Greater Victoria, each now with 161(includes the Fraser Valley- see below) and 153 members respectively, to centres such as the Comox (67), Ottawa (125), Fraser (~40), and Okanagan (~40) Valleys (there are another 31 in the US);
- Local administrative units – With the population centres came the formation of small and informal administrative groups (one group even has a democratically elected “president” and “treasurer”) within certain centres, and though varying from centre to centre, they create social events, day ride schedules, safety awareness thrusts, cycling advocacy and focus groups, online messaging sites, etc. And,
- Democracy – There came a demand from distant groups for more access to the decision making process, and recently, a request to participate, via teleconferencing, at the last Spring Special Meeting.
The Board has been concerned for some time that these “informal” population groupings, while doing much good and obviously meeting the needs of local members, might be doing so without having the protection of Club liability insurance. As well, anyone collecting monies for local group expenses could be liable for personal income tax levies.
On the positive side, best practices are not the domain of one group, thus the formal adoption of area groupings might promote synergy and the spread of best practices.
These concerns were discussed by the Board in the spring, and a formal subcommittee met in late June. This foursome developed a report, the focal point of which became the central piece in a longer-than-usual September Board meeting. Among other decisions made, the Board approved the following motion, “That the Board accept the concept of formally designated geographically-based chapters.” It was agreed that Board member Ed Fudge would be Board’s principal contact for the “chapters”. He will, over the next few weeks, contact the current titular head of each “chapter” to discern the following: The “heads” perceived current role(s), How each head arrived at her/his position ie, elected, appointed, etc.; Discuss the concept of “chapters” with each “head”, and attempt to understand how the concept might be accepted by his/her constituents. Please note: “chapters” will not be compulsory; it will be up to each “chapter” to either accept the governance model or not.
One other concept of interest to this discussion were the Club’s primary roles. They were briefly discussed at the 12th September meeting and were as follows; the organization of both multi-day tours and hub and spokes, the offering of an array of organized weekly rides, and cycling advocacy and safety. If the concept of “chapters” is accepted by the Club membership, the next task will be to develop a mutually acceptable division of labour, i.e. a list of responsibilities for both the Board of Directors and for each chapter. For example, the offering and organization of day rides would likely be formally delegated to the Chapters; the coordination of tours and hub & spokes would likely remain a Board responsibility. The exercise should promote a better understanding of the Board by each chapter, and vice versa. The synergy developed between the Board and the “chapters” and among the “chapters” may create a more dynamic and coherent Club.
The Board looks forward to working with the “chapters” to encourage the development of a governance model that is slim and non-bureaucratic, while at the same time allowing for enhanced democracy, the spread of best practices and closer ties between the Board and each of the “chapters”.
Welcome New Members
| Grant | Johncox | Burnaby | BC |
| David Alan | Burton | Langley | BC |
The 2016 BC Senior Games took place September 20 to the 24 in Coquitlem, BC. Once again CCCTS members took part in the cycling events. Congratulations to those that medalled.
Borejsza Rick Silver 2 Men 65 – 69 Time Trial – Novice
McClanahan Max Gold 1 Men 65 – 69 Road Race – Novice
McClanahan Max Gold 1 Men 65 – 69 Hill Climb – Novice
McClanahan Max Gold 1 Men 65 – 69 Time Trial – Novice
Nicholas Donna Gold 1 Women 75 – 79 Time Trial – Competitive
Nicholas Donna Gold 1 Women 75 – 79 Road Race – Competitive
Nicholas Donna Gold 1 Women 75 – 79 Hill Climb – Competitive
Feds, provinces to review ways to reduce cycling fatalities on city streets
OTTAWA — The Canadian Press
Published Thursday, Sep. 29, 2016
The federal government is taking a fresh look at how to protect cyclists on Canada’s roadways after recent high-profile cases where cyclists were killed on city streets.
Federal, provincial and territorial ministers in charge of transportation have agreed to set up a national task force on vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, to come up with ways to reduce injuries and fatalities.
The task force, established through the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, will explore the use of cameras, sensor systems and side guards, as well as educational safety and awareness programs.
The idea wasn’t on the agenda when federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau met his counterparts Wednesday, but he raised the issue after Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre separately wrote to address a growing concern on their streets.
In Ottawa, Nusrat Jahan, 23, was killed earlier this month when a large truck struck her as it turned right on a busy downtown street during the morning commute.
In Montreal, two cyclists were killed within a few days of one another in late August.
In a statement, Garneau says the country needs to find out what works best – be it technology, equipment or more education – to improve safety on the roads.
There is no timeline for the review.
Garneau on bike safety task force
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/garneau-on-bike-safety-task-force-1.3786387