As indicated by email we had an informal meeting on Friday Feb. 27th. I went over the points outlined in the information sent out to all group members by email and will post a summary of the discussion here. My purpose was to just bring up some points for discussion for all members to consider and to obtain feedback for the vision and ideas I had in mind for the group. I will cover the feedback provided on each point.
1. Direction and scope of group.
* Cycling advocacy with local municipalities, work place
Discussion of this point centered around whether as a group we could be effective in advocating for cycling issues with local municipal authorities as well as in the workplace.
* Participation in charity rides
This was just an idea put forward for all to consider. There are several options open to us here. More discussion will be needed and covered in future meetings.
* Participation in other cycling events - For example: opening day of Golden Ears bridge.
As there were several advocacy groups involved with lobbying for bike lanes on the new bridge I thought it would be a great show of support if we showed up on opening day as a group and ride across the bridge. It would also show to decision makers that more cycling infrastructure is needed.
* Should we become a club or informal group?
It was recommended that for the short term we operate as an informal group and see what develops. Pros and cons were discussed.
* Inclusive rather than exclusive. In other words we will want be associated with TWU, but also allow non-TWU employees/affiliates and there family members to join in.
Feedback from others on this welcome but the general consensus was to be inclusive.
* Anyone can join a ride, a membership in the group (or club) not required.
Everyone was also in agreement with this point.
2. Ride scheduling - static or ad-hoc or both.
It was agreed that we would start with at least one monthly regularly scheduled ride where people would show up and join the ride. The ride would proceed with only weather cancelling. Notification will be made available in the case of cancellation. I will have more information and post a schedule for these rides this week. This would still leave open the option of any member organizing and scheduling a group ride.
3. Types of rides. Rides catered to various cycling abilities? Multi day rides or Tours? Single day rides outside of lower mainland.
This option will allow for those with different riding skills set up group rides in line with their skills. I believe we could schedule these rides and have a simple rating system so those interested would be able to determine their participation. This is the same procedure followed by many cycling clubs.
Group rides outside of the lower mainland and multi-day rides were also considered to be good options to explore. These would most likely need to be scheduled during the summer when we have the light later in the evenings
4. Online web and communication tools available for participants.
A couple of the tools available were discussed and briefly demonstrated.
5. Disclaimers?
The possible need for a disclaimer was also discussed. This will be explored further.
6. Cycling skills training options?
The VACC (Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition) offers several bicycle skills training options. Since Bill Norris also joined us for lunch the question of TWU contributing to the cost of such courses was explored. He indicated that there is an annual 50.00 benefit available for all TWU employees that could be applied for this purpose.
7. Meetings - Frequency, type and location of meeting?
No decision was made with regard to regular meetings so this will be left at scheduling meetings when required. They could possibly be scheduled for the same day as a ride but begin and end prior to the start of the ride.
8. Volunteers for content, ride leaders, sweep.
Dave Jeffery volunteered to help with content and management of the various services I set up for the group. I will modify his access during the next week. If anyone else wishes to assist with this please let me know.
For those unfamiliar with group rides, the ride leader or captain maintains the pace and leads the group through the prearranged route. The ride leader should also discuss the route before starting the ride and handout any maps, cue sheets etc.. A sweep is the last rider in the group and watches for riders ahead and if a rider is trailing she/he communicates with the rest of the group if a rider needs the group to stop or slow down. The sweep and the ride leader would also provide any mechanical assistance for a rider needing assistance with others if needed. The main principle is to insure the the group does not become separated or lost. We will need people to volunteer for these responsibilities on any rider with 4 or more participants.
As mentioned previously all feedback on any or all of the above issues is welcome.
Richard
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