22-May-2007 minutes

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Minutes of GNCC General meeting – May 22, 2007

Commenced 7:00 pm at Volunteer Nanaimo office, #3- 2350 Labieux Rd.

Present: Dave Beer, John van Beek, Keith Brown, Tobi Ming, Jim Kirby.

1. Need for insurance. There was a general discussion regarding bike rides and/or other events sponsored by the GNCC. Is the GNCC organization, or it's officials, subject to liability if a participant is injured, or causes damage to property, or causes injury to a third party?? This has been discussed at various times over the years, and the GNCC has had coverage in the past. The GNCC presently carries no insurance. Should ride participants be asked to sign a waiver absolving the GNCC of liability in case of an accident? It was noted that other groups such as the Winers hiking group carries no insurance to our knowledge, and does not ask for waivers, but they have no recognized organizational status either. It was suggested that maybe the bike riders should distance themselves from the GNCC for now as a precaution.

Action item- John van Beek is attending a BCCC meeting on June 23 and will bring up the question there as to how other cycling groups are addressing this issue.

2. John van Beek, Dave Beer, and Jim Kirby cycled to Parksville to meet with Joan Mitchell of the Greater Nanaimo Regional District on May 15 to promote the development of more bike trails, specifically the E&N trail extension as noted in their long range plan. The group was welcomed, and the GNCC was encouraged to stay active in advocating the politicians for more funding and action. Progress is being made towards an integrated bike friendly trail system in the regional district, but it will take time.

The GNCC is suggesting the time frame for developing more trails be bumped up due to global warming and other environmental reasons.

3. A letter to David Hahn with BC Ferries is still forthcoming. The letter will be copied to the Minister of Tourism. (see minutes of April 24/07 meeting).

4. A Critical Mass ride is being planned for Friday afternoon June 8/07. Watch for further details. All members will be notified and encouraged to participate, and any member wanting to carry a GNCC banner, give out brochures, or any other related activity will be asked to come forward. The GNCC has quite a large amount of promotional material available.

5. There are several rides and events coming up- Clean Air Day, Bike for your Life, Bicycle Trek for Life. Check the website bikely.com for details of some of these events.

6. Bike stores selling memberships? An ongoing initiative, Dave, with possibly the assistance of Michael Bean, will orchestrate the production of a "package' that the owners can give out with the memberships. The package may contain such items as the "It's All About The Bike" brochure, Bike Sense, and info about commuting and other biking info around Nanaimo.

7. The next general meeting will be June 12, a change from the previously scheduled date (subject to the room being available).

Possible speakers were discussed. Keith suggested an aquaintance who sells electric bikes who might be interested and available. Keith to pursue this. Another possible activity that could combine fun with business is to have a ride followed by a meeting, possibly in later June or July. Note the above concerns with liability however....

8. Tobi reports that the GNCC has about $375 in the bank....we remain solvent...

9. John van Beek talked about his upcoming birthday ride and July 29th was suggested. This also happens to be Tobi's birthday... John may incorporate the new Top Bridge in his ride route which would be an exciting way to celebrate John's birthday and the new bridge construction.

Meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm.

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Last updated: June 13, 2007.