15-Nov-2006 minutes

Minutes of GNCC General meeting – November 15, 2006

Present: Dave Beer, John van Beek, Keith Brown, Jim Kirby, Tobi Ming, Signy Parkin, Dr. Peter Bowen-Roberts
Regrets: Michael Bean. Barbara Henoch opened the meeting room facility, but did not attend the meeting.

Dave Beer started things off by reiterating the state of affairs regarding the GNCC, its board, and concerns for the continuation of the coalition. There are now only three board members- Dave Beer, Michael Bean, and Jim Kirby. There are currently 35 paid up members. Without more members and willing volunteers there is concern that it will be very difficult to continue the coalition as a viable organization. Following Dave's introduction, discussion followed regarding this issue. The following points were brought up and discussed:

• who does the GNCC represent in the community, or, which individuals, groups, or busineses would look to the GNCC to speak for them as their representative regarding local cycling issues? It appears that most of these stakeholders either don't know about the GNCC or tackle their cycling issues on their own.
• the GNCC has done admirable work in the past. Its efforts around advocating for more and better cycle paths, traffic signalling, safety training, and general issues are well known. The momentum in recent years though has slowed with fewer members and volunteers to continue ongoing programs like "Bike Week", or to take on new issues. Dr. Bowen-Roberts said other local organizations that he is involved with are experiencing similar difficulties. Attracting new blood is difficult. Maybe such things as the internet, the cell phone, and an ageing population are key factors in this change.
• can the reduction in paying members be caused in part by membership dues that are too high? Or cancellation of the GNCC newsletter "the SpokeLore"? Or the lowering of its profile because the GNCC is not overseeing such events as Bike Week?
• Dr. Bowen-Roberts suggested a closer relationsip with Malaspina University College could be a benefit as they promote bicycle use and fitness to a large and younger crowd.
• to increase membership the dues should be lowered. Should also make more effort to get new members, and their email address. Local bike stores could help in getting new members by offering a free or lower cost one-year membership with each bike sold, for example. This would provide a broader base for advocacy and to continue the programs the GNCC was once involved with.
• where does the GNCC go from here? There are issues that could benefit from a strong local cycling voice such as the Island Corridor E&N issue, and the B.C. Goverment plans to spend $40 million on cycling infrastructure (Ron Cantelon is our local MLA).

Following the general discussion, meeting business carried on. Tobi Ming volunteered to sit on the board as treasurer. Thank you Tobi. The board now consists of Dave Beer, Jim Kirby, Michael Bean, and Tobi Ming. John van Beek is the local representative for the BC Cycling Coalition.

A motion was tabled to reduce the membership dues to $10 per person. Corporate dues would remain at $50. The motion was carried.

As of Nov. 15/06 the GNCC has $279.95 in the bank. There will be no meeting in December.

The next meeting will be on the third Wednesday in January 07, location to be determined.

Meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm.