Article 1 – Name
The name of this organization shall be (the) Kalamazoo Bicycle Club, Inc., also referred to as “The Club” in the following document.
Article 2 – Club Purpose
The Club’s mission is to promote cycling as a preferred means of combining a healthy lifestyle with transportation. We encourage and facilitate group riding, touring, racing, commuting by cycling, and other cycling activities; defend and protect rights of cyclists; foster development and maintenance of safe cycling infrastructure; educate the general public about safe bicycling and motoring practices and skills; encourage creation of cycling facilities on public lands; cooperate with public authorities in observing and upholding all traffic regulations; provide opportunities for members to socialize with others who have an interest in cycling; help everyone recognize bicycles as vehicles used for pleasure, fitness, and transportation; and cooperate with other organizations having similar goals and purposes.
The Club shall be strictly non-sectarian, non-partisan, and non-profit. All money collected by dues or other means shall go to the treasury, and be used only for furthering the stated purpose of the Club. The Club will not engage in any activity contrary to its non-profit status or which would be contrary to Section 501 (c) (3) or Section 501 (c) (4) of the IRS code.
Article 3 – Membership
The three types of membership in the Club are: (1) Regular Membership; (2) Family Membership; (3) Complimentary Membership.
Section 3-A:
(1) Regular Membership in the Club is given to dues-paid members who are 18 years of age or older. Those under 18 years of age must have written parental approval. Regular members will be eligible to hold a Club office position and are entitled to full voting privileges. Each regular membership will receive the Club’s newsletter, ride schedule, and be eligible to participate in any Club sponsored activities.
Section 3-B:
(2) Family membership is available for two or more individuals who reside at the same address, with at least one individual being 18 years of age or older. A family membership is awarded all the privileges of a regular membership, except a family membership carries two votes on Club matters. In this instance, at least two family members over age 18 must be present at a Club meeting to cast their two votes.
Section 3-C:
(3) Complimentary membership in the Club may be granted by the Executive Committee to bike shops, individuals, and other organizations. Complimentary memberships carry no vote on Club matters.
Section 3-D:
(4) Membership in the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club can be revoked for a member failing to abide by the Club’s Constitution, its Bylaws or the Michigan Vehicle Code as it pertains to bicyclists. Any Club member may petition any member of the Board of Directors and ask for the revocation of Club membership of any other member. Such a request must be in writing. A full explanation of why revocation is sought must be provided.
The Executive Committee shall meet in a special session to discuss the membership in question and allow the identified member an opportunity to present evidence before deciding whether to grant such a petition. A quorum of votes by the Executive Committee is needed for revocation of a membership. Upon voting for revocation, the member must be informed in writing that he or she has had membership, and Club privileges, revoked. Revocation, if it occurs, will be effective immediately following the Executive Committee’s vote.
A membership revocation will be in effect for the period of one year, after which the revoked member may reapply for membership in the Club.
Article 4 – Dues
The dues amount will be set yearly at the first meeting of the new year by the Executive Committee. Membership commences immediately upon receipt of payment of dues, and will be based on a fiscal year which will commence the first of the month after the month in which dues are paid and continue for the next 12 months.
Article 5 – Elections
Section 5-A:
The Board of Directors of the Club shall consist of the elected Executive Committee officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer; and those members holding appointed positions. Executive Committee officers and position appointees must be members of the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club.
Section 5-B:
Election of the Executive Committee shall be held annually at the November membership meeting. Nominations for Executive Committee positions will be accepted at the October membership meeting. Nominations will be published in the newsletter. A plurality vote of members present at the November membership meeting is necessary to elect. The officers-elect will take their position at the first meeting following the election.
Section 5-C:
Members of the Executive Committee will serve for a term of one year.
Article 6 – Executive Committee Officers and Duties
Section 6-A President:
- Is a voting member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
- Is the chief operating officer of the Club with the power to initiate and direct Club policy subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.
- Chairs the Board of Directors and Executive Board meetings and general membership meetings.
- Provides the Club with leadership and guidance in accordance with the purpose of the Club.
Section 6-B Vice-President:
- Is a voting member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
- Arranges meeting sites and programs.
- Substitutes for the President in his/her absence.
Section 6-C Secretary:
- Is a voting member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
- Records minutes of all Club meetings.
- Serves as official correspondence Secretary.
- Furnishes a copy of minutes of all Club meetings to the Club newsletter editor.
- Serves as archivist of KBC documents.
Section 6-D Treasurer:
- Is a voting member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
- Keeps a record of all financial transactions.
- Pays approved bills for which there is a receipt.
- Regularly reports on the Club’s financial status.
- Maintains the Club’s bank account(s).
- Files appropriate tax returns and reports.
Article 7 – Appointed Positions and Duties
The Executive Committee shall have the authority to create appointed board positions from time to time. The number and focus of appointed board positions shall be at the Executive Committee’s discretion and shall not require formally amending the Constitution. Board appointees shall be appointed by a majority vote of the Executive Committee and shall serve for a term of one year.
Section 7-A Communications Director:
Is a voting member of the Board of Directors. Responsible for coordinating club’s communication with KBC membership and with the general public.
Section 7-B Education Chair:
Is a voting member of the Board of Directors. Promotes bicycle education, including bike safety, and related community outreach.
Section 7-C Fundraising Director:
Is a voting member of the Board of Directors. Responsible for seeking charitable donations from area businesses to support KBC activities, writing grant proposals, and assisting with annual fundraising campaign.
Section 7-D Grants and Awards Committee Chair:
Is a voting member of the Board of Directors. Organizes and coordinates the club’s monetary granting programs and procedures and the club’s awards and presentations.
Section 7-E Insurance Coordinator:
Is a voting member of the Board of Directors. Responsible for coordinating the club’s insurance policies and serves as contact person for insurance claims.
Section 7-F KalTour Director:
Is a voting member of the Board of Directors. Coordinates all activities and responsibilities associated with KBC’s annual KalTour.
Section 7-G Membership Director:
Is a voting member of the Board of Directors. Keeps up to date records of the Club membership roster and mailing lists and sends reminders of expiring memberships.
Section 7-H Newsletter Editor:
Is a voting member of the Board of Directors. Responsible for publishing the Club newsletter (PedalPress), which includes meeting notices, the monthly ride schedule and any other items of general interest to Club members. This position is autonomous, but the Board of Directors has space allocated in the newsletter to communicate to the Club on a monthly basis.
Section 7-I Race Team Delegate:
Is a voting member of the Board of Directors. Shall be selected by a vote by the Race Team, and is subject to approval by the Executive Committee. Coordinates and organizes club race team. Keeps club apprised of race team results and other activities.
Section 7-J Ride Captain:
Is a voting member of the Board of Directors. Responsible for developing and scheduling Club rides throughout the year.
Section 7-K Social Director:
Is a voting member of the Board of Directors. Develops and coordinates the Club’s social activities.
Section 7-L Webmaster:
Is a voting member of the Board of Directors. Develops, updates and maintains the Club website.
Article 8 – Club Management
Section 8-A:
The property and lawful business of the Club shall be held and managed by the Executive Committee, which shall possess all the powers and the authority as may be necessary to carry out the purpose and goals of the Club as limited by the constitution and bylaws.
Section 8-B:
The duties of Executive Committee members shall be such as their title by general usage would indicate, and as assigned to them by the board from time to time, and as required by law, or stated in this constitution and bylaws. The Executive Committee may audit the Club Treasury on an annual basis or more often if needed.
Section 8-C:
All Club positions are unpaid positions. Members seeking Board positions do so with this knowledge and seek their desired positions to help further the stated goals of the Club.
Section 8-D:
If any member of the Executive Committee does not perform his/her assigned duties to a level stated by this document and expected by the membership, he/she may be removed from his/her office as follows.
Any Club member may petition the Board of Directors and ask for the removal of an Executive Committee member. Such a request must be made in person and presented to the Board at a regularly scheduled board meeting. A full explanation of why removal is sought must be provided. The general membership must be informed of pending actions against any Executive Committee member by notification of such action in the Club newsletter prior to any such vote.
The President, or Vice President in the event that the action is sought against the President, with a simple majority approval of the Board of Directors, shall have the authority to ask the general membership to approve the removal of any Executive Committee member from his/her position at any time, for any cause which the Board shall deem adequate. It shall be necessary to identify such cause or reason in the records of the meeting. He/she may be removed from office by a simple majority vote by the members attending a Club meeting.
Any Executive Committee member removed from office shall not be eligible for reelection or reappointment to the Executive Committee for a period of one year after his/her removal. Upon removal from a position on the Executive Committee all documents and objects which are the lawful properties of the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club, Inc. and were in possession or assigned to the particular board member must be turned over to the Executive Committee in a timely fashion.
Members holding appointed Board of Directors positions may be removed by a simple majority vote of the Executive Committee. In addition, any Club member may petition the Board of Directors and ask for the removal of an appointed Board of Directors position member. Such a request must be in person and presented to the Board of Directors at a regularly scheduled Club meeting. A full explanation of why removal is sought must be provided. The general membership must be informed of pending actions against any appointed position member by notification of such action in the Club newsletter prior to any such vote.
Upon removal from an appointed position all documents and objects which are the lawful properties of the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club, Inc. and were in possession or assigned to an appointed position member must be turned over to the Executive Committee in a timely fashion.
Section 8-E:
In the event of the removal or resignation of the Vice-President, Secretary, or Treasurer, the Board of Directors may appoint a replacement for the vacated position subject to a simple majority approval by the general membership present at a Club meeting. In the event of the resignation or removal of the President, the Vice-President shall assume the presidency and the Board of Directors may appoint a new Vice-President, subject to the membership confirmation stated above. In the event of the resignation or removal of any of the appointed position members, the Executive Committee may appoint a new person to the position.
Section 8-F:
Upon the dissolution of this organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose.
No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes described in section 501(c)(3). No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Article 9 – Meetings
Club meetings will occur as often as necessary, generally monthly. All Club members are invited to attend Club meetings. Meeting sites and times will be publicized in the Club newsletter and on the Club website. The Board of Directors and/or Executive Committee may meet at any time other than a general Club meeting, as necessary.
Article 10 – Quorum
A quorum for the purpose of conducting business at Club meetings shall consist of at least three (3) Executive Committee members.
Article 11 – Bylaws
- People furnishing refreshments at Club meetings will be reimbursed for beverages and snacks upon submission of a bill receipt to the Treasurer.
- All Club members may cast one vote on Club matters; family memberships may cast two votes, subject to the conditions in Section 3-B.
- A current copy of the constitution and bylaws will be available on the Club website.
- All expenses in excess of $500.00 must be approved by the Executive Committee before they are paid.
- Amendments to the constitution or bylaws may be submitted by the general membership at any time. An amendment, if approved by the Board of Directors, must then be ratified by a two-thirds majority of Club members attending the next publicized Club meeting after the proposed changes have been published in the newsletter and on the club website.
- A Club race team may be organized for the purpose of affording Club members the opportunity to participate in bicycle racing competitions.
- The Club may award monetary grants, through a standardized grant proposal process, to individuals and organizations, including club members, involved in bicycle advocacy activities.
- Firearms are prohibited at Kalamazoo Bicycle Club rides, parties and all other activities, with the exception of firearms required to be worn by law enforcement personnel.
Revised and adopted, March 8, 2022.