Nova Scotia Ramblers Bicycle Club

Constitution and Bylaws

Be it resolved that a group of like minded cyclists desire to gather together to form a not for profit bicycle club to partake in very social, relaxed paced trail and road rides as well as other related events and functions. The club shall be known as the Nova Scotia Ramblers Bicycle Club, or be referred to as simply the Ramblers. In order to place as much energy towards the rides, wherever possible the executive of the club will strive to keep the operational side as simple as possible.
The executive, all made up of volunteers sharing a passion in the sport, will consist of the following officers:

Directors (maximum of six) - prime duties are to assist with the promotion of club activities and rides, as well as assist with leading / organizing ride tours and events. To be elected by and among the Directors:

President – prime duties are to preside over meetings and act as the spokesperson for the club.
Vice President/Tour Planner – prime duties are to chair the rides committee and stand in place of the president when absent.
Secretary – prime duties are to keep brief notes/minutes of the executive meetings.
Treasurer / Registrar – prime duties are to receive and approve applications for membership, and collect / remit payments as well as maintaining an up to date membership listing.
Webmaster – prime duty is to maintain the club’s website.

Duration: each of the above officers shall serve for a one year period and can serve for an additional year without re-election. At the end of the two year period the officers can allow their names to stand for re-election, along with any other candidates that may be presented. Elections will occur at the Annual General Meetings (AGM); however in the event of a vacancy, the executive may appoint a member to serve the duration, to the date of next AGM.

Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be conducted each November upon the conclusion of the rides schedule. The business of the Ramblers, including receiving reports, making motions, establishing annual levy of dues, elections of officers, changing bylaws, etc, will be conducted at the AGM. No business of the club shall be conducted if less than 6 members or 15% of the general membership is in attendance, after a period of 30 minutes has elapsed from the posted start of said meeting.
Special Meetings:  can be called at the written request of no less than 30% of the active membership.
Notice Period: all notice of meetings shall be no less than two weeks prior to the meeting and by email or similar format.
Membership: and participation is open to all adult citizens of Canada, who share similar goals, who want to pedal their bikes safely and team up with other like minded enthusiasts of similar fitness levels.

1. Any member of the club shall be able to attend any meeting and vote at the meeting or hold office.
2. Membership is not transferable or assignable for voting purposes (proxy).
3. Members will be required to sign a completed application for membership, including the waiver as amended from time to time, and payment of dues.
4. Membership ceases upon death of the member, written resignation by the member, or when not paying the annual dues.
5. Fiscal year will be December 1st to November 30th.
6. Meetings will be conducted in a relaxed parliamentary style, motions are required for actions.
7. The president will chair the meeting, or in his / her absence someone appointed from the executive. The president will refrain from voting, except in elections or in the event of a tie vote; wherein he / she will cast the deciding vote.
8. The chair may, with the consent of the meeting, adjourn the meeting from time to time, and from place to place, but no business may be transacted at any adjourned meeting.
9. A motion is passed by a simple majority of vote, as declared by the chair; any three members may ask for a poll of the vote for clarification of the majority.
10. A special motion relating to the change or repeal of a club bylaw must carry a 2/3rd (two thirds) majority to be passed.

The Executive will manage the affairs of the club, who in addition to the power of these Bylaws shall exercise all such powers and acts and things in the ordinary business of the club. The executive will meet as a group from time to time to conduct the business of the club.
Status – The club shall be registered at the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stock Companies. Its officers will not, however, hold physical assets, borrow funds or enter into contracts, on behalf of the club. The club may maintain a bank account for convenience of receiving and disbursement of funds.

All Members must wear an approved helmet, maintain fitness level of the group, obey all rules under the Motor Vehicle Act, ride safely; and in signing the application for membership ACCEPT ALL RISKS FOR PERSONAL SAFETY ON ALL RIDES AND EVENTS, and undertake to remove themselves from the rides / events when the above can not be met.

December, 2012, Dartmouth, NS