Membership Guide
1
Mission
To promote the mental, physical and emotional well being of veterans and
advocate for their general welfare.
2
Values
2.1
Integrity
Members should exemplify moral and ethical behavior and avoid situations that bring
dishonor or ill repute to the organization
2.2
Service
Members will be dedicated to service in assisting their fellow veterans and their
communities, contributing in any manner set forth by the organization as their time and
resources permit
2.3
Teamwork
no different than the military units we served, BIKEVETS is a cohesive organization of
individual members functioning toward a common goal, be that a ride or a service event,
to support each other and succeed in all group endeavors
3 Membership
3.1
Veteran membership
3.1.1 Eligibility – active or reserve military, national guard, honorably discharged
3.2
Benefits
3.2.1 Bicycles and equipment
BIKEVETS will provide, when requested, bicycle and necessary safety equipment to
participate in club events.
3.2.2 Apparel
BIKEVETS will also provide ride-specific clothing such as shirts along with official club
apparel with membership.
3.2.3 Discounts
Discounts will be negotiated with participating retailers and service providers for
affiliated purchases as needed. Additional discounts and benefits will be available to
members through affiliation with other organizations such as IMBA.
BIKEVETS Membership Handbook
2
3.3
Responsibilities
3.3.1 Positive behavior and impact
Members are expected to maintain respectful behavior and avoid incidents and
circumstances that reflect poorly upon the club. Conduct on rides around non-member
cyclists and general behavior in public will be in keeping with a positive image for the
club and its membership. Actions that bring conflicts to the club in any capacity may
result in suspension from membership and forfeiture of any club-provided equipment.
3.3.2 Volunteer service
3.3.2.1 Community service
The club will routinely select projects in the community to contribute to the overall
improvement of our local and regional quality of life. Service can include, but is not
limited to, trash pickup, food pantries, soup kitchens and any other project agreed to
by the membership. Any group activity in public will require wearing clearly
identifiable and similar club apparel.
3.3.2.2 Trail maintenance
BIKEVETS is rooted in bike trails and other off road activities that will require assistance
in developing and maintaining, usually in concert wit other organizations and clubs.
BIKEVETS will endeavor to make notable contributions to the trail community and
environment at every opportunity as agreed to by membership.
3.3.3 Participation, meetings
The organization will hold monthly meetings, date and time to be determined.
Participation is essential for the success of the group and consistent flow of
communication. Members must attend meetings to maintain eligibility for membership
and benefits. No member can miss more than two meetings in a calendar year without
authorization from the Executive Director. Emergency cases such as family emergencies
and ill health shall be factored into justification for excessive absences.
3.3.4 Participation, events
The organization will hold weekly group rides, of which all members are encouraged to
attend. Members must make at least one group ride each month to maintain
membership and benefits. Short notice rides and events may come up at any time and
members should maintain flexibility in attending.
3.3.4.1 Independent riding
Member should ride frequently on their own to maintain conditioning for the longer
group events. Rides should be completed daily sufficient to increase fitness and ability.
BIKEVETS Membership Handbook
3
3.3.4.1.1 Log sheets
Monthly log sheets will be issued for members to track their riding on their own. Log
sheets for a given month will be turned in and recorded at the following monthly
meeting.
3.3.4.1.2 Mileage recognition
The club shall establish milestones of achievement to be recognized within the club.
Those levels and the corresponding award will be determined within the club
meetings.
3.3.4.2 Organized event riding
As indicated herein, the club will hold weekly organized rides and one organized event
each month. All members are encouraged to attend all group functions and
attendance at all organized events will be recorded.
3.3.4.2.1 Log sheets
Log sheets identifying all organized rides and corresponding mileage will be kept and
recorded in the club. Incentives shall be provided tgo members with highest
attendance at organized events.
3.3.4.3 Mandatory rides
Throughout the year, the club will hold mandatory rides where all members are
required to participate. These include the larger trips requiring travel and any rides
with affiliated clubs. Attendance will be kept of all mandatory rides.
3.4
Associate membership
3.4.1 Eligibility
The club will facilitate inclusion of friends and family in club activities by granting
“Associate Membership” status to anyone sponsored by a current member in good
standing. Associate members must be sponsored by a veteran member and approved
by the club.
3.4.2 Benefits
Associate members may participate in rides and events, but are not eligible for benefits
of veteran members.
3.4.3 Limitations and exclusions
Associate members shall not have use of bicycles and equipment provided to veteran
members and will have to purchase any club apparel at their own expense.
BIKEVETS Membership Handbook
4
4 Activities
4.1
Mountain bike team
The mountain bike team will be overseen by a team leader that will assist the riders in
communication, reporting and accountability. They will focus on trail and singletrack
rides and share time with the road team as they deem desirable.
4.2
Road bike team
The road team will likewise be overseen by a team leader and focus on road rides and
longer excursions. They will focus on safely setting up and conducting road rides around
the region along with communication throughout the group for reporting and
accountability.
5 Equipment
5.1
Bicycles
BIKEVETS will provide the veteran members with a high quality specialty bike for use in
club events and individual rides. The veteran member can select a road bike or a
mountain bike that will be theirs to use as long as they are active members in the group.
They can add accessories and equipment that personalize the bike for their fit and
comfort. At no time may a member sell or transfer their bike. If a member is no longer
participating in the club, the bike must be returned to BIKEVETS. The member shall not
permit other people to use the bike. Any deviation from this policy must be approved by
the group and will only be considered under unique circumstances.
5.2
Helmets and safety equipment
The organization shall provide the essential safety equipment such as a bicycle helmet
and gloves for use with the bicycle that is provided. Other items of apparel and
accessories may also be provided at the discretion of the club.
5.3
Racks and transportation
The member will be responsible for routine transportation of their bicycle. A rack may be
available dependent upon demand and usage for transport to various activities. Group
rides that require bulk transportation shall be the responsibility of the club via van or
trailer to minimize hassle and cost with group activities.
BIKEVETS Membership Handbook
5
6 Policies
6.1
Non-discrimination
BIKEVETS does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed),
gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual
orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities
include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and
vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and
welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors,
vendors, and clients in accordance with federally recognized protected groups.
6.2
Drug-free organization
Use of illegal drugs and abuse otherwise controlled substances in violation of the law are
expressly forbidden. The integrity of the organization and the safety of its members and
affiliates is absolute and offenses for these activities will result in suspension of
membership and require the return of any BIKEVETS property.
6.3
Political activities
This group is comprised of veterans from all walks of life and various political alignments.
At no time shall this organization become involved in any partisan issues, express support
or opposition to any specific candidate or party platform. Support of veterans’ initiatives,
at the discretion of the membership and in accordance with affiliated organizations’
activities, will be permitted in a very narrow scope of veteran subject matter.
7 Scope and Authority
This handbook applies to all club activities and functions within the region(s) covered by
membership. Conflicts and decisions may be resolved by vote among the members at the
discretion of the directors, but ultimate authority in all matters remains with the Executive
Director.
8 Oversight
8.1
Fiscal
The accounting documents of the organization will be open for inspection by any donors
to the group for confirmation of fiscal responsibility. Any questions or complaints will be
directed to the Executive Director for response and resolution. A member veteran may
be appointed as a trustee to ensure confidence in the process and the staff involved.
BIKEVETS endeavors to serve the veteran community with integrity and the highest
ethical standards.
BIKEVETS Membership Handbook
6
9 Affiliations
9.1
VFW
The organization is supported largely by the Veterans of Foreign Wars local posts and
respectful of the moral and legal obligations involved with its monetary contributions.
BIKEVETS will ensure that activities and public perceptions of membership do not conflict
with the values and beliefs of the VFW membership.
9.2
IMBA
Affiliation by membership or chapter designation will be sought with the International
Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) to take advantage of member benefits and gain
access to resources vital to the efficacy of BIKEVETS’ mission. Many of the service
activities undertaken by the group will be in conjunction with IMBA and its member
groups in the region.
9.3
USA Cycling
BIKEVETS will register as a club under USA Cycling, the sanctioning body that oversees
and authorizes all forms of bicycle racing in the United States. Only members can
compete in official races and access programs and resources crucial to our success.
9.4
Other organizations – BIKEVETS will remain open to membership and affiliation with any
other local or national organizations that will promote the interests of our own
membership in line with the mission of BIKEVETS. Each instance will be addressed
individually by membership in official meetings and decided by the members on a caseby-case basis.
BIKEVETS Membership Handbook
7