Bike Gainesville ByLaws
Article I
The Function of Bike Gainesville
A. The mission of Bike Gainesville is to promote cycling as both a means of transportation and a sport in the greater Gainesville area. We are working to make available to the community as much cycling information as possible in order to put more people on their bicycles. Our local government, businesses, and cycling organizations are working to improve the area for bicyclists. Bike Gainesville is committed to expanding the reach, visibility, and dialogue among these groups.
B. The corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, and/or educational or scientific purposes as a not-for profit entity.
Article II
The Structure of Bike Gainesville
A. Bike Gainesville is composed of and governed by a Board of Directors, henceforth Board. Bike Gainesville has a community-based mission, but it is not a membership organization.
B. Anyone who contributes to Bike Gainesville's mission in any way is a Supporter. Contributions include time, money, or other donations. Supporters shall be listed on the website as such. These listings shall not take the form of advertisements.
C. The Board shall consist of three persons. Duncan Niederlitz and James Thompson will comprise two thirds of the initial Board until a third member may be selected.
1. It is the responsibility of the Board to accurately and honestly reflect and promote the mission and goals of Bike Gainesville, especially through the addition of content and links to its web site.
2. The function of the Board is to discuss and evaluate evolving situations affecting cycling in Gainesville and the health of Bike Gainesville as an institution, and to make decisions accordingly. This shall be accomplished with consultation and input from supporters, allied organizations, dedicated research, and input from the community at large.
3. Meetings of the Board will be held on an ad hoc basis. Robert's Rules shall apply, and all major decisions shall be recorded for publication on the web site.
D. Decisions of the Board shall be made by consensus, defined as a process of discussion, compromise, and unanimous agreement. If no consensus can be reached after two meetings, a majority vote shall determine a course of action at the third meeting.
E. The financial responsibilities of the Board shall rest with one of the members designated as Treasurer. The Treasurer shall serve for two years. The Treasurer will:
i. Possess full fiduciary responsibility of the organization.
ii. Be responsible for the protection of the fiscal integrity of the organization.
iii. Record and report the assets and liabilities of the organization.
iv. Maintain financial records that are made available to the public, the Board, and any appropriate government agencies.
v. Comply with legally required reports, certifications, and payment of fees under local, state, and federal aw.
F. No member of the Board shall in any way profit from their activities with Bike Gainesville.
E. No action or decision of the Board shall be designed to directly benefit a particular commercial enterprise. This excludes the holding of events at a particular business, or like activities which may be construed as donations indirectly benefiting a business or agent.
Article III
Amending the Bike Gainesville Bylaws
The Board must reach consensus at two consecutive meetings in order to amend the Bylaws. In the event that consensus is not reached after two consecutive Collective Council meetings, a majority vote will determine the course of action at a third meeting.
Article IV
Dissolution and Transfer of Funds
Bike Gainesville may only be dissolved by a full consensus of the Board, or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction. In the event of dissolution, any funds shall be transferred to the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee of the City of Gainesville or, in the event that agency no longer exists, to the City of Gainesville.
These Bylaws are Ratified by founding Board Members Duncan Niederlitz and James Thompson, and a third Board Member selected by them.
Signed this _____ of November, 2009
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Duncan Niederlitz, Board Member
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James Thompson, Board Member
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Tom Adams, III, Board Member
Amendment 1 (Unratified)
Clarification of Structure. The General Public and Supporters of Bike Gainesville are encouraged to participate in the decision making process through discussion, presentation of evidence and resources, and suggestions for improvements or changes to the organization, either at Board Meetings or through interaction with individual Board Members. Because of the nature of Bike Gainesville, its primary function being a dispensary of knowledge and resources, decision making has been reserved for the Board. Those who want to become involved more deeply with the governance of a cycling-oriented or action-based group are encouraged to visit our web site and note numerous opportunities for involvement.