Skip to main content

FIVE BORO BIKE CLUB

 The Five Borough Bicycle Club

NEW YORK'S FRIENDLIEST
Home5 BBC By laws

Amended as of January 2026


ARTICLE I - NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1.   Name

The name of the organization shall be the Five Borough Bicycle Club (“the Club”) and the organization shall also be known as the 5BBC.

Section 2.   Location

The Club shall be located in the City of New York.

Section 3.   Purpose

A. The purpose of the Club shall be to promote the general interests of bicycling. Utilizing bicycling trips and related cycling activities, the Club intends to help promote a greater understanding of the world and its people through out-of-doors, educational, and recreational travel.

B. The Club’s primary goals are to promote the general interest of bicycling and:

•   to provide group experiences that develop teamwork and cooperation

•   to develop good leadership skills through leadership training programs

•   to provide, promote, and encourage safe and enjoyable recreational bicycling activities

•   to provide educational opportunities for cyclists to increase their skills and competency and to become more self-reliant.

•   to participate in the world of cycling in a manner that is supportive of the Club and its mission.

C. The Club is organized in the State of New York as a not-for-profit Corporation for charitable, educational, and recreational purposes and for such other purposes that further these purposes.


ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.   Members

  • Anyone who rides a bicycle or has an interest in bicycling is eligible to join the Club and become a Member.   
  • Minor children (ages 9-17) are allowed to participate in club rides and activities provided they are in good health, and capable of participation.
  • For ages 9-15, the minor must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian, who is responsible for their supervision, safety, and compliance with club rules. The parent/legal guardian must register both themselves and the minor for the ride and sign the waiver on the minor’s behalf.
  • For ages 16-17, the minor may participate without a parent/legal guardian present, provided that the parent/legal guardian registers the minor for the ride and signs the waiver on the minor’s behalf.
  • Membership in the Club shall not be denied to any person for reason of race, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, or religion.
  • Group rides offered by the Club may require a certain level of physical ability.
  • All Members must complete a membership application that among other items includes a statement releasing the Club, its Directors, Officers, Coordinators, Members, Leaders, and agents from liability in the event of accident or injury in connection with Club activities.

Section 2.   Dues

The Club shall consist of Members who shall pay annual membership dues at a rate determined by the Club’s Executive Board. The Club membership year shall be set by the Club’s Executive Board and the annual Club dues are to be determined by the Executive Board based upon operating and other projected expenses. Any adjustment in the annual dues in an amount exceeding twenty five percent (25%) shall require a vote of the Membership and shall only occur based upon the approval of the majority of the Members who cast a vote.

Section 3.   Membership Privileges

  • Members who are current on their Club dues have voting privileges, and may run for and hold certain positions within the Club, may participate in Membership meetings or related activities and may instruct bicycle courses. Members may also serve on Committees established by the Club. Members cannot lead rides without first completing and passing the Club’s leadership program.
  • Members are eligible to receive Member specific Club communications, including any newsletters/bulletins.
  • Membership and Membership programs meetings shall occur periodically at a time and place to be determined by the Executive Board and/or the Programs Coordinator and communicated in advance to the Members. An annual Membership meeting shall occur in November at which time the results of the annual election shall be concluded and announced.

Section 4.   Revocation of Membership

Membership in the Club may be revoked for cause by a vote of at least sixty percent (60%) of the Executive Board at a board meeting. Before a Board vote on such revocation, the Member shall, on at least three (3) weeks prior written notice, be allowed to review the reason for the contemplated revocation and present counterarguments to the Executive Board. In all instances, the final vote of the Board shall be binding.

Section 5.   Membership Meetings

Membership meetings and/or Membership programs will be held at the recommendation of the Membership Coordinator as needed and may be coordinated by the Executive Board, the President, the Membership Coordinator, the Programs Coordinator, or the Secretary. Any issue that the Board determines requires a vote of the general Membership shall be presented to the Membership by the procedures established for Elections unless otherwise specified within these By-laws. The November meeting shall be deemed the Annual Meeting.


ARTICLE III - LEADERSHIP

Section 1.   Leaders

Leaders are Members of the Club who are eighteen (18) years of age or older who have been designated as leaders by having passed the Club’s Leadership Training Course, met subsequent Leadership Trainee requirements, or who before 1991 were designated as leaders by having passed the Leadership Training Course offered by the Bicycle Committee of the Metropolitan New York Council of American Youth Hostel (“MNYC- AYH"). All individuals designated as leaders may lead day or multi-day trips, traditionally known as and referenced herein as “weekend trips”.

Section 2.   Leader Trainees

Leader Trainees are Members of the Club who are eighteen (18) years of age or older who have been designated as Leader Trainees by having passed the Club’s Leadership Training, Leadership Trainee requirements, or who before 1991, were designated as co-leaders by having passed the Leadership Training Course offered by the Bicycle Committee of MNYC-AYH. All individuals designated as Leader Trainees may lead day trips only with a designated Club Leader. Leader Trainees may not lead or co-lead weekend trips nor hold any Officer or Coordinator position that is restricted to Club Leaders. Starting with the 2024 Leadership Class, Leader Trainees become Leaders upon acceptance by the Board into the program after being vetted by the Leadership Coordinators. Leader Trainees may become full Club Leaders by approval of the Executive Board. 

Section 3.   Revocation of Leadership Privileges

Leadership or Leadership Trainee privileges in the Club may be revoked using a vote of at least sixty percent (60%) of the Executive Board upon good reason such as gross incompetence, illegal acts, violations of Club policy pertinent to leading rides, or actions detrimental to the Club. Before a Board vote on such revocation, the Leader or Trainee shall, on at least three (3) weeks prior written notice, be allowed to review the reason for the contemplated revocation and present counterarguments to the Executive Board. In all instances, the final vote of the Executive Board shall be binding.


ARTICLE IV - EXECUTIVE BOARD 

Section 1.   Powers and Oversight

The Club shall be governed by an Executive Board (herein “Executive Board” or “Board”) elected by the Membership. The Board shall manage the business and affairs of the Corporation, set and implement Club Policy and exercise all powers of the Corporation and, subject to these By-laws, may adopt such rules and regulations for that purpose, as the Board may deem proper. The Board shall have the power to create standing committees of the Board as set forth herein.

Section 2.   Number and Composition of Directors

The Board shall consist of the seven (7) Directors who shall be elected to and occupy the following Club positions: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Coordinator, Day Trips Coordinator, and Leadership Coordinator.

Section 3.   Term of Office

The term of office of each Director shall be for a period of one (1) year, running concurrently with the Club’s fiscal year.

Section 4.   Removal of Directors

A Director may be removed from his or her position using a vote of at least sixty percent (60%) of the Executive Board upon good reason such as gross incompetence, illegal acts, and violations of Club policy or actions detrimental to the Club. Before a Board vote on such revocation, the Director in question shall, on at least three (3) weeks prior written notice, be allowed to review the reason for revocation and present counter arguments to the Executive Board. In all instances, the final vote of the Board shall be binding.

Section 5.   Vacancies and Resignations

In the event of a vacancy in the office of President, the Vice-President shall become President. All other vacancies in the Executive Board, for any reason, may be filled at any meeting of the remaining Directors by a vote of a majority of the Directors then in office. Any Director may resign his or her office at any time; such resignation to be made in writing and to take effect immediately without acceptance by the Board.

Section 6.   Meetings

Regular meetings of the Executive Board shall be held at the call of the President or Secretary at least six (6) times per year, some of which may be held jointly with the Executive Council. Special meetings of the Board may be held upon call of any three (3) Members of the Board or at the request and petition of at least twenty (20) Club members. At least two (2) days' notice shall be given by email of all meetings. Meetings of the Executive Board may be held without notice if all the Directors are present or if those not present waive notice either before or after the meeting. Any Club Member may attend a meeting of the Board after providing sufficient notice to the President or Vice-President of his/her intention. The Member may then speak on an issue at the invitation of the President or upon consent of the majority of the Board present.

Section 7.   Quorum

The presence of at least fifty percent (50%) of the Directors shall be necessary to constitute a quorum of the Board or any committee of the Board. Unless otherwise provided by statute or by these By-Laws, the action of a majority of a quorum present at any meeting shall be the act of the Board. Any one or more members of the Board, or any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of such Board or committee by videoconference, teleconference, or such method that allows all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at such a meeting. There shall be no voting by proxy and proxies shall not count towards the calculation of a quorum.

Section 8.   Committees

The Board may decide to appoint and elect a Nominating Committee, Budget and Finance Committee, and Audit Committee as standing committees of the Board and may appoint and elect other committees as it may from time to time as it deems appropriate. All Committee members must be Club Members and all committees may contain one or more members. The chairs of such committees shall be appointed by the President.

The three standing committees shall have the following responsibilities:

•   The Nominating Committee shall prepare a slate of candidates for all elected positions.

•   The Budget and Finance Committee, when deemed necessary, shall review financial issues, plan the future finances of the Club and shall review and recommend an annual budget to be presented to the Board.

•   The Audit Committee shall examine Club accounts, review the Club’s financial records, and report its findings and conclusions to the Board annually. The audit review should include but not be limited to a review of the financial activity of the Club and a check on paid expenses and income. This audit can be performed by an outside auditor or any member or members with financial awareness at the Board’s discretion.

Section 9.   Action Without a Meeting (in person, or virtual via video conference)

A vote by the Board or any Committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all the Directors then in office or then-serving members of such Committee shall consent in writing to the adoption of a resolution authorizing the action. The resolution and consents authorizing the resolution shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board or such Committee.

Section 10.   Indemnification

The Corporation shall indemnify any person who is or was a Leader, Leader Trainee, Officer, Coordinator, or Director of the Corporation to the full extent permitted by law, including Sections 721 through 726 of the New York Not-for-Profit Corporation Law for actions performed on behalf of the Club.

Section 11.   Members-At-Large

The Executive Board may add to its number by electing to the Board non-voting members-at-large. Members-at-large shall not count towards the formation of any quorum.


ARTICLE V - OFFICERS AND COORDINATORS 

Section 1.   Officers

The Officers of the Club shall be elected by the Membership. The Officers shall also serve on the Executive Board and shall consist of the following positions: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Coordinator, Day Trips Coordinator and Leadership Coordinator. In addition to serving on the Executive Board, Officers shall also serve on the Executive Council. The Executive Board shall also have the authority to appoint assistants to aid and assist the Officers in carrying out their duties.

Section 2.   Coordinators

The Club shall have a series of Coordinators who shall serve as the executives responsible for certain aspects of the Club’s administration, operations, and functions. The list of Coordinators and their respective functions shall be set forth in the Club’s Standing Rules, as the same may be modified from time to time. Examples of likely Coordinator positions include Programs Coordinator, Bicycle Course Coordinator, Communications/Public Relations Coordinator, Newsletter/Bulletin Coordinator, Advocacy Coordinator, and Webmaster   The Coordinators shall be appointed by the Executive Board and shall serve on the Executive Council.

Section 3.   Powers and Duties

Each Officer and Coordinator shall be deemed the Executive responsible for the matters within their respective purview. All Officers and Coordinators shall submit a periodic report summarizing issues and activities. The powers, responsibilities, and duties of the positions shall be as follows:

•   The President shall preside at all meetings and serve as the chief executive officer of the Club.

•   The Vice-President shall assume the President’s office and powers in the absence of the President and may head specific projects or oversee specific activities to lessen the President’s work.

•   The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the Executive Board and the Executive Council and shall forward a summary of the proceedings for publication to the Membership. The Secretary shall be responsible for general Club correspondence. The seal of the Corporation shall be in the Secretary’s possession and the Secretary shall affix such seal to all papers as required and when directed by the Executive Board. The Secretary shall serve as custodian of all the corporate records.

•   The Treasurer shall be responsible for directing the Club’s finances and shall prepare periodic financial statements, prepare and oversee the annual budget, receive and deposit collected dues, account for all funds received or disbursed by the Club, prepare reports of receipts and expenditures, maintain an inventory and listing of Club assets, coordinate insurance coverage, and coordinate the filing of the Club’s tax returns.

•   The Membership Coordinator shall promote membership in the Club, coordinate with outside organizations on membership-related matters, respond to member inquiries, maintain a membership listing and database, and prepare a membership listing for publication. As of 2024, maintaining the membership listing, database, and preparing a membership listing is automated through our website.

•   The Day Trips Coordinator shall coordinate and oversee the schedule of all rides offered by the Club, be they day trips, weekend trips or other rides, and shall assure that the rides are published and communicated to the Membership.

•   The Leadership Coordinator shall organize the leadership training, assist new Leaders in the process of establishing rides, shall oversee the van certification course, promote bicycle safety, and maintain a listing of all Leaders and Leader Trainee.

•   The powers, responsibilities, and duties of the other Coordinators shall be set forth in the Standing Rules, as the same may be modified from time to time by the Board.

Section 4.   Term of Office

The term of office for Officers and Coordinators shall be for a period of one (1) year, running concurrently with the Club’s fiscal year. Each Officer or Coordinator shall continue in office until his or her successor shall have been elected or appointed or until his or her death, resignation, or removal.

Section 5.   Removal of Officers or Coordinators

An Officer or Coordinator may be removed from his or her position using a vote of at least sixty percent (60%) of the Board upon good reason such as gross incompetence, illegal acts, and violations of Club policy or actions detrimental to the Club. Before a Board vote on such revocation, the individual in question shall, on at least three (3) weeks prior written notice, be allowed to review the reason for the contemplated revocation and present counterarguments to the Executive Board. In all instances, the final vote of the Board shall be binding.

Section 6.   Vacancies and Resignations

If any position shall become vacant during the term for any reason, such vacancy may be filled for the remainder of the term by a vote of the Board, provided that the individual appointed to fill the vacancy is a current member of the Club.

Section 7.   Jointly Held Positions

Responsibility for any Director, Officer, or Coordinator position may be shared by two or more persons, who for election purposes may run as a joint team to fill the position. The two or more persons shall be counted as one person for any Board or Executive Council quorum or vote and the position will be deemed present and eligible to vote if any person occupying the position is present at the meeting. Regardless of whether one or more of the persons are present at a meeting, they shall cast only one indivisible vote and shall count only once towards a quorum. Failure to agree on a vote becomes an abstention. 


ARTICLE VI - EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 

Section 1.   Composition, Powers, and Duties

The Club shall maintain an Executive Council (“Council”) that shall include all Officers and Coordinators within the Club. The Council shall assist and make recommendations to the Board regarding Club policy and shall provide a forum for discussion of issues and oversight related to the executive activities of the Club. For purposes of these Bylaws the Executive Council shall also be considered a Committee.

Section 2.   Meetings

Regular meetings of the Council shall be held at the call of the President or Secretary at least four (4) times per year, some of which may be held jointly with the Board. Special meetings of the Council may be held upon call of any four (4) members of the Council or at the request and petition of at least twenty (20) Club members. At least two (2) days' notice shall be given by email, of all meetings. Any Club Member may, after providing sufficient notice to the President or Vice-President, attend a meeting of the Council. The Member may then speak on an issue at the invitation of the President or upon consent of the majority of the Council present.

Section 3.   Quorum

The presence of at least fifty percent (50%) of the members of the Executive Board shall be necessary to constitute a quorum. Any one or more members may participate in a meeting by videoconference, teleconference, or such method that allows all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at such a meeting. There shall be no voting by proxy and proxies shall not count towards the calculation of a quorum.

Section 4.   Members-At-Large

Members-at-large shall be invited to participate at meetings of the Council. Members-at-large shall not count towards the formation of any quorum.


ARTICLE VII - ELECTIONS AND ELECTION PROCESS 

Section 1.   Nominating

The Nominating Committee shall seek qualified candidates to serve in the elected positions (Executive Board, Officers, and certain Coordinators) for the following term. A report of the Nominating Committee will be presented to the Membership in October at a Membership meeting, and additional candidates may be placed in nomination from the floor. A candidate may not be nominated for more than one elected position. As of 2024, the process of presenting the Nominating Committee’s report and handling nominations can be conducted via email. If an election is not contested, there need not be an actual election by the membership, but in that instance, the Secretary is authorized to cast the only ballot on behalf of the entire membership for the uncontested slate.

Section 2.   Process

The voting for elected positions shall be done by ballot. All Members are eligible to vote and there shall be no proxies permitted. The result of the election is to be finalized in November on a date set by the Executive Board and Members shall be afforded at least two (2) weeks before that date to review the candidates and to vote in the election. The process and methodology for voting shall be set by the Executive Board. Results will be announced to the membership following the automated ballot count, and the newly elected Directors shall take office as of January 1. An Executive Board member may not serve in more than one Executive Board position. A Board member can serve both as a Board member and as a coordinator, which is not a Board position.

Section 3.   Qualifications

The President, Vice-President, Day Trips Coordinator, and Leadership Training Coordinator must be Club Leaders. No person shall take office as President or Treasurer unless he or she has been a Club Member for at least two (2) years or has been a member of the Executive Board for at least six (6) months. The President may serve for no more than three (3) consecutive terms.

Section 4.   Majority

Unless otherwise provided, all issues placed for a vote before the Membership shall be decided by a simple majority from among all votes cast.


ARTICLE VIII - MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1.   Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Club shall be from January 1 through December 31.

Section 2.   Contractual Guidelines

At the discretion of the Board, the Club shall adopt guidelines outlining the authority and power of Directors, Officers, Coordinators, Leaders, and Members to make and execute contracts or other Club documents in the ordinary course of business.

Section 3.   Amendments

The By-laws may be amended or revised only by a vote of the Membership; such a vote is to be conducted utilizing similar procedures as those outlined in these By-laws for Elections. Amendments or revisions shall only be adopted if approved by at least sixty percent (60%) of the membership voting. Amendments or revisions to these By-laws may be voted on at times other than those specified in the procedures for Elections if deemed necessary by the Executive Board. Amendments or revisions to these By-Laws may be proposed by a resolution of the Executive Board or Executive Council or upon written proposal of at least twenty (20) Members acting jointly. 

Section 4.   Governance

The By-laws shall be subject to and subordinate to any and all applicable statutes, laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.

Section 5.   Liabilities

Nothing herein shall be deemed to constitute the Members, Leaders, Officers, Coordinators, or Directors of the Club as partners for any purpose. No such Member, Leader, Officer, Coordinator, or Director of the Club shall be liable for the acts of any other Member, Leader, Officer, Coordinator, or Director of the Club.

Section 6.   Dissolution and Liquidation

In the event of dissolution and/or liquidation of the Club no Director, Officer, Coordinator, Leader, or Member shall be entitled to receive any of its funds or assets, other than for the legitimate reimbursement of expenses or for awards previously granted. It is hereby declared to be the policy of this Club to have any funds remaining after the payment of all debts and claims be utilized in such a manner as may best advance the interest of the New York cycling community.  Nothing herein shall be deemed an obstacle to the Club affiliating with or merging with another organization.

Section 7.   Conduct of Meetings

All meetings shall be conducted in an orderly fashion.   Upon order of the chair (which order may be made pursuant to a request of a participant), a meeting shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR).

Section 8.   Budget and Finance

Club funds shall not be commingled with non-Club funds but only maintained and deposited in a Club bank account at the direction of the Executive Board. Club funds shall be disbursed only with the signature of an authorized signatory according to policies established by the Executive Board. The Treasurer shall present and/or publish an annual statement of the Club’s financial results and position within ninety (90) days of the close of the fiscal year and shall report results and a statement of Club accounts at least quarterly to the Executive Board.

Section 9.   No Compensation

Directors, Officers, and Coordinators shall receive no compensation from the Club in connection with their serving as a Director, Officer, or Coordinator. They shall be eligible for reimbursement for legitimate and approved Club related expenses incurred in performance of their duties.

Section 10.   Standing Rules

The Club shall maintain Standing Rules, which may be modified from time to time upon approval of the Executive Board. The Standing Rules shall serve as a complement to these Bylaws and shall address matters specifically indicated in these Bylaws and may also address and set forth certain administrative and operational policies and procedures of the Club.