9-2-26 Minutes of the Huntington Bicycle Club Meeting at Harborfields Library
Sal Levy called the meeting to order at 7:30pm and opened with a few announcements:
Cub Scouts Pack 403 will be holding a bike safety rodeo on September 19th. If you are interested in in volunteering details will be announced in an upcoming email.
In early July Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) would shift billions in DEI multimodal bike lanes and safety grants to prioritize motor vehicle infrastructure, roads, and ports. The League of American Bicyclists is asking people to write their members of congress. Sal would like the club to join the letter writing campaign and will include specific details on how we can all help in the next Folks on Spokes and a club email.
15 Bikes were stolen from Bike Cave in Commack recently. Since the Bike Cave is one of our Gold Coast supporters, please drop by to show them some support.
A Bike Travel Case has been donated by Bruce Feinberg’s family. Available for club member use. Please contact Karen Gellert kgellert55@gmail.com to reserve and borrow.
The minutes from our August meeting were presented for correction. Scott Gross motioned to approve, Steve seconded. The minutes were approved.
Sal gave a special shout out to Malachy, who does so much behind the scenes and is always at the library early to set up and prepare for our monthly meetings. Sal is always happy to see him as he is always there to fix problems.
October 7th is the Next Club Meeting date.
Ride Chairman’s Report:
John Greene mentioned that Bruce Feinberg’s family also donated an additional trunk mounted bicycle rack. Again, members can use this as needed. Contact John.
John reminded everyone to be careful of drivers, expect the worst when a car is approaching – from all directions. Even right-hand turns can be dangerous. Ride defensively.
This year’s annual Fall Party is at the Boat Club in Huntington on Saturday November 7th. Price is $50.
The Cow Harbor race in Northport is September 19th, and Northport Running Club still needs volunteers to hand out number bibs the night before and the morning of the race. John encouraged members to volunteer because every year Micheal Roux, of the Northport Running Club, volunteers for the Gold Coast at the Kings Park High School rest stop, so it is nice if HBC reciprocates. Some members, John Greene, Kim Schulz, Susan Farrren, Craig Winkler and his sons, have already committed to volunteer.
Membership Report:
Allan Pearlman presented the Membership Report. We have 248 memberships (that includes family memberships which cover more than one person.) We have acquired 12 new members this summer and renewals from our base members are fairly consistent. (Members get 3 reminders to renew.)
Only 2 people joined based on a discount code coupon we implemented this year. So we will figure out something else for next year. Attendees offered suggestions to grow membership, but our goal is to gain “active” members. People who want to ride and participate in the club, not just numbers. Our insurance costs are based on members and simply giving away memberships to people who don’t ride with us will increase our insurance costs but will not increase participation in the club.
Allan encouraged members to bring their friends to ride. People can participate in a group ride before actually joining the club.
Sal suggested we all carry HBCLI cards to share with people you pass/see on our group rides, as sometimes people express interest in what we are doing.
Treasurer’s Report:
Anthony Oliveri presented financials. At this point all donations have been made. Funds are at about the same level as last year.
Biggest expense is charity followed by Gold Coast supplies.
Largest income is from Gold Coast registrations followed by membership fees.
Anthony mentioned that Sponsorships were down this year vs last.
NO MAJOR expenses are expected for the remainder of the year.
Anthony presented a check to Dan Flanzig of the NY Bicycling Coalition.
Steve presented a check to John Ray, from KIDS NEED MoRE helping kids with cancer. John Ray talked about how the charity helps kids with cancer and helps families of kids with cancer. He also talked about some of the events the Charity does, all of which are 100% free to parents/families of Children with cancer. In total, combining individual club member donations and HBC donations, HBC was affiliated with donating $7k to KIDS NEED MoRE. (David Hirsch, Equitable and HBCLI together donated $7K)
John Ray mentioned their next event is Belmont Lake State Park 5K on September 12th. He encouraged us to run and support the vendors that will have booths ad tents at the event,
Dan Flanzig, Guest Speaker:
Dan Flanzig, President of NYS Bicycling Coalition is a national leader in "Bike Law" and advocacy. He came to the club to speak about bike laws and the 3 classes of bikes.
HIGHLIGHTS:
VLT 102-c defines E-bikes as their own class of Vehicle. E-Scooters are also their own class. Both MUST comply with the same rules and regulations as a bicycle.
Class 1 – Pedal assist 750-watt, 20 mph (no throttle, must pedal for motor to engage (NY Citi Bike)
Class 2 – Throttle, 750 watt, 20mph max
Class 3 – illegal outside NYC 25 mph max
All 3 classes must have operable pedals, motor up to 750 watts, < 36” wide, meets requirements for bicycles from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
CURRENTLY NO REQUIREMENT FOR A LICENSE FOR ANY CLASS
E-MOTOS – exceed 20 mph on motor alone
LAW:: as of 2022 all e-bikes must have permanently affixed label (usually near seat post) indicating:
Class
Max Motor Speed
Motor Wattage
E-Scooters (VTL 114-E) are:
Less than 100 lbs
Handlebars, floorboards or seat and electric motor
Powered by electric motor or human power
Max Speed < 20MPH
AGE: Must be 16 years old to operate, no one <1 allowed on, < 14 MUST wear helmet (e-scooter riders 16-17 must wear helmet)
LAWS are not very clear. LAWS are different for NYC, Nassau & Suffolk. NJ has their own new laws AND laws are frequently changing. Difficult for police to stay on top of and enforce. E-Bike classes can all “look” the same.
Nassau County will impound e-bikes and e-scooters if you ride on sidewalk or disobey laws.
Helmet Law – Nassau & Suffolk County require helmets for riders under 18
Suffolk’s new law - requires Helmets for all. No riding on roads with speed over 30 mpg. Ride only with traffic, Obey traffic laws.
E-Bike Sellers must provide list of written laws to purchaser.
Dan Flanzig believes the entire state should adopt NYC Bike Laws. Make the Bike Shops and Sellers of e-bikes more responsible & ban on-line e-bike sales.
Next Club Meeting October 7th Harborfields Library
50/50 RAFFLE
$118 collected in 50/50. Meredith Lewin won the $59
Wrap Up
8:53 Sal adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Farren
HBC Secretary |