A Message from the President
As we have finished the 40th year of the Huntington Bicycle Club's
existence, there is much to reflect upon and be proud of!
After doing some investigation into the history of how the Club started,
it was fairly apparent that the original goal was to organize group rides
that were fun, scenic, challenging and socially engaging.
Learning and applying correct cycling techniques as well as proper maintenance
of the bicycles were stressed. One would hope that the Club is continuing those original goals.
Some relatively good news here: This past year, there were no serious injuries due to club cycling accidents. There were a couple of topples (sorry, Paul!), but none resulted in hospitalizations. Just always keep vigilant!
The inclusion of front and rear lights on bicycles has become fairly universal, as well as people using mirrors, which is great. What hasn't become universal are bells. Here is the NY State traffic law:
No person shall operate a bicycle unless it is equipped with a bell or other device
capable of giving a signal audible for a distance of at least one hundred feet, except
that a bicycle shall not be equipped with nor shall any person use upon a bicycle any siren or whistle.
Please install a bell on your handlebars
If you haven't already, sign the petition to lower the speed limits in certain municipalities. The objective is to reduce pedestrian and cyclist injuries due to the ever present high speeds of cars.
http://www.votervoice.net/Shares/BAAAAA4dAEN3AA7hnUb7FAA
Great news, the Safe Streets Funding Bill has been put into law. Localities across New York State will have increased funding to create bike lanes, widen roads and make safer markings in intersections.
Club updates:
The Website has become all-encompassing for information about rides, events, equipment, RWGPS routes, meeting minutes, Club activities, Social Media and the list goes on. There are 50 drop down tabs posted on the menu of the Main Website. All members can access these including the new Classified Ads and LAB news and Blogs.
When you have a chance, take a look at all of these. Pictures from the many rides and events over the year are posted. Any member can add their own Club ride pictures to these.
We're excited to sponsor a Bicycle Rodeo on Saturday, April 15th from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Harborfields Library. The informational meeting for parents and children will be at the library Tuesday, April 11 at 6:30 PM. A Bicycle Rodeo is a program to instruct children on the rules of the road, including proper riding and bicycle set up. It is designed and equipped by AAA. Look for a sign-up on the Website for members to help with this endeavor.
HBC welcomes new treasurer, Anthony Oliveri and new Board members, Sal Levy, who is also the Membership Chair, and Larry Denbaum, as the Ride Chairman. He is excited to initiate many different
ride destinations and meeting sites. See below for statements from John and Larry about this new organizational aspect to the Club.
We are still desperately in need of a Social Media Chairperson. Responsibilities include overseeing the HBC Facebook Page, Instagram, Strava, Blogs and the Classified Ads. It looks like a lot of work, but is not time consuming for someone familiar with these platforms. For a detailed job description, contact Malachy at: malachyo@optonline.net
This year's "Gold Coast" will be quite different. Planning has already begun. Most routes will originate in Huntington and go east. Details to follow!
I hope everybody is enjoying the New Year, either riding outside when possible, or on the trainer!
Take care and see you on the road,
Karen
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