I would like to start by thanking Kerry Stauffer for hosting the Holiday Party in December, and the Annual Meeting in February where we approved this year's Board of Directors.

Please thank our three outgoing Board Members for serving:

Gary Musser
Leslie Arnold
Wendy Dietrich

Thank our continuing board members for serving:

Rick Zook-Secretary
Christian Taylor-Rides Director
Kerry Stauffer-Programs Director
Lou Bruno-Safety Director

And welcome to our four new board members:

Jeff Schmitz-Vice President
Garen Evans-Treasurer
Barry David-Membership Director
Tia Carter-Communications Director

As we see the pollen in the air and the April showers, we know that the new cycling season is upon us! As we kick things off with both familiar faces and new additions, I want to touch on two important aspects of our cycling community that might not get as much attention as they deserve.

Firstly, let's talk about being good members of our club, which boils down to our Code of Conduct. Secondly, let's discuss the importance of representing cycling positively in our wider community.

We're all about creating a safe and welcoming space for cyclists to come together. By renewing your membership electronically and RSVPing for rides, you've already shown your commitment to our Code of Conduct. Remember, if you ever encounter any issues, there's a specific way to report them outlined in Clause #10. Every report is taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and addressed appropriately. We'll always respect your privacy preferences and confidentiality, but it's important to understand that they may affect what actions can be taken.

Lancaster Bicycle Club Code of Conduct

As an LBC member I promise to practice good sportsmanship and conduct myself in a respectable manner at all cycling and non-cycling events where I am representing the LBC. (“Representing the club” is considered to be anytime you are at an event where you are registered as an LBC member, and/or anytime you are wearing apparel that includes the name and/or logo of LBC.) Inappropriate and unacceptable behavior includes but is not limited to:

Physical abuse to any person or property while riding or at any club event.
Use of foul language, making obscene gestures towards any person while riding or at any club event.
Malicious actions at an LBC event that endangers the well-being of others.
Unlawful activity, including theft or fraud, intentional damage to property; and use, sale, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs.
Non-consensual physical contact, threatening or bullying behavior, unwanted sexual advances, and any other inappropriate behavior.
Conduct which is hostile, abusive, harassing, or discriminatory toward others.
Excessive consumption of alcohol at LBC events or reporting to these events while inebriated or under the influence of illegal drugs.
Other inappropriate conduct that reflects poorly on LBC and/or upon cycling in general.
Repeated failure to honor commitments undertaken as an LBC member.
Failure of any member to report inappropriate activity or unacceptable activity as noted in the following: Members who experience or witness inappropriate or unacceptable activity as outlined above are expected to promptly report the issue to a club officer (President, Vice-president, Secretary, or Treasurer). To facilitate a prompt investigation, we urge that such reports be in writing with a description of the incident(s), names of the individuals involved, names of witnesses; and relevant dates, times, and locations.

The second point is crucial: Every time we hit the road, we should strive to represent cycling positively.

While it's true that we have a rightful place on the road, it's also important to recognize the changing landscape of traffic, particularly in Lancaster County where congestion is on the rise and patience among drivers is dwindling.

It may only be a matter of time until you encounter conflict. How we handle these situations can either exacerbate tensions or leave a good impression.

Following is a good article from Bay Area Law highlighting 1) Don’t Engage 2) Take the High Road 3) If it escalates, try to get evidence and then get away.

https://bayareabicyclelaw.com/how-to-deal-with-an-angry-driver-when-youre-on-your-bike/

Please use de-escalation techniques when conflicts do arise.

Stay Calm, keep riding
Use eye contact
Nods of the head
A wave that shows you acknowledge their presence
A wave to thank a driver when they yield to you
Be courteous
Exercise your right to the road, but yield to others when you can.
Stay Calm, keep riding

Let's have a safe riding season.

See you on the road

Dave Stauffer

717-371-4149

president@lancasterbikeclub.net

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