Colorado VTX Range Riders

Bylaws

  

Preamble

The Colorado VTX Range Riders is a social group comprised of individuals who share the passion of riding motorcycles.  We promote safe riding and camaraderie among motorcycle enthusiasts in a family friendly environment.  We are not a motorcycle club.

We welcome all riders regardless of gender, skill level or make of bike at any of our rides, activities or meetings. While all who wish to join us are welcome, the Group may not be suited for everyone. We ask that our members and guests abide by certain fundamental rules of conduct. We require that you ride safely, have fun and don’t cause trouble.

We feel that these guidelines are paramount to our Group goals and necessary, not only for the well being of our group members but also out of courtesy and the safety of others.

The following bylaws ensure the integrity of the Group and govern how the members and guests interact within the Group.

Article I - Code of Conduct

All members will:

  1. Support and respect the Group, its members, its friends and its           sponsors.

  2. Behave in a manner appropriate for a family friendly environment.

  3. Refrain from causing disruptions and problems for the group or its members.

  4. Operate motorcycles in a safe manner.

  5. Offer assistance to new members and riders.

Article II – Group Rides

Section 1: Safety

Above all, we promote safe riding. Riders must have a valid driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement, current registration, and insurance in order to participate in Group rides. Riders must abide by state laws (speed limit excepted) and follow Group safety rules and guidelines.

Section 2: Format

Prior to the departure of each Group ride there will be a ride briefing by the Ride Leader or his/her designee. The briefing will discuss the route and plan of the ride as well as any expectations of those participating on the ride. The less experienced riders or those not familiar with group riding will identify themselves to the Ride Leader to ensure their safe riding in the group.

All rides will ride in a staggered offset formation using standard motorcycle group riding hand signals.

Riders choosing not to complete the ride will inform the ride leader or crew of his/her intention not to complete the ride and where he/she intends to break off from the group.

Section 3: Prohibited Acts

  1. Operating a motorcycle that may threaten your safety or the safety of other riders during a group ride, e.g. defective vehicle, bald tires, etc.
  2. Operating a motorcycle without eye protection or safe footwear.
  3. Irresponsible consumption of alcohol or other mind altering substances.
  4. Irresponsible, hot shot riding or any unsafe riding practices endangering other group riders.

Article III – Group Gatherings

 Section 1: Monthly Gathering

The monthly Group gathering will be held on the third Saturday of each month at Cafι del Sol, 608 Garrison St., Lakewood, CO (6th & Garrison). Breakfast begins at 10:00 a.m. with discussions of Group business, activities and plans starting at 11:00 a.m. Any changes to this schedule or location will be posted on the message board and Event Calendar by the Leadership Council.  Meetings will be conducted in an orderly fashion and led by the Council Leader or his designee.

Section 2: Group Activities

In addition to the monthly Group gathering, the Group will schedule rides and other activities each month to promote socialization and camaraderie with other riders, including our Colorado VTX Ride in July.

Additional rides and activities may be posted by group members as well as the Leadership Council.

Each Group Member is encouraged to participate in the planning of group activities and rides.

Article IV – Membership

Section 1- Membership in general

Membership is open to all riders and passengers with no regard to gender, race or creed. Even though we are primarily a group of VTX riders, membership is open to all riders without regard to the make or brand of motorcycle. Everyone is welcome and we respect a rider’s choice of ride. (Although if you do ride a Harley, expect some friendly ribbing.)

Section 2 – Active Members

Active Members are those members who participate in group activities on more than an occasional basis. Only Active Members in good standing shall be eligible to vote on Group business or serve on the Leadership Council.

Section 2.1 - Active Membership Application Process

After participating in various group rides and activities, a rider seeking active membership must be recommended by two active members in good standing.  The Leadership Council will present the recommendation at the next monthly gathering.  By a majority vote of active members in good standing present at the gathering, the rider will be accepted subject to a three month probation period.

Section 2.2 - Requirements

To be considered an active member in good standing members must participate at a the level determined by the Active Member Group during a calendar year.  That determined level is a minimum of 20 rides, or group activities as well as participation on the group message board.

Passengers are eligible to be active members as long as they are a regular passenger of a member.

Active status will be reviewed each year in January by the Leadership Council.  Active members not meeting their good standing requirements will lose their active status and revert to a Member at Large.

If a member wishes to regain active status, they may do so by going through the process stated in Section 2.1.

Section 2.3 – Voting Rights

Each active member shall have 1 vote. Decisions shall be passed by a majority vote of the Active Members in good standing in attendance at a regular gathering or any other time requested by the Council Leader.

Section 2.4 - Waiver

Should an Active Member find it difficult to temporarily meet his/her membership requirements but wishes to remain an Active Member in good standing, such active member shall petition the Leadership Council for a temporary waiver.  If granted, the member will retain the status of active member in good standing.

Such waiver is good for the remainder of the calendar year and an Active Member must petition the Leadership Council again in January to renew the waiver.

Section 3:  Members at Large

Members at Large are those riders who wish to associate themselves with the group on an occasional or casual basis to ride and enjoy the socialization of the Group. These members may be involved with the message board, July Event, or other Group activities, but do not choose to be involved with the ongoing planning and governing of the Group and July Event.

Section 3.1 – Membership at Large Application Process

There are no formal requirements to become a member at large.  We encourage such members to register on the message board in order to receive updates and information on Group activities.

Section 3.2 - Requirements

All we require from members at large is that you ride safely, have fun and don’t cause trouble.

Passengers are eligible to be members at large as long as they are a regular passenger of a member.

Section 3.3 – Voting Rights

Input is welcome and encouraged from Members at Large but they do not have a vote on Group business and they may not serve on the Leadership Council.

Section 4:  Honorary Members

Honorary Members are friends of the Colorado VTX Range Riders living out of state, who post on the message board and participate in the July Event or other activities.

Section 4.1 – Honorary Membership Application Process

There are no formal requirements to become an honorary member.  We encourage such members to register on the message board in order to receive updates and information on Group activities.

Section 4.2 - Requirements

All we require from Honorary Members is that you support the Group, ride safely, have fun and don’t cause trouble.   We value your friendship.

Passengers are eligible to be Honorary Members as long as they are a regular passenger of a member.

Section 4.3 – Voting Rights

Input is welcome and encouraged from Honorary Members but they do not have a vote on Group business and they may not serve on the Leadership Council.

Article V – Leadership

Section 1: Group Leadership

The Colorado VTX Range Riders will be led by a Leadership Council consisting of a Council Leader, Associate Council Leader, and three (3) council members at large.

Section 1.1: Participation

In order to participate on the Leadership Council, you must be an Active Member in good standing. This person must be involved with the Group, attending meetings, activities and participating on the Ride in July. A person making decisions in the best interest of the group must participate in all areas of the Group.

Section 1.2 – Responsibilities

Council Leader:

  • To preside at all meetings and activities of the Group and Council

  • To have general oversight with help from the Leadership Council of the affairs of the club

  • To personally represent the Group on proper occasions and in business contracts

  • To assist other Group Members with their duties

  • To promote interest on the part of each member in the group with their Group related activities

Associate Council Leader

  • To perform the duties of the Council Leader in his/her absence

  • To have general oversight with help from the Leadership Council of the affairs of the club

  • To personally represent the Group on proper occasions

  • To assist other Group Members with their duties

  • To promote interest on the part of each member in the group with their Group related activities

Council Member at Large (3)

  • To have general oversight with help from the Leadership Council of the affairs of the club

  • To personally represent the Group on proper occasions

  • To assist other Group Members with their duties

  • To promote interest on the part of each member in the group with their Group related activities

  • To take attendance and notes of the group gatherings

The specific requirements and duties of the Leadership Council Members will be defined further by the Active Group Members and listed here.

Section 1.3 – Terms of Service

There are no limitations on the number of terms a Council Member may serve.

Section 1.4 – Appointment to the Council

Should an Active Member in good standing want to try their hand as a Council Member of the Group, that person should contact the Leadership Council for consideration. Positions will be created by attrition or as the need for more positions arise.

Section 1.5 – Vacancies

To fill the vacant Council position, the Active Member must be approved by the Leadership Council. Once approved, the Leadership Council will recommend this person to the Active Members in attendance at the gathering or time of discussion for a majority vote. Leadership Council approval / recommendation and a simple majority vote by the Active Members are necessary to fill the open position.

Section 2 – Coordinators

Members wishing to serve the group in additional capacities may serve in the following positions.

Section 2.1 – State Coordinator
Section 2.2 – Ride Coordinator
Section 2.3 – Safety Coordinator

The specific requirements and duties of the Group Coordinator's will be defined further by the Active Group Members and listed here.

Section 2.4 – Terms of Service

There are no limitations on the number of terms a Coordinator may serve.

Article VI – Disciplinary Actions

Section 1 – Suspension or Expulsion

If any member continually disregards riding and safety protocols or becomes a continued distraction or disruption to the Group or other members, he/she can be suspended from the message board/Group activities for a period of time or expelled from the group, depending on the severity of the infraction.

Should just cause be found, any member or guest may be suspended or expelled from the Group by the Leadership Council, either by support/findings with recommendation from the Group or direct Leadership Council knowledge.  It takes a seventy five percent (75% or 3/4) vote from the Active Members in good standing present at the gathering or time of discussion to override this recommendation.

These are some but not all of the possible reasons for being suspended or expelled from the Group.

  • Conduct unbecoming a member of the Group.
  • Violation of the Groups statement of purpose.
  • Unsafe riding practices, endangering themselves or other group members.
  • Insubordination defined as bad mouthing the Group or its members
  • Inability to mesh or fit in with the group

Section 2 – Member Complaints

Any member of the Group may file a complaint against another member. The complaint must be in written form and filed within seven (7) days of occurrence of the incident with the Leadership Council.

An incident may be defined as any action that could result in harm to someone else, themselves or their property. Disciplinary action could result based on the severity of the potential harm or for repeated offenses.

The Leadership Council will notify all parties involved in the complaint and then forward it to an Investigation Committee, which shall be comprised of three impartial Club members appointed by the Council.

The Investigation Committee will expeditiously investigate the complaint and report their findings to the Leadership Council.

A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Leadership Council will be required before any disciplinary action can take place. The findings and action to be taken will be sent to the involved parties.

Should either involved party dispute the Council findings, a written statement must be submitted to the Council within forty eight (48) hours after receipt of their report. The Leadership Council will then take this appeal to the Active Members in good standing. It takes a seventy five percent (75% or 3/4) vote from the Active Members in good standing present at the gathering or time of discussion to override this recommendation.

Section 3.0 – Removal of Council Member
Leadership Council Members not meeting their requirements
Disciplinary Action – Expulsion from Council

Failure of any Council Member to uphold the duties of their office are grounds for removal from office by a majority vote of the other Leadership Council Members present at the time of the Council meeting.

Should just cause be found, any Leadership Council Member may be expelled from his/her position, either by support or findings with recommendation from the Group or direct Council knowledge. It takes a seventy five percent (75% or 3/4) vote from the Active Members in good standing present at the gathering or time of discussion to override this recommendation.

Article VII – Amendments

Section 1: Amending the By Laws

The by-laws may be amended, providing the proposed amendment is submitted in writing to the Leadership Council at least four weeks before any official gathering. The Leadership Council will communicate the proposed amendment, with its recommendation to the Active Membership using the message board or email distribution as the Council deems appropriate.  Two-thirds (2/3) of Active Members in good standing present at the gathering or time of discussion must approve of the amendment.