BBC History and Objectives
The Baltimore Bicycling
Club (BBC) was founded in November, 1967. The club is the creation of
fifteen individuals who desired the pleasures of riding with other
cyclists. The first club meetings were held at Towson State
University. Meetings were advertised in The Sun papers with good results
and attendance rose rapidly. By the third year of the BBC's existence
there were more than 500 members. By the fifth year, membership had
reached about 750. The early years saw many accomplishments. The Constitution was
written. The Club emblem, used on decals and patches, was designed by Bob
Mayer from a combination of ideas contributed by members. The Club colors
of white, black, red and gold were chosen to repeat the colors of the Maryland
State Flag. Those colors, on a white background, were used for the Club
Jersey that year. The BBC was the first club to have an official club
jersey, also known as the dress shirt, at a GEAR Rally. Other highlights of the early
years of the BBC included meeting at Executive I in Hunt Valley and taking a
traditional ride to Sagamore Farms. Riders viewed some of the nation's
best thoroughbreds, one of whom was Native Dancer. The Tuesday and
Thursday evening rides starting at Greenspring Station and ending with ice cream
at Windy Valley were created and enjoyed by all. In 1970 and again in
1972, the BBC joined with the Potomac Pedalers Touring Club (PPTC) of
Washington, D.C. to host GEAR rallies in Frederick, Maryland. In 1984, the
BBC was the host club for 2,000 cyclists attending GEAR-UP at Towson State
University. The BBC
began as, and continues to be, an organization dedicated to promoting
bicycling. The goals are set forth in the Constitution as follows:
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To sponsor
and to promote bicycling events, such as day rides, multi-day tours, public
invitational events, and other bicycling activities, for members as well as the
general public, that will develop physically fit, resourceful, self reliant and
well-Informed citizens.
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To provide
information, by publication, lecture, demonstration or other means, pertaining
to safe and effective cycling habits, safe riding conditions, proper bicycling
maintenance, beneficial and/or legally-required bicycling equipment, traffic
regulations applicable to cyclists, etc.
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To defend
and to protect the rights of bicyclists and to inform the public, when
necessary, of the reasonable needs of the bicyclist.
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To promote
and to encourage the use of the bicycle as a means of recreation and
transportation, thereby lessening the burdens of government in the areas of
traffic regulation, highway construction and maintenance, pollution control and
resource use regulation.
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To otherwise
lessen the burdens of government by sponsoring and promoting bicycle rides that
raise money for charitable organizations within the meaning of section 501(c)(3)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any
future United States Internal Revenue Law).
A copy of
the constitution and By Laws of the club is available upon request from any
officer of the club.
In order to
meet these goals, the Baltimore Bicycling Club schedules one or more cycling
events every Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting) all year long. The
rides offer great variety in terms of distances, speed and type of
terrain. Other Club-sponsored events include tours, outings and social
events.
To further
the club's other goals, various Club members meet with other individuals and
organizations regarding bicycle safety, the promotion of bicycle riding and the
needs of cyclists. Among other matters, the club has had bills introduced
in the State Legislature to improve the Motor Vehicle Code as it pertains to
bicycling.
The
Baltimore Bicycling Club is governed by an Executive Board consisting of a
President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Immediate Past President and
four Members-at-Large. These officers and Members-at-Large are elected by
the general membership at the Annual Business Meeting. Planning and
operating decisions take place during monthly board meetings. Standing
committees (Legislative, Membership, Safety, etc.) operate many of the
functional aspects of the BBC. The active participation of the membership in the
committees is encouraged.
Anyone 18
years of age or older interested in bicycling is eligible for membership.
There are two classes of dues, individual and family. Persons less than 18
years of age may participate in rides and events but must be accompanied on all
by a responsible adult.
Each
membership receives the bimonthly BBC Baltimore's Bicycling Newsletter by mail
or downloaded from the internet. The newsletter contains the weekly ride
schedule, local and out-of-town special cycling events, a listing of the Club's
committees, Club meetings, articles of special interest to bicyclists and local
bike shop advertising. Information for ordering official club jerseys may
also be found in the newsletter.
Did you know?
--
The original Maryland Country Club Site depicted on a
postcard was acquired from the Baltimore Bicycle Club in 1897 after the
bicycling group ran into financial difficulties. The location was on the west
side of Park Heights Avenue between Ford's Lane and Strathmore Avenue. For more
information visit: Baltimore County Library's "Legacy Web" online photo
archives.
