Code of Conduct
Updated Oct 2, 2024
The Western Wheelers Bicycle Club (WWBC, or “the Club”) is a welcoming, recreational member organization hosting a variety of rides for cyclists of all skill levels. We are a diverse community of individuals who happen to share a passion for cycling. In order to preserve our community, members are expected to treat each other with respect on rides, at WWBC events, in related online platforms (Club email, Strava, etc.), in direct communications, and whenever representing WWBC either formally or informally.
This Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines, and is not meant to be an exhaustive list of acceptable or unacceptable behaviors.
KEY PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCT
As a WWBC member, you are to:
- Conduct yourself in a respectable manner at all rides and events where you represent WWBC in any capacity, on or off the road.
- When any concerns arise, whether to you or to others, communicate this to the person behind them as they arise in order to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.
ONLINE CONDUCT
Online platforms are a critical tool for members to stay connected with each other. Please remember, members of all ages and backgrounds use our digital platforms (email lists, website) and third party platforms (Strava, Facebook, etc.). Respect for your fellow members extends to these platforms as well.
- WWBC Email Lists. Use the appropriate email list: “wwbc-RIDES” for matters related to rides posted on the WWBC Ride Calendar, and the General Information “wwbc” list for everything else such as road closure/hazard issues, equipment/clothing sales, peer advice, cycling advocacy, non-WWBC rides, etc. See here for more information.
- WWBC Member Directory. Do not abuse the WWBC Member Directory, or WWBC email lists, for external communication. Members’ participation in these systems is not a license for unwanted direct communications.
- Third Party Social Sites. Taking pictures and posting them on social media such as Strava is widely accepted these days, and your consent for photos on club rides is implicit. If you don’t want your picture taken, you must inform the person doing so. When posting pictures from club rides, be respectful of others’ privacy and dignity.
ACCOUNTABILITY AND ENFORCEMENT
Club members are to hold one another accountable for their behavior with polite and respectful self-policing, resolving issues in a non-confrontational manner. It is only when members communicate expectations and resolve concerns among each other that the desired behavior becomes ingrained in our Club culture, maintaining a safe, welcoming and enjoyable community.
The Board’s role regarding the Code of Conduct is foremost in maintaining and communicating these guidelines. The Board is an arbiter of last resort only, to get involved only after parties are unable to do so. After attempting to address the matter directly, if members feel that the behavior is not being corrected then they are encouraged to promptly report the issue by contacting the WWBC Board. To facilitate prompt attention and resolution, we urge that such reports be in writing with description of the incident(s), names or the individuals involved, names of witnesses; and relevant dates, times, and locations. You may send an email to president@westernwheelers.org or any board member. Your report will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
The Board may decide to suspend or revoke membership or other Club privileges if a member is in material violation of this Code of Conduct, as determined in good faith by the Board (per WWBC Bylaws, Section 2.11(a)(iii)). This process (as defined in WWBC Bylaws, Section 2.11(b)) is meant to be used only rarely and is not intended to resolve interpersonal disagreements.