Introducing SVBC Goals 2014-2015
Have you ever arrived to the SVBC social meeting on the early side and seen a group of folks huddled in the corner, papers scattered about? Maybe there’s that mountain biker and road cyclist you see everywhere, a suit who looks important, and that person who you-just-can’t-remember-her-or-his-name. That’s your board! Currently nine individuals represent your Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition, a membership 501(c)3 nonprofit that exists to ensure that you, your friends, family, and Valley neighbors have beautiful, safe, fun, and more places to ride your bike(s), no matter your riding preference.
Since SVBC’s start in 2007 it has been the mission and dream of the Coalition to bring together the various ways people want to ride bikes—and to get more people riding! This was an ambitious goal and one that few coalitions around the country have attempted successfully. To date, SVBC has been recognized by many people and organizations for not just our impressive lineup of rides and events but also as an example of what a small group of committed people can accomplish together. You should be proud to be at the forefront of cycling, advocacy, and process. We sure are!
To better serve you, SVBC members, the board has prepared a list of strategic goals that it will work towards to make our Coalition and community even stronger over the coming year. Please know that these goals do not take the place of important regular functions of SVBC (such as promoting and supporting our rides and events). They simply indicate a strategic intent to focus our attention and collective strength towards new and tangible initiatives.
To clarify these goals, here are some examples of how executing on these goals might look over the coming year:
1. Ensure legal and insurance compliance
Why is this important? SVBC has some potential liability whenever someone is hurt while taking part in an SVBC activity, including trail work. If there is a major injury, or legal actions are taken, SVBC could go bankrupt and no longer be permitted to exist as a 501(c)3. Insurance is essential for SVBCs continuing existence. And it’s getting harder to find.
What executing on this goal might look like? Ask ride/trail leaders to have folks sign waivers and discuss safety at SVBC events. Review various insurance policies to cover trail work, weekly road rides, coalition-sponsored events. Fill out necessary paperwork, cross t’s, dot i’s.
2. Enhance board governance
Why is this important? Like any startup organization, the early years involve a lot of sweat equity, passion, and grit. As SVBC grows, we believe that creating transparent systems will keep the board accountable and clarify who the Coalition is, what it does, and where its going.
What executing on this goal might look like? Developing bylaws that will grow with the organization, defining an accountable board structure, creating board job descriptions, articulating board decision making and working agreements, and establishing a vision for the future and a budget that will help make it happen.
3. Increase transparency between members and board
Why is this important? As the Coalition grows in numbers and becomes more diverse, we don’t want to lose touch or communication with members. We believe that sharing board decision making, planning, and activities with membership should be a feedback loop that will better inform the strategic direction of SVBC.
What executing on this goal might look like? More communication like this document! We want to have more, and more intentional, opportunities and methods for SVBC members to be aware of and in touch with the board. Want to get in touch with the board? Feel free to email us at or contact anyone of us directly.
4. Explore staff opportunities
Why is this important? SVBC has been an incredibly successful all-volunteer organization. In addition to volunteers, we believe that staff could be a powerful way to grow SVBC’s vision and impact in Harrisonburg, Rockingham County and beyond.
What executing on this goal might look like? We may interview high performing coalitions in other cities with similar structures and missions, or we might explore the 5-year implications and opportunities of adding a staff person during our budget planning process at the end of 2014.
5. Support and get bicycle & pedestrian priorities into Rockingham Co, Harrisonburg City, and local town comprehensive and associated plans
Why is this important? We want to ensure that our local officials continue to make decisions in support of safe and enjoyable bicycling, and view cyclists as an important constituency worth listening to. Infrastructure, and funding for it are critical. If we get bicycle facilities into our local county, city, and town plans there is greater likelihood that funding can be attributed to these projects, and it shows the support of the community for these projects.
What executing on this goal might look like? We want to leverage the strength of SVBC numbers to galvanize focused support of bike-ped planning in comprehensive plans, and support associated plans such as local bicycle & pedestrian plans, streetscape plans, park and recreation plans, etc. We may ask members to attend public input meetings, sign a letter of support, email board of supervisors, city councils or town councils, attend board of supervisor or city/town council meetings, write letters to the editor, and/or meet with county and elected officials as ambassadors of SVBC.
6. Secure grants for mountain bike trail development
Why is this important? The Shenandoah Valley is on the map as a riding destination because of the trail development done by SVBC. We want to continue to grow interest in mountain biking and appreciation for some of the best riding in the country right here in our backyards. This enhances SVBC’s reputation and lives out our mission by getting more people riding.
What executing on this goal might look like? Continuing to support the Grants Committee, providing financial support of trail development before reimbursement is possible, building relationships with the Forest Service and other important trail partners.
7. Ensure Safe Routes to School grant program is continued
Why is this important? Getting bike programming in our public schools is one of the most effective and important ways of getting more kids (and parents) riding, increasing bicycle infrastructure in the city, and leveraging grant opportunities for education and infrastructure. We also have a unique opportunity to work with and leverage the resources of a powerful local partner, Sentara RMH Medical Center, and school administrators.
What executing on this goal might look like? We may try to find ways to ensure the SRTS positions continue to be funded, participate in Bike Rodeos at the schools, and partner on grants to grow the SRTS programs.
8. Ensure the execution of the Northend Greenway
Why is this important? Greenways are one of the top ways to get more people commuting and recreating by bike. This multi-use pathway and linear park amplifies attention and interest in bicycling not just as a fringe recreational activity, but as an important way Harrisonburg gets around–whether that’s by walking or biking. The Northend Greenway has garnered serious community support from diverse communities over the past three years but is in danger of stalling out. SVBC wants to ensure that the Northend Greenway is executed right after the Bluestone Trail to create the long-desired central corridor for bicycle and pedestrian commuting through Harrisonburg.
What executing on this goal might look like? The board may explore ways to support and work with the Northend Greenway’s steering committee, advocate for the Greenway via the City’s Bicycle-Pedestrian Subcommittee, promote the Greenway through SVBC communications, etc.
From your 2014 SVBC Board Directors:
Kyle Lawrence, Board President
Jason Burch, Treasurer
Misty Tilson
Ritchie Vaughn
Ben Sandel
Suzi Carter
Jack Broaddus
Michael Bowen
Questions? Comments? Concerns? Please Please feel free to get in touch with us whether via email or phone. Our contact information is listed on the SVBC site.
