An SGM is coming up on Thursday 6th Sept to vote in a new constitution for the Tygerberg MTB Club. As most people will not read it, it should be pointed out that there are some key changes proposed;- Clause 4.1 In the new vision for the club is the phrase to 'promote mountain biking and trail running' Clause 4.3 In the new objectives is the phrase ' to be the biggest multisport club in the country' Clause 33.1 'The club may merge with any other body with similar objects (sic!)' Put these changes together and it looks like the committee are paving the way for a fundamental swing away from the core business of mountain biking, and although they have a mandate to run the club, it is not right that they introduce changes that will affect all the members without any consultation. How the changes will affect you is outlined below. 1) Definition of multisport needed. Which sports exactly and for what purpose? And why the desire to become the biggest? Surely that should read 'best'? Tygerberg is a mountainbike club first and foremost that build trails for it's members, and whilst many members do belong to other clubs, would it not confuse the issue to bring in other sporting codes? In addition, and more importantly, such a radical departure from the core business of the club deserves to be talked over in advance of any decision to change and even voted on at a referendum, not slyly slipped into a constitution most people will not read on the quiet. 2) Runners. Previously the club has adopted a strongly risk-averse policy towards the management of, AND SAFETY ON, the trails. This is as much to do with minimizing potential legal liability though sensible risk management, as it has to do with plain old common sense over shared-use trails in a country where bad manners, road rage and bad driving habits spill over onto the single track. Whilst the IMBA supports shared-use trails, sadly it will not work in this country for the reasons given above, at least at present. Supposing the club merges with a running club, potentially hundreds of runners could also be on singletrack designed for faster moving bikes, as in Tokai or Majik Forest, opening up the potential for accidents, and possible lawsuits. If you are a member who cares about your ability to freely use the trails you have paid for, then consider the above, ATTEND THE MEETING OR SEND IN YOUR PROXY VOTE TO THE CHAIRMAN BY MONDAY 3RD SEPT;- Copies of the proposed constitution and proxy forms can be found on the club website www.tygerbergmtb.co.za, and questions about it should be emailed to info@tygerbergmtb.co.za.
