Mission

Champaign County Bikes is an IRS 501(c)(3) Non-Profit registered organization.

Mission Statement

The mission of Champaign County Bikes is to encourage and facilitate bicycling and walking as transportation and recreation, and to promote public awareness of the benefits that active transportation brings to our community.

Vision

More people bicycling and walking for more reasons to more places with benefits for all.

Values

  • Good Roadway Design Saves Lives. (Safety/Vision Zero)
  • Streets are for People: What happens on streets needs to be re-conceptualized and reclaimed for all regardless of age, income, gender, race, or neighborhood. (Slow Streets/Complete Streets)
  • Biking and Walking are Fun, Convenient, and Healthy. Cycling and walking for transportation and recreation are joyful, fun, efficient, social, economical, sustainable, and redemptive. Cycling and walking contribute to and are indicators of improved, revitalized, and restored neighborhoods and communities.
  • Safety for All Roadway Users through Education. Teach kids and adults safe cycling. Mentor kids and help them experience the world and nature through cycling. Helping adults be better cyclists and drivers. Help drivers understand bicycle-related laws as they apply to themselves and bicyclists. Overall, teach everyone how to use the road safely and respectfully.
  • Bicycle Advocacy is Needed, Valuable, and Changes the World.
  • Elected Officials, Planning and Engineering Staff, Teachers, and Park Staff are all great partners.

Goals

  1. Continue to increase the number of cyclists and pedestrians by improving safety, convenience, and fun.
  2. Further expand the diversity of cyclists by age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status.
  3. Transform our region into a stronger cycling and walking center in Central Illinois by demonstrating economic, neighborhood, environmental, and health benefits. 
  4. Strengthen our role as the primary Bike Advocacy Resource in Champaign County for our members, for the general public, and for our community partners, as well as represent East Central Illinois at the state and national levels.

 Active Transportation Advocates!

Donate to ChampaignCountyBikes via Paypal

By-Laws

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY BIKES ORGANIZATION, INC.

Article I Purposes
Name
This organization shall be known as the “Champaign County Bikes Organization, Inc.”, (hereinafter referred to as the Corporation).  Other equivalent references shall be Champaign County Bikes or CCB.

Mission|
The mission of Champaign County Bikes Organization, Inc. is to encourage and facilitate bicycling as transportation and recreation, and to promote public awareness of the benefits that bicycling brings to bicyclists, our community and the world.

Objectives
We are working to become a model bicycle community by:

Re-awakening our county to the rights of bicyclists and sharing the road safely, as well as educating and encouraging responsible bicycling

Promoting education, dispensing information, planning events, and coordinating among various groups interested in bicycling

Encouraging legislation that promotes responsible driving with regard to the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians

Coordinating with local governments and community organizations to promote bicycle issues including the complete streets concept and infrastructure improvements

Developing and promoting bike routes and maps for a variety of bicycling use

Article 2 Members
The Corporation shall have an unlimited number of members. General members are individuals who have paid dues to the organization as set out by the Board of Directors. Corporate members are businesses (like bike shops), clubs, and other organizations that want to associate with and support the work of  CCB.  The Board may review the dues structure annually. The Corporation shall not discriminate on accepting members. Anyone may join CCB.  Each member will have one vote at the annual meeting, or any specially called meeting by the Board that requests a membership vote.  (Specially called membership meetings would be rare.)

Article 3 Board of Directors
Section 1. Powers and Number. The Board of Directors shall have the general power to control and manage the affairs and property of the Corporation in accordance with the purposes and limitations set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation, and the policies set forth in Article 1. The number of directors constituting the entire Board shall consist of no more than nine directors and no fewer than five directors. 

Section 2. Election and Term of Office. The directors shall be elected to hold office for two-year terms; provided, however, that an alternate director elected to fill an unexpired term (whether resulting from the death, resignation or removal of a director, or to create an increase in the number of directors) shall hold office until the next election of directors. Directors shall be elected at the annual meeting of the membership by a vote of a majority of the entire membership present (or voting absentee). Each director so elected shall continue in office until his or her death, resignation or removal. Directors may be re-elected to any number of consecutive terms, but re-election shall only be upon a showing that each director has met the duties and responsibilities for directors in an exemplary manner. 

Section 3. Nominations. The membership shall consider potential nominees each year proposed by members of the Board, the Corporation’s staff, and the members of the Corporation in good standing. The membership may elect or re- elect some, all, or none of the nominees at the annual meeting of the Board. 

Section 4. Removal. Any director may be removed at any time for cause by a vote of two thirds of the entire Board at any regular meeting, or at any special meeting of the Board called for that purpose, provided that at least one week’s notice of the proposed action shall have been given to the entire Board of Directors then in office. A director who misses three consecutive meetings shall be automatically removed, but may be reinstated by a vote of a majority of the entire Board for good cause shown. 

Section 5. Resignation. Any director may resign from the Board at any time. Such resignation shall be made in writing or orally to the Chair, and shall take effect at the time specified therein, and if no time be specified, at the time of its receipt by the Chair. No resignation shall discharge any accrued obligation or duty of a director. 

Section 6. Meetings. Meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at any place within the United States as the Board may from time to time fix. The annual meeting of the Board shall be held at a time and place fixed by the Board and for this meeting only, a director must be physically present to vote. Other regular meetings of the Board shall be held no fewer than  six times during the year.  Special meetings of the Board shall be held whenever called by the Chair or by a majority of the Board of Directors.  The meetings of the board are public meetings, but are not meant as membership meetings – except the annual meeting.  

Section 7. Notice of Meetings. Notice of the time and place of each regular, special or annual meeting of the Board, together with a written agenda stating all matters upon which action is proposed to be taken shall be sent by email, facsimile or postal mail to each director at his or her residence or usual place of business (or at such other address as he or she designates), at least seven days before the day on which the meeting is to be held; provided, however, that notice of special meetings to discuss matters requiring prompt action may be given personally or by telephone, no less than forty-eight hours before the time at which such meeting is to be held. 

Section 8. Definition of “Meeting.” Directors of the Corporation live and work across the breadth of Central Illinois. Physically gathering at the same location at the same time can be difficult. Thus, a meeting is defined as any tele-conference or physical gathering of directors, or combination thereof, of which proper notification (as defined above) has been provided, and in which the Chair plus at least 50% of the rest of the entire Board participate. The exception, per above, is the annual meeting. 

Section 9. Quorum and Voting. Unless greater proportion is required by law, 50% of the entire Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of regular business or of any specified item of business, other than the removal of a director or employee of the Corporation. The Board shall attempt to resolve questions by consensus. Where a vote is required, only directors participating by telephone/internet or in person may vote. 

Section 10.Duties and Responsibilities for Directors. Directors shall be responsible for promoting the purposes of the Corporation set forth in Article 1. Directors shall assist in raising funds for the Corporation, and shall also be actively involved in fulfilling such duties and responsibilities as are determined from time by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. 

Section 11. Committees of the Board. The Board, by vote of a majority of the entire Board, may establish and appoint a Nominating Committee, and any other standing committees which it deems appropriate. The Chair shall appoint the Chairperson of each existing committee at the annual meeting for a period of one year. The Chair shall appoint the Chairperson of any newly-created committee at the time it is established. The Chair may remove the Chairperson of any Committee at any time. Each Committee so appointed shall consist of two or more directors and shall have the authority delegated to it by vote of the Board, except that committees shall not be granted authority assigned to the entire Board including, but not limited to the following matters: 

  1. the filling of vacancies on the Board or on any committee; 2. the amendment or repeal of the by-laws or the adoption of new by-laws; 3. the amendment or repeal of any resolution or vote of the Board; 4. the removal of directors or termination of employees.

Special committees may be appointed by the Chair with the consent of the Board and shall have only the powers specifically delegated to them by the Board. Members of the Corporation may be invited by the Chairperson of each Committee to serve on that Committee for one year. 

Section 12. Compensation. Directors shall not receive any salary or compensation for their services as directors. 

Article 4 Officers, Employees and Agents
Section 1. Officers. The Officers of the Corporation shall be a Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Officers shall be members of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to elect these officers, and such additional officers as it deems necessary. 

Section 2. Election, Term of Office and Removal. At the annual meeting of the Board of Directors, the Nominating Committee shall submit to the Board of Directors names of potential officers for election or re-election. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected for one-year terms at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors. Officers may be re-elected to any number of consecutive terms. Each officer shall assume his or her office immediately after the election, and continue in office until his or her successor shall have been elected and qualified, or his or her death, resignation or removal. 

Section 3. Other Employees and Agents. The Board of Directors may from time to time appoint employees and agents it deems necessary. Each will serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and shall have such authority and perform such duties as the Board of Directors may determine. No such employee or agent shall be a director of the Corporation. Once an executive director is hired, the executive director shall answer to the Board of Directors and all other employees shall answer to the executive director. 

Section 4. Removal. Any officer, employee or agent of the Corporation may be removed with cause by a vote of two-thirds of the entire Board. 

Section 5. Vacancies. In case of any vacancy in any office, a successor to fill the unexpected portion of the term may be appointed by the Chair. Any officer so elected shall hold office scheduled for election of officers, and until his or her successor shall have been elected and qualified. In case a vacancy occurs in the office of the Chair, the Vice Chair, shall fill the office of the Chair until an election can be held at the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors. 

Section 6 .Chair: Powers and Duties. The Chair shall give notice of, and preside at, all meetings of the Board of Directors. The Chair shall give general supervision over the affairs of the Corporation, and shall keep the Board of Directors fully informed about the activities of the Corporation. He or she shall have the power to sign and execute in the name of the Corporation all contracts authorized either generally or specifically by the board. The Chair may delegate this authority to other officers or the paid staff with the permission of the board. The Chair shall also have such other powers and perform such other duties as the Board of Directors may prescribe. 

Section 7. Vice Chair: Powers and Duties. The Vice Chair shall act as aide to the Chair and have such other powers and perform such other duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe. In the absence or inability of the Chair to act, a Vice Chair selected by vote of the Board shall perform the duties of the Chair. 

Section 8. Secretary: Powers and Duties. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the annual meetings of the Board of Directors and perform such other duties as the Board may prescribe. 

Section 9. Treasurer: Powers and Duties. The Treasurer shall have general oversight with respect to, and shall approve, the annual budget. The Treasurer shall also retain an independent auditor to conduct audit report, if required by law or requested by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall also have oversight responsibility for all financial matters (as the Board of Directors may prescribe). Until the appointment of staff, the Treasurer shall assume the responsibilities detailed in this section. The Treasurer shall have custody of all the funds of the Corporation, and shall keep or cause to be kept complete and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements of the Corporation, and shall deposit or cause to be deposited all moneys, evidences of indebtedness and other valuable documents of the Corporation in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such banks or depositories as the Board of Directors may designate. The Treasurer shall at all reasonable times exhibit the books and accounts to any officer or director of the Corporation, and shall perform all such other duties as the Board may from time to time prescribe. At the annual meeting of the Board of Directors, the Treasurer or staff so designated by the board shall present a report showing in appropriate detail: (1) the assets and liabilities of the Corporation as of a twelve month fiscal period terminating not more than six months prior to the meeting; (2) the principal changes in assets and liabilities during that fiscal period; and (3) the revenues or receipts of the Corporation, both general and restricted to particular purposes, the Corporation, for that fiscal period; and (4) the expenses or disbursements of the Corporation, for both general and restricted purposes, during said fiscal period. The report shall be filed with the minutes of the annual meeting of the Board. 

Section 10. Delegation of Powers. To the full extent allowed by law, the Board of Directors may delegate to any employee or agent any powers possessed by the Board of Directors and may prescribe their respective title, terms of office, authorities and duties. The Chair may delegate to the staff the power to sign and execute alone in the name of the Corporation all contracts authorized generally or specifically by the Board, unless the Board shall specifically require an additional signature. 

Section 11.Compensation. The staff and other employees or agents of the Corporation may receive a reasonable salary or other reasonable compensation for services rendered to the Corporation when authorized by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. The officers shall receive no salary or compensation for their services. 

Article 5 Contracts, Checks, Bank Accounts And Investments.
Section 1. Checks, Notes and Contracts. The Board of Directors is authorized to select the banks or depositories it deems proper for the funds of the Corporation. The Board of Directors shall determine who shall be authorized in the Corporation’s behalf to sign checks, notes, drafts, acceptances, bills of exchange and other orders or obligations for the payment other documents and instruments. 

Section 2. Investments. The funds of the Corporation may be retained in whole or in part in cash or be invested and reinvested as the Board of Directors may deem desirable. 

Article 6 Office And Books
Section 1. Office. The principle office of the Corporation shall be located in the state capital or city represented. A complete record of the Corporation’s financial and programmatic activities as described in Art. 6 Sec. 2. must be available to the public at an office of the Corporation or one of its member groups. 

Section 2. Books. There shall be kept at the principal office of the Corporation correct and complete books of account of the activities and transactions of the Corporation; a minute book, which shall contain a copy of the certificate of incorporation, a copy of these by-laws, and all minutes of meetings of the Board of Directors and any committee thereof; and a current list or record containing the names and addresses of all directors and officers of the Corporation. 

Article 7 Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Corporation shall commence January 1st and end December 31st . 

Article 8 Indemnification
The Corporation may to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by and in accordance with the standards and procedures provided by this state’s Not-for-profit Corporation Law and any amendments thereto, indemnify any person made, or threatened to be made, a party to any action or proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, against judgments, fines, penalties, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees. The Corporation is authorized to purchase and maintain insurance for the indemnification of itself, directors and officers. 

Article 9 Amendments
These by-laws may be amended or repealed at any meeting of the Board of Directors by a vote of two-thirds of those eligible to vote. Adoption of this set of By- laws completely supersedes all prior By-laws and Amendments. 

(Approved December 2015)