New Cycling Governing Body 02-04-03
Cycling groups representing a wide range of activities within cycling
agreed to form a new governing body at a meeting held in Wellington last
week.
Announcing the launch of the new organisation, SPARC-contracted
coordinator, Bruce Stokell said "that in an age of increasing car use, and
alarming trends away from physical activity around the world, it is
important for all bike activities to plan together and present a united
approach when dealing with government departments and funding
organisations."
Among those who attended the meeting were representatives of NZ Mountain
Bike Association, Cycling NZ, BMX NZ, NZ Secondary Schools Cycling
Association, NZ Masters Cycling Association, The Cycling Advocates Network,
Cycle Support NZ Inc, and industry group BIANZ.
The meeting appointed a 5-person interim board to oversee the setting up
process.
"In the past there have been a lot of overlaps as well as a lot of gaps in
what people do. The new organisation will have sections dealing with Junior
development, high performance, volunteer and coach development, road use
and land access and be able to make authoritative comment on a range of
sporting, transport and health issues." Said Bruce Stokell.
"Individual organisations, committees and disciplines which will make up
the new body will still carry on their main activities but within an
overall strategic framework and supported by joint administrative services.
It is a common-sense model which will allow each group to do what it does
best"
Bruce Stokell also said that most of the organisations would be seeking
approval for membership of the new body at their annual general meetings
over the next few months. In the meantime Stokell and SPARC have been asked
to handle the appointment of a CEO for the new body.
