| Vol 35 l No 12 l December | Table of Contents
- President's Message
- 2022 Club Elections Update
- SCU eBike Policy
- Calling all who rode 5,000 or more miles or their first Century in 2021! We want to hear from you.
- Upcoming Events: SCU Annual Banquet - Saturday, January 22, 2022
- Covid-19 Mitigation Measures - Updated May 13, 2021
- Reminder of Member Benefits
- Online Club Resources
- Regional Events Calendar and Mileage Log
- New Members
- Support Our Sponsors
- Executive Committee Meeting Schedule (Members Welcome)
- SCU Executive Committee
|  | | President's Message December 2021
Whether or not you consider e-bikes to be 'your cup of tea', there is no denying their popularity as growing numbers of riders use them for both utility and recreation. Electric assist is probably the biggest game-changer to cycling since the derailleur, and e-bikes are changing the landscape of the cycling world. The Executive Committee recently passed an e-bike policy that is driven by our insurance coverage and state laws. The full policy is further below in this issue, but I want to explain a little about its basis.
There is an industry-wide e-bike classification system used by some states, like New Jersey, but not by others, such as Pennsylvania. Even those that use the classification system use it in different ways. As can be expected, the club's e-bike policy requires all e-bike riders to observe the state laws, just as is the case for any other bike. Details of the classification system and the e-bike laws for New Jersey and Pennsylvania are also further below.
But it is the limitations of our insurance coverage that determine the part of the e-bike policy most relevant to day-to-day club riding. Our insurance covers only pedal-assist e-bikes (Classes I and III). Throttled e-bikes (Class II) are not covered. These are e-bikes with a motorcycle style twist throttle or a snowmobile style trigger throttle. Basically, our insurance carrier, as well as a number of states, consider these to be motor vehicles instead of pedal-driven vehicles.
Because of this limitation in insurance coverage, throttled e-bikes cannot be permitted on club rides. If you own a throttled e-bike, please understand the Committee's only intent is to protect all club members, including you, from uninsured incidents and associated liability. Many other clubs in the area have needed to enact similar policies.
On a positive note, my 'better half', Helen, recently purchased an e-bike that has allowed us to go on rides together again, both of us sharing the enjoyment of cycling with company. As far as I am concerned, any device that helps people ride together is a step forward. So, whether you have a new e-bike or still prefer the pleasure of 100% self-propulsion, I hope to see you on a ride soon.
Steve "You can't be sad while riding a bike" Muth
SCU President |
Stay tuned for more information on the 2022 SCU elections, who is running, and how to vote; and as with last year, voting will once again be online.
Thank you,
Jeff Kochanowicz
SCU Election Coordinator (2022 EC Election)
| SCU eBike policy
More information will be explained and distributed at SCU club rides by the ride leaders, but below describes the 3 categories of e-bikes and what is allowed on club rides. As the popularity of eBikes increases both in general and in SCU, we welcome the use of them on club rides but need to be aware of limitations and what is allowed.
Summary:
Electric bikes shall be permitted on club rides only as covered by the club's insurance policy and as consistent with local, state and Federal laws. The Treasurer shall determine the club's insurance coverage regarding electric bikes. A summary of this coverage and any changes to it shall be communicated to membership by the Digital Communications Director and directly communicated to ride leaders by the Ride Director. The ride sign-in sheet shall be revised and updated as needed to indicate this coverage.
- Only pedal assist eBikes (Classes 1 and 3) will be allowed on club rides.
- As SCU club rides cross into multiple states (PA, NJ, DE), it is critical we adhere to the regulations of all 3.
- If you have questions, please contact the SUC executive team or talk to your ride leader.
3 Classifications - eBikes
- Allowed: A “class 1 electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
- Not Allowed: A “class 2 electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
- Allowed: A “class 3 electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, and is equipped with a speedometer.
When considering purchasing an eBike, it is important to understand the laws in your state and the type riding you want to do, including if bringing it on a SCU club ride (which again, we enjoy having them).
Thank you,
SCU Executive Team | | Calling all who rode 5,000 or more miles or their first Century in 2021! We want to hear from you.
Dear SCU Cyclists!
Each year, the club would like to recognize those members who cycled their first century (100 miles) bike ride, and/or if they rode greater than 5,000 miles during the calendar year 2021.
So, if you did any of these, please let me know by sending a note to my e-mail address, abdaddy@comcast.net by January 8, 2021 (earlier is preferred) with your name and how many miles you rode this year. If you rode your first century, please tell me something about the ride.
Thank you in advance.
Cheers,
Curtis
abdaddy@comcast.net
SCU Ride Coordinator, 2021 | | | Upcoming Events
- SCU Annual Banquet - Saturday, January 22, 2022
|
SCU COVID-19 Mitigation Measures
| SCU COVID-19 Mitigation Measures - Updated May 13, 2021
The Covid situation has changed for the better in recent weeks. But we can't ignore the reality that the threat has not yet gone away completely. To reflect this change while remaining vigilant in protecting all members, the Executive Committee has adopted the new guidelines below. Keep in mind that your fellow riders may not have all been vaccinated, some by choice and others by circumstance. We should respect their privacy in this regard. In the absence of vaccination, social distancing and masking remain effective defenses against transmission. Therefore, we are asking all members to follow the new Guidelines to the best of their ability.
Hope to see you on a ride soon.
- Please stay home or ride solo if you have any Covid symptoms, have tested positive for Covid, or have been recently exposed to someone that has Covid.
- Bring a mask to wear when social distancing is not possible and for entry into commercial establishments at rest stops.
- Recommended maximum group size is 15, but the ride leader may restrict groups to less.
- If you develop Covid symptoms or test positive for Covid within a week of a group ride, please contact the club Ride Director (rides@suburbancyclists.org).
- Maintain social distance as appropriate. Observe any applicable local, state and federal guidelines and comply with all county Health Department regulations.
Steve Muth
SCU President
|  | | As membership director, I want to welcome back all of our SCU members who have renewed their memberships and hoping to encourage our non-members to join our ranks! We are excited to have over 1,800 cyclists in our Meetup Group but we would be even more excited to have more of the group become dues paying SCU members. Our membership fee is one of the best bargains around!! So what are the benefits you will receive with your SCU membership you may ask?
Here are just a few:
- Insurance coverage if an accident occurs while participating in a SCU ride
- Access to all SCU events including the SCU picnic, awards banquet, tailgate parties and many more events that occur throughout the year
- Discounts at designated local bike shops and SCU Century / Summer Event rides
- Monthly newsletter
And most importantly...supporting our cycling community especially our experienced and dedicated ride leaders who work hard at providing our club members with the best and safest routes throughout the region that accommodates various rider abilities.
The SCU membership fees help to sustain our club so please consider becoming a member today! To join our club, click https://suburbancyclists.org/. Please feel free to reach out to me at membership@suburbancyclists.org or any of our Executive Committee if you have any questions or comments.
Hope to see you on the road!
Robin Einhorn
Membership Director
| Online Club Resources
As a reminder, there are other online resources available to you to fully enjoy your club membership:
- Meetup.com: Look for the Suburban Cyclists Unlimited (SCU) Meetup page to learn about and sign up for group rides.
- Facebook: Visit the Suburban Cyclists Unlimited page to hear about the latest club news or pictures and adventures from club rides.
| Regional Events Calendar & Mileage Log | | Regional Events Update
Be sure check Jack Elias' famous Calendar of Regional Events for an updated, chronological list of regional events. Jack is updating the list as information is provided.
This calendar is presented by Suburban Cyclists Unlimited and lists recreational bicycle events that take place in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, and start within approximately 150 miles of Horsham, Montgomery County, PA.
| | Mileage Tracker and
Universal Mileage Logs are available
The universal mileage log features include:
- A universal log that is good for any year.
- An automatic summation of mileage and number of rides and computation of the average ride distance.
- Displays six charts of mileage, number of rides and average distance.
- The mileage logs can be found in the Documents Library on the SCU website.
- Go to SCU's Documents Library and scroll down to "Ride Documents" and “Mileage Log”.
| | | |
Welcome our newest SCU members:
- Andy Euster, King of Prussia
- Savannah Lee, Fort Washington
- Danielle Neubauer, Jersey City
- Barry Pflueger, Churchville
| | | | www.keswickcycle.com
(215) 885-7433 | | www.zinmanandcompany.com
(215) 357-2250 | All Members Welcome at Executive Committee Meetings
For 2021, Executive Committee meetings are held every second Thursday of the month and are posted to the Meetup ride calendar. All members are invited to participate in the discussions or share thoughts and ideas. In the past we have met at College Settlement Camp facilities, but due to Covid we are meeting via Zoom. If you RSVP to the Meetup or send an email to president@suburbancyclists.org, a Zoom link and an agenda will be sent to you shortly before the meeting. If you have something specific to share, you will be put at the top of the agenda so you can be heard without waiting through the routine business. Next meeting is December 9.
Hope to see you there. | President
Steve Muth
Secretary
Open
Treasurer
David Kaplan
Signature Event Director
Chuck Herbert
Digital Communications Director
Steve DeLabio
IT Director
Scott Siegfried
Membership Director
Robin Einhorn
Public Relations Director
Linda A. McGrane
Ride Leader Director
Curtis Schwartz
Social Director
Marc Katz
Safety & Legislative Director
Open
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Regional Calendar Editor
Jack Elias
Merchandise Manager
Open | |