On Wed, 24 Oct 2001, Michael Coldwell wrote:
> I have no concern with any person expressing their
> support for any candidate. However, Kevin's comments
> went further than that. He implicated Manny as being
> associated with others that wish to take over the
> group, and do away with long established events. The
> president does not have a veto. Kevin ventures close
> to libel, for which I believe an apology is owed.
I've been an OBC member for more than 11 years. During that time I've
enjoyed many club tours, special events, Rideau Lakes Tours, socials - and
even a time trial or two! With the help of others (thanks Celia) I
completed the 212 km Calabogie Challenge, something I never believed I was
capable of (mostly by myself, because I was too slow to keep up with a
group). In addition to being a longtime OBC member I've also been
president of Citizens for Safe Cycling. I'm currently Chair of the City of
Ottawa Cycling Advisory Committee. The first half of this year I was chair
of the informal interim Ottawa Cycling Committee.
I have to say that these allegations of outsiders trying to take over the
OBC or dismantle time trials or (nefarious activity) are surprising -- and
even border on being offensive. I know many OBC members and many cycling
"organizers" outside the OBC -- none of which I am aware is scheming in any
way to take over the OBC or somehow dismantle club activities. Quite the
contrary - the cyclists I work with most often on non-OBC cycling issues
enjoy participating in OBC rides and events and see the OBC as a vital and
essential part of the Ottawa cycling scene -- whose efforts they do not
wish to duplicate, but rather to effectively complement and work together
with.
For many years in the 1990s the OBC and CfSC worked together on some great
joint projects such as "share the road" type posters on the backs of OC
Transpo buses (Bob Hicks participated as the OBC representative at the
official unveiling of the posters at RMOC headquarters). I'm sorry that
these types of cooperative ventures stopped suddenly in the past two or so
years. They were important projects that were made possible because
cyclists from different organizations came together to work on them and
were beyond the ability of any one organization to make happen.
The cyclists I know have their hands quite full already trying to prepare
and implement a new workplan for the City of Ottawa Cycling Advisory
Committee, or promote cycling education and effective law enforcement or
better bicycle parking everywhere or... The people I know, anyway, don't
have any time left to take over the OBC or dismantle popular club
activities! Perhaps I'm just not paying attention... are cyclists plotting
behind my back too?.... maybe this black force is also going to take over
the Ottawa Cycling Advisory Group and turn it into an advocacy
organization for a velodrome!
Or perhaps some people are fear-mongering for other reasons.
As for candidate Manny Agulnik, I can only say that I have very much
enjoyed the "Break up the Week" rides in the Gats that Manny has been
organizing for years. I had the pleasure of being one of the last up to
the top with Manny numerous times this year. These rides have been the
most sociable and pleasant rides that I have enjoyed in addition to Jim
"Sir James" Tuesday night tours. From my saddle, both of these gentlemen,
Jim and Manny, truly lead by example when it comes to putting "group" into
rides and other cycling activities. I agree that you cannot legislate
this behaviour, but as club members we can appreciate and support both of
these volunteers and gentlemen for their personal leadership and
commitment to bringing cycling enjoyment to many others in this city.
Brett Delmage
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