FAQ's factsheet

Bribie Island Bicycle User Group Inc. (Bribie BUG)

Frequently Asked Questions

INDEX

Page

Why did Bribie BUG become an incorporated association?

What insurance cover does Bribie BUG now hold?

What kind of rides does Bribie BUG offer?

Can I receive the ride list and emails from Bribie BUG when I am not yet a member?

Can I do some trial rides with Bribie BUG before I become a member?

What are Bribie BUG’s classes of membership?

Why does Bribie BUG charge membership fees?

How much are Bribie BUG’s annual membership fees?

Who can be my proposer and seconder when I apply to join Bribie BUG?

How do I change my class of membership?

When are Bribie BUG memberships due for renewal?

What are Bribie BUG’s Objects of Association?

How do members get a copy of Bribie BUG’s Rules of Association?

Why does Bribie BUG need a Club Etiquette?

What is the purpose of the Bribie BUG Phone List and Members List?

As a member, can I use Bribie BUG Yahoo Mail to send emails to other members about anything other than rides?

Will all visiting cyclists be covered by Bribie BUG’s public liability insurance?

Will I be covered by Bribie BUG’s public liability insurance if I cause injury or damage to someone else while I’m riding to the start of, or riding home from, an organised club ride or other club event?

Will cyclists participating in Bribie BUG’s Ride Bribie Island event who are not yet members be covered by the club’s public liability insurance if they are involved in an accident causing injury or damage to someone else during the ride?

Will members attending social events not organised by Bribie BUG (eg. trivia nights at the golf club) be covered by the club’s public liability insurance if they are involved in an incident causing injury or damage to someone else during the event?

What should I do if I’m involved in an incident causing injury or damage to someone else while I am engaged in club business or participating in a Bribie BUG ride or other event organised by the club?

Does Bribie BUG’s insurance policy include any form of personal accident cover?

Where can I get help and advice if I get injured in a cycling accident?

Where can I get my bike replaced/repaired/serviced or buy cycling gear and supplies?

Are there any faster and more challenging rides I could do in the Bribie Island area?

What should I do if I need to terminate my membership of Bribie BUG because I am moving away or for some other reason?

Is Bribie BUG on Facebook?

Q1. Why did Bribie BUG become an incorporated association?

A1. In December 2014 we learned that the public liability insurance cover originally provided to bicycle user groups by Bicycle Queensland ceased some years ago. Although some members were and remain separately insured, since 2009 the club itself had been riding with no insurance cover. As an unincorporated cycling club, Bribie BUG could not obtain any form of insurance. In recent court cases, damages of over $1 million have been awarded against cyclists involved in accidents where another cyclist or pedestrian has been injured.

Given the risk of a claim being brought against the club or any of its members as a result of an incident causing injury or damage to a third party which could prove financially crippling, it was almost unanimously resolved at a general meeting on 4 March 2015 that we would seek incorporation in order to obtain public liability insurance cover. Bribie BUG was incorporated on 13 March 2015. Without incorporation and insurance, the club would have had to close down altogether.

Q2. What insurance cover does Bribie BUG now hold?

A2. The incorporated association now holds a Cyclecover policy which provides public liability insurance cover in the sum of $20 million. This protects our members and visiting cyclists in the event of injury or damage caused to a third party but only when they are engaged in club business or participating in club rides and other events organised by the club. The insurers require us to avoid accidents as far as possible by riding with all reasonable care and attention.

Q3. What kind of rides does Bribie BUG offer?

A3. We offer both easy rides at a comfortable speed and longer faster rides. We currently have regular weekly rides in Bribie Island and surrounds on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. We also have beach and bush rides from time to time and arrange away rides to other places within reasonable distance to enjoy some different scenery and sometimes more of a challenge. If you would like to receive our ride list and emails about forthcoming rides and other events, please contact the Secretary at bribiebug@yahoo.com.au and ask to be added to our mailing list.

Q4. Can I receive the ride list and emails from Bribie BUG when I am not yet a member?

A4. Yes. Contact the Secretary at bribiebug@yahoo.com.au and ask to be added to our mailing list. However, bearing in mind the club’s increased financial commitments, particularly the annual insurance premium, we do encourage potential members such as yourself to consider supporting Bribie BUG by becoming an ordinary, junior or associate member now. We also offer family membership.

Q5. Can I do some trial rides with Bribie BUG before I become a member?

A5. Prospective members are entitled to two free trial rides but to continue riding with us after that you will need to become a member of the club. You will be asked to complete and sign a Membership Application form prior to your first ride with us so we have your contact details on record if required. These forms can be obtained from the Secretary. A few of these forms are also kept with the ride diary. A separate form is required for each rider. If you decide to become a member and pay the annual membership fee, your application will then be dated and proposed and seconded by current financial members of the club.

Anyone who does one or two free trial rides with us but does not join the club before the end of our membership year on 30 June will automatically become entitled to another two free trial rides.

Q6. What are Bribie BUG’s classes of membership?

A6. Our classes of membership are set out in our Rules of Association and on page 2 of our Membership Application form. The five classes are as follows:

Class of Members

(Number in Class)

Membership Eligibility

Membership Limitations

Ordinary

(Unlimited)

1. Must be a cyclist.

2. Must support the objects of the association.

Nil

Junior

(Unlimited)

1. Must be under 17 years of age.

2. Must be a cyclist.

3. Must support the objects of the association.

1. May not vote (unless permitted by law).

2. Not eligible for election to the management committee.

Family

(Unlimited)

1. Must be parents and children under 17 years of age.

2. Must support the objects of the association.

3. May participate in all activities including cycling.

1. Children may not vote (unless permitted by law).

2. Children are not eligible for election to the management committee.

Associate (Unlimited)

1. Must support the objects of the association.

2. May participate in all activities except cycling.

Nil

Visiting

(Unlimited)

1. Must be a cyclist.

2. Must be visiting Bribie Island for no longer than 3 months.

1. May not vote (unless permitted by law).

2. Not eligible for election to the management committee.

Q7. Why does Bribie BUG charge membership fees?

A7. Incorporation brought with it new responsibilities and thus the need to introduce annual membership fees. The initial fees were set as low as possible but membership fees help to support the club in its various activities and endeavours besides raise funds to help us meet our regular financial commitments. They also cover the cost of the free nameplate that every new cycling member receives.

Q8. How much are Bribie BUG’s annual membership fees?

A8. The current annual membership fees are: Ordinary $20, Junior $10, Family $50, Associate $5, Visiting $5. These fees may be subject to change in the future depending on the number of members of the incorporated association, our financial circumstances and our financial commitments, especially the public liability insurance premium.

Q9. Who can be my proposer and seconder when I apply to join Bribie BUG?

A9. Proposers and seconders must be current financial members of Bribie BUG.

Q10. How do I change my class of membership?

A10. Whenever you renew your membership you can change from one class to another (eg. from Associate to Ordinary so you can start cycling with the club) and pay the appropriate fee. To change your class of membership at any time before your membership is due for renewal, contact the Secretary and let him/her know which class you wish to join. S/he will then advise you of the additional pro rata fee payable (if applicable) when s/he sends you the Change of Class of Membership form.

Q11. When are Bribie BUG memberships due for renewal?

A11. Memberships must be renewed by 30 June, which is the end of Bribie BUG’s financial year, if members wish to keep cycling with the club. Membership Renewal forms are sent out to all members well in advance of the expiry date. If your membership has not been renewed by 30 June you may be excluded from club rides until you are financial again. Memberships which have not been renewed by 1 September may be terminated pursuant to our Rules of Association.

Q12. What are Bribie BUG’s Objects of Association?

A12. Our Objects of Association are set out in our Rules of Association and also on our Membership Application form. They are as follows:

1. To encourage people to cycle on Bribie Island and elsewhere;

2. To represent the needs of cyclists to authorities;

3. To identify new facilities, improvements and maintenance to existing facilities which will improve cycling on Bribie Island;

4. To foster support and camaraderie between cyclists;

5. To assist members to cycle more frequently;

6. To cooperate with Bicycle Queensland; and

7. To encourage members to become members of Bicycle Queensland.

Q13. How do members get a copy of Bribie BUG’s Rules of Association?

A13. If any member would like a full copy of our Rules of Association to keep, please request one from the Secretary. Every member is entitled to have their own copy of the Rules. A copy of the Rules is available on our website https://sites.google.com/site/bribiebug/home.

Q14. Why does Bribie BUG need a Club Etiquette?

A14. Our Club Etiquette has been prepared for reasons of safety and harmony on club rides and also to help us uphold the reputation of Bribie BUG while setting a good example to other cyclists. The Club Etiquette contains links to the Queensland Bicycle Road Rules. Members are expected to read the Etiquette and Road Rules and comply with them at all times.

Q15. What is the purpose of the Bribie BUG Phone List and Members List?

A15. The Phone List is updated regularly to include new members and is sent to all members by the Secretary. It shows committee members so members know who to contact about what. The primary purpose of the Phone List is to enable members to contact each other on or about rides. It can be printed on one sheet and folded easily into pocket size.

A Members List which includes street or postal addresses and email addresses is also available on request. If you wish to receive this as well as the Phone List please contact the Secretary.

Q16. As a member, can I use Bribie BUG Yahoo Mail to send emails to other members about anything other than rides?

A16. Members may use the Phone List or Members List or Bribie BUG Yahoo Mail to contact other members about rides and matters of general interest such as social or other events, or secondhand items for sale. However, if you wish to contact other members for advertising for political, religious, charitable or commercial purposes (eg. seeking sponsorship for a charity ride you are doing), please send your email to the Secretary at bribiebug@yahoo.com.au for consideration. If appropriate, it will be posted to our website with other charity initiatives by individuals which have been approved but not endorsed by Bribie BUG.

Q17. Will all visiting cyclists be covered by Bribie BUG’s public liability insurance?

A17. All cyclists visiting Bribie Island for up to three months may have two free rides with Bribie BUG but then they must join the club as visiting members in order to be covered by our public liability insurance.

Q18. Will I be covered by Bribie BUG’s public liability insurance if I cause injury or damage to someone else while I’m riding to the start of, or riding home from, an organised club ride or other club event?

A18. Yes, members and visiting/trial ride cyclists are covered provided you are riding with all due care and attention in order to avoid accidents as far as possible.

Q19. Will cyclists participating in Bribie BUG’s Ride Bribie Island event who are not yet members be covered by the club’s public liability insurance if they are involved in an accident causing injury or damage to someone else during the ride?

A19. Yes, provided they have registered prior to starting their chosen ride.

Q20. Will members attending social events not organised by Bribie BUG (eg. trivia nights at the golf club) be covered by the club’s public liability insurance if they are involved in an incident causing injury or damage to someone else during the event?

A20. No. Any such incident will be covered by the venue’s own public liability insurance.

Q21. What should I do if I’m involved in an incident causing injury or damage to someone else while I am engaged in club business or participating in a Bribie BUG ride or other event organised by the club?

A21. Do not admit liability. Leave any argument about liability to our insurers. Exchange contact details (name, address and phone numbers) with the other person involved and tell them you are a member of Bribie Island Bicycle User Group which is insured with Cyclecover. Record the date, time and location of the incident and details of any damaged property (including motor vehicles) and/or injuries suffered by the other person. Obtain the contact details of any witnesses other than Bribie BUG members (who are already in our Phone and Members List). Ask the Secretary (or Treasurer in his/her absence) for a Cyclecover Liability Claim Form. Give a factual description of the incident along with the other details requested. Give the completed form to the Secretary (or Treasurer in his/her absence) for forwarding to the Claims Department. If you receive a letter of demand or other document, give this to the Secretary (or Treasurer in his/her absence) for forwarding to our insurers.

Q22. Does Bribie BUG’s insurance policy include any form of personal accident cover?

A22. No. To obtain personal accident insurance cover for cyclists we recommend that you become a member of Bicycle Queensland. Membership of BQ provides many benefits, the most important of which is personal accident and public liability insurance cover given anywhere in the world. If you have not yet joined BQ we encourage you to do so. For full membership details go to www.bq.org.au or phone BQ on 3844 1144.

Q23. Where can I get help and advice if I get injured in a cycling accident?

A23. Bicycle Queensland’s partner law firm, McInnes Wilson Lawyers, has published On the road again: A DIY Legal Repair Guide. The booklet includes information on personal injuries, property damage, how to claim through QCAT (Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal) and what your alternative options are. It also contains a draft letter of demand. The booklet is free to BQ members. Copies are available from our Secretary. If you have any questions, contact Emily Billiau of the McInnes Wilson Lawyers CycleLaw Division. She authored the DIY Legal Repair Guide and is happy to answer any questions members may have at any time. She can be contacted on 3014 6590 or at EBilliau@mcw.com.au.

Q24. Where can I get my bike replaced/repaired/serviced or buy cycling gear and supplies?

A24. Members have used:

1. Wolves Bike Den, 31-35 Morayfield Road, Caboolture South (Ph: 5432 3475) (just south of the bridge, between Oaklands Drive and the motorbike shop – look for the big red Yamaha sign) (10% discount for Seniors Card holders);

2. Bribie Bait Tackle & Bikes, Welsby Parade, Bongaree (Ph: 3408 1347) (opposite the Library) (good range of bike supplies);

3. Super Cycles, 135 Morayfield Road, Caboolture South (Ph: 5498 7552) (opposite McDonalds);

4. 99 Bikes, Shop 6, Mega Centre, 379 Morayfield Road, Morayfield (Ph: 5407 0330) (next to Autobarn, opposite Wide World of Lights);

5. Bribie Island Mower & Cycle Centre, 211 First Avenue, Bongaree (Ph: 3408 6044) (discounted prices).

Q25. Are there any faster and more challenging rides I could do in the Bribie Island area?

A25. Try our Fast 50km and Fast 40km rides on Thursdays. They are training rides on the roads in Bribie and surrounds averaging 25kph and 20kph respectively. The Fast 50km is often extended to cover longer distances.

Q26. What should I do if I need to terminate my membership of Bribie BUG because I am moving away or for some other reason?

A26. Send an email to bribiebug@yahoo.com.au or give the Secretary a written note requesting termination of your membership. Your resignation will take effect from the date your email or note is received by the Secretary.

Q27. Is Bribie BUG on Facebook?

A27. Yes. Look for Bribie Island Bicycle User Group on Facebook or use the link at the foot of Bribie BUG emails https://www.facebook.com/BribieBUG. Our Facebook page was created to promote the club’s activities (e.g. weekly rides on Bribie Island), provide communication to potential members of the club, promote external cycling activities and communicate interesting cycling topics.

Facebook users can email photos and posts to Bribie BUG at facebookbugs@yahoo.com.

Q28. What is the purpose of Bribie BUG’s ride maps?

A28. Our ride maps can be accessed using the link at the foot of Bribie BUG emails https://sites.google.com/site/bribiebug/home/bug-bike-rides or via the Bribie BUG Rides link on our website Maps of our regular weekly rides and two Sunshine Coast away rides have been created and others may be added in time. There are also maps of geocache ride routes and a 40km Forty Circle Road Ride which incorporates all 40 roundabouts on Bribie Island.

The ride maps are designed to assist those who want to start the ride and join the other riders for coffee afterwards but don’t wish to do the full ride. They show routes and mandatory stopping points with legends for each ride. The red route is the regular ride, the blue route is optional and the green routes are shortcuts for those who prefer a shorter ride. A green balloon marks the start, red balloons mark stopping points and a yellow balloon marks the finish. Riders taking a shortcut must stop at the next stopping point to wait for the others.

Isabel Cooper

Secretary

Bribie Island Bicycle User Group Inc.

(Bribie BUG)

Last updated 1 February 2021