The Lexington Friends of the Bikeway is a volunteer organization of individuals devoted to the preservation and enhancement of the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway and its contiguous bikeway extensions. The Friends organization acts in an advisory capacity to the Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee appointed by the Town of Lexington Selectmen, articulating the ideas of the Friends membership and acting as the focus of volunteer efforts to maintain and improve the Bikeway.
The organization is charged with advising the Bicycle Advisory Committee on all matters relating to the physical condition of the facility, the interactions of different users which affect their safety and well-being, and the planning and execution of various town-sponsored events relating to the bikeway. These functions include but are not limited to:
The Friends organization shall be open to all those interested in supporting and preserving the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway. Membership shall be open to individuals and families without regard to their legal residence.
There shall be yearly membership dues assessed in October for purposes to be decided by the membership. The amount of dues assessed shall be put to a vote of the membership periodically but at least once every five years. A reduced membership fee shall be available for members of the same family.
Each individual who is a member shall have one vote whether that membership is obtained by payment of individual dues or by payment of dues as a member of a family. Honorary members of the Friends shall not have voting rights.
General meetings shall be held in the Town of Lexington at least once during the fall and at least once in the spring. Notice of the meetings shall be given by mail at least 10 days before the meeting date. Special efforts shall be made to have at least one of the yearly meetings attended by representatives of similar bikeway groups in Arlington and Bedford. Committee meetings shall be held as needed. Minutes will be taken at general meetings by a volunteer among those attending, there being no position of secretary in the organization.
A Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson (Chairperson-elect), and a Treasurer shall be elected in the Fall to one-year terms. The Chair shall appoint a nominating committee to prepare a slate of candidates for elections. Other candidates can be entered onto the slate from the floor at election time. Generally the Vice-Chairperson will be expected to succeed the Chairperson. The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Treasurer shall be elected by a majority vote. A quorum shall be 15 or more members.
Monitoring of the Bikeway shall be carried out by volunteer Stewards who shall be responsible for specific sections of the Bikeway. The Vice-Chairperson shall act as chief steward and as such shall be responsible for aiding and supporting the stewards' activities.
The membership shall be kept informed by publication and distribution of a Friends of the Bikeway Newsletter and by articles in the local media and other pamphlets and mailings.
The Chair may appoint ad hoc subcommittees from time to time to investigate specific issues of interest to the Friends or to the Bicycle Advisory Committee. Such ad hoc study groups shall serve for periods not exceeding one year to resolve specific issues.
A quorum necessary to vote on changes or additions to the Charter shall be 20 members, and the membership shall be advised of intention to change the Charter at least 15 days before the meeting.
The finances of the Friends shall be handled through the Town Offices of Lexington. Dues and other contributions shall be deposited in the town's Bikeway account by the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall also authorize disbursements from that account. The Treasurer shall report the net balance in the account at the time of the Fall general meeting.