Club Affiliation

Clubs play a vital role in cycling and are valuable partners of Ontario Cycling. Clubs provide cycling education, social activities, recreational riding opportunities, development programs, competitive race events, and more. If you are looking to ride with like-minded people, a club is a fantastic place to start.

Why start a club?

This is a great question. In general, riding with a group of people can not only be safer (especially on the road), but is also great for building friendships. It’s also great for providing more variety in activities. Maybe some want to race while others simply want to stay healthy by riding with a group of people they get along with. With a club, you don’t need to choose as you can offer programming for everyone.

Do I have to register my club?

OC clubs are required to register annually with Ontario Cycling. Through this registration, we can ensure you have items in place to successfully run your club, while also providing the club insurance protection.

What types of clubs do you allow?

Non-Profit – A club incorporated as a non-profit entity with the Government, which has a set of bylaws governing how it is run, and is operated by the members, normally through an election process that determines the members of the club’s Board of Directors.

For-Profit – A club incorporated as a Business Corporation (For-Profit) with the Government, and which may be owned either by the members or by a single individual/group. A For-Profit Club may or may not have bylaws in place to govern how it is run.

What do I need to start a club?

We recommend reading the OC Member Club Information Package for more details of what we require. Clubs are expected to be incorporated entities (non-profit or for-profit) to ensure that there is personal asset protection for members in case of a legal situation against the club. Ontario Cycling also requires various documents, policies, and risk mitigation items be provided to show that your club is running with member safety at the forefront of any decision.

What are the main responsibilities of a club?

Maintaining an active Board of Directors/Management Team
- Non-profit clubs should have a board elected by the members at an annual meeting in accordance with its bylaws
Having an open membership (all non-profit clubs)
Following its bylaws/letters patent as per its incorporation status
Updating its information with the government and Ontario Cycling as changes in structure, directors, purpose occur
Reporting the club’s membership to OC as requested
Ensuring all members have sufficient OC membership (Community, Challenge, Compete or UCI) to participate in club activities (dependent on club activity)
Ensuring the club has adequate bylaws, policies and guidelines in place to help guide its governance.
Ensuring club members are aware of all policies and rules of the club and follow these rules
Ensuring members are aware of the OC member insurance program and its benefit to members, as well as other relevant OC programs, events or member related items
Providing a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for members at both social activities, rides and club member events.
Ensuring that ALL coaches, club personnel, chaperones and volunteers dealing with youth adhere to the guidelines set out by Rowan’s Law, Safe Sport and the Responsible Coaching Movement.

Benefits of Registering Your Club with Ontario Cycling

Want to be part of a thriving province of cycling clubs, events and enthusiasts? OC Member Club Registration may be for you and your organization. Some of the many benefits include:

Exposure

Listing an OC Website Club Directory

Registered clubs and teams will have a public profile listed on the OC website along with a link to its website.

Club/Team Acknowledgement on Memberships and Results

Registered clubs and teams will be listed on OC memberships and in results for OC sanctioned events.

Ability to Have Own Custom Jerseys

Clubs & Teams will be able to have their own custom jersey worn during activities and OC sanctioned events (subject to OC approval). Multiple jerseys are eligible but not in the same category at sanctioned events.

Jerseys cannot mirror the Team Ontario or Provincial Champion cycling jersey

Ability to Host Club Try-Out Opportunities for Non-Members

OC registered clubs are able to organize FREE Club Try-out opportunities for individuals looking to try-out the Club on a specific pre-scheduled day prior to joining. Clubs can also offer the opportunity to purchase an OC Club Day Pass for recreational activities outside the Club Try-out program, thus allowing non-members the chance to experience the club before joining for the season.

Insurance Protection

Access to OC General Liability Insurance Coverage for Registered Club/Team Activities

Registered clubs, teams and members have access to the OC’s General Liability insurance program during OC sanctioned activities and events. Challenge, Compete and UCI members also receive additional core Sport Accident medical benefits coverage as well. (Optional for Community members)

Access to Preferred Rates on Directors & Officers Insurance Coverage

Clubs will have the ability to purchase Directors & Officers Insurance Coverage from the OC’s insurance provider Gallagher Insurance at a preferred rate.

Development Opportunities, Knowledge Sharing

Access to Exclusive OC Affiliated Club & Team Webinar Opportunities

Throughout the season, clubs and teams will have access to numerous OC organized education webinar opportunities that may benefit their organization or group.

Access to OC Ride Leader Training and Coaching Courses

OC registered clubs receive to OC organized Ride Leader Training, Coaching courses and Commissaire courses.

Voting Rights at the OC Annual Meeting

OC registered clubs with a minimum of five OC Members are eligible for one vote on behalf of the Club at the OC Annual Meeting.

Access to OC Staff for questions related to your Club/Team

Monday to Friday access to OC staff to help you with any questions or concerns you have regarding activities, insurance, policies, coaching, events, etc.

Member Benefits

OC Member Access to Discounts with OC Member Benefit Partners

All OC Members receive access to preferred member pricing and discounts with any of the OC’s Member Benefit Partners.

Access to Cycling Canada’s Charitable Donation Program (Non-Profit Clubs)

Registered OC non-profit clubs (incorporated non-profit) are eligible to apply for Cycling Canada’s charitable donation program, allowing those who donate $20+ to the club to receive a charitable tax receipt.