- Why are we doing this?
The BikeOklahoma board has been considering merging with the Oklahoma Bicycle Summit for several years as their missions are very similar. Both are state-wide bicycle organizations promoting safe bicycling in Oklahoma through education; progressive laws and policies; and more bicycling infrastructure or at least more bicycle friendly infrastructure. Both organizations have worked closely over the years to host the Bike Summit and other educational events.
BikeOklahoma also realizes that membership fees are not enough to meet our goals. We need additional funding through donations and grants. BikeOklahoma is a tax exempt 501c4. We don’t pay federal or state taxes on our very small annual income, but with this exemption we are also not eligible to receive many private and government grants. The Oklahoma Bicycle Summit is a 501c3 corporation and therefore can receive both grants and tax exempt donations.
It makes sense to bring the two organizations together.
- What other options did we consider?
We consulted with a non-profit lawyer and considered two other options. One, to dissolve OBC and create an all new corporation with a 501c3 tax exempt status. The cost in time and money would be significantly more.
Or two, request through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) a conversion of OBC’s 501c4 tax exempt status to a 501c3. The IRS would question why we want the change, and if our mission had changed significantly to warrant it.
- What will the new organization be called?
For tax exemption purposes the corporation’s name will remain the Oklahoma Bicycle Summit. However, BikeOklahoma will become the registered trademark name. All business, correspondence, public relations, and fundraising will be under the BikeOklahoma name.
- How does this affect my membership?
Your membership will be transferred to the new organization at no cost. However, Oklahoma Bike Summit is not a membership organization, so you will no longer be able to vote on organizational Bylaws, Board of Director members, or Board officers, the three benefits provided under the Coalition Bylaws. Voting participation by OBC members has been about 1% for the past 5 years or more. Members will be encouraged to become Summit board members or sit on committees of their interests. The new BikeOklahoma board will be considering new benefits as well to encourage membership.
- How does this affect me having the BikeOklahoma specialty license plate?
The BikeOklahoma specialty license plate will remain the same as before. If you’re a member of BikeOklahoma the specialty plate will be available to you. You will receive the same email receipt showing that you are a BikeOklahoma member. You will use it as proof of membership at your local tag agency.
- How soon will the change occur?
once the membership vote takes place, the Secretary of State accepts the dissolution request, our financial accounts are settled, and remaining funds are transferred to the Oklahoma Bicycle Summit, the new board will then activate the new organization. Hopefully, this will all occur by November 1, 2025.
- How will this effect the Coalitions’s ability to advocate with local. state, and the federal government? This change will have no effect on educating public officials and elected officers regarding bicycling safety issues. Our expenditures are currently well below the threshold for lobbying officials. All work has been done by volunteers in the past. If we were to hire a lobbyist, or our cost grew considerably, there would be additional paperwork required. This will not occur in the foreseeable future.