Projects
Where does the money go?
We on occasion receive queries from cyclists as to ‘where the money goes’ and how PPA makes and spends its income. The following was included in the Chairman’s Report at the most recent Annual General Meeting. Please also see the Projects, Events and Members links in this section.
On the income front, PPA is fortunate in that our membership base has continued to grow over the past few years. While membership fees cover many of the actual running costs of the Association, the profits we receive from the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust (in which we have a 50% share) assist us to do all the ‘extras’ and to put money back into various cycling projects. In the past year, we received some R12.5m in applications for project funding, of which some R1.8m was approved by the sub-committee in the 2009-2010 financial year. Amongst others, the sub-committee looks at the long-term sustainability of the project and to what extent the project fits in with the PPA constitution when deciding on which applications to support. Projects accepted for the 2009-2010 financial year were reported on at last year’s AGM, and later at this AGM you’ll find information about upcoming projects.
Another big expense for PPA is assisting events on the PPA calendar. Although all income (sponsorship and entry fees) from events go to the various event organisers and not to PPA, PPA additionally support events through paying for electronic timing, marketing, and supplies event numbers, seeding, equipment and logistical support. More about this in the funride report.
During the year, PPA initiated a project to determine the feasibility of establishing comprehensive cycling infrastructure at Princess Vlei in the southern suburbs, amongst others through creating MTB trails, a bike park, upgraded BMX track and MTB trails. At this stage the feasibility of such a project is looking a bit on the dark side, but we are continuing with our research, after which a decision will be taken to erect the new facilities or not. We are, however, thrilled with another new initiative, spearheaded by one of our committee members, to create a continuous off-road cycling track from Cape Point to Cape Town. More about this in the MTB portfolio report.
In a cost-saving exercise, PPA announced in February this year that we are “going green” and will print a reduced number of calendars; instead making the information available online to our members. Thank you to our members for the positive response we have had in this regard.
For the past year, the ExCo has started looking at ways in which to improve our offering to our members. We are currently exploring several other new membership benefits – some specific to off-road cycling; others generic in nature, and we hope to be the bringers of more good deals for our members in the very near future.
Incidentally, we were thrilled when over 2600 members completed our recent survey. We thank you for taking the time to do so, and especially for the valuable feedback you provided in the “open” questions. We are taking the constructive criticisms to heart and the incoming ExCo will be working through those in a session to set strategy and the way forward for the next term.
Safety remains a big issue, notably the provision of bicycle lanes. To this end, PPA has gratefully accepted an offer from one of its members with an interest in this field, to continually monitor road applications to the City of Cape Town. We also continue to attend Non-Motorised Forum and other meetings and workshops.
You’ll also notice under the Project Funding and Development Cycling feedback for the AGM that PPA is, wherever possible, facilitating ‘safe cycling’ workshops to schools, development initiatives and more.
Steve Hayward
Chairman
PPA Annual General Meeting 2010
