SBC 2009 Survey Results

Springfield Bicycle Club 2009 Survey Results

Prepared by Naomi Greene
Survey Work and Tabulations – Naomi and Kevin Greene
Summary Analysis and Report – Tom Clark, Naomi and Kevin Greene

The SBC conducted a survey of its members in April. There were 216 surveys mailed out, 112 were returned, representing a return of more than 51 percent. The rate of return itself is phenomenal, given that mailed surveys usually have a much lower rate of return. Kudos to all of you who took the time to respond!

The goal of the survey was to collect general information about you, your interests and preferences. The Board will use this information in planning future activities.

Here is a summary of those surveys. For a detailed look at the responses, including comments, please go to the club’s web site.

[Complete results are here; a sample survey is here.]

In viewing the responses, please note that the numbers reflect percentages of those responding to the specific question. Here is a sample of the responses.

56% of respondents are individual members, compared to 43% who hold family memberships.
More than 43% have been members over 10 years; about 40 % have been members between two to 10 years.
66% ride for fitness and health reasons; 46% for social interaction.
36 ranked "interest in riding with others" as their reason for joining SBC; "scheduled rides" was second in being ranked as the #1 reason for joining.
47% ride 75 to 150 miles per week; 29% ride less than 75 miles.
43% ride at 12 – 15 mph; 25% ride 15-17 mph; 21% ride 17 – 20 mph.
35% "rarely" ride with the club; 24% ride an average of 1 – 2 times per week.
30% chose "ride doesn’t fit my schedule" as the biggest reason they don’t ride more often with the club; 43% provided specific comments for why they don’t participate on club rides.
As to what would encourage respondents to ride more often, 18% chose "more rides targeting certain skills" and 18% selected "new member rides open to all but targeting new members." These last two items may be considered as similar, and if combined, the response percentage jumps to 36% who would like to see rides "targeting" specific levels. 17% like a social activity linked to rides. 23% would like to see more weekend rides.
A total 52 of those responding chose "printed newsletter" as their preferred notification method for rides. The next preference receiving the most votes was "email" with 26.
A combined total of 63% "strongly agreed" and "agreed" to a preference for rides with designated ride leaders. 30% were "neutral."
50.5% "strongly agreed" and "agreed" that current election voting is adequate as is; 37% were "neutral."

Written comments were grouped where there were commonalities. Some of the more salient comments included the following:

17 cited living out of town or being busy with family as reasons they infrequently ride with the club. 6 cited not knowing anybody and feeling like an outsider as reasons. "I tried to participate three times, but never felt welcomed" or felt there was a "cliquishness in club"
14 stated that they thought SBC was doing a good job overall.
9 individuals stated liking the newsletter as it is with another 8 indicating they would like to see more articles such as ride reports and profiles of members.
4 individuals would like to see less emphasis on mileage and competition.
4 individuals stated a preference for personal miles, while 5 were opposed.
4 indicated they would volunteer for club events if "I was asked."

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