TheThinkTank July 2010

thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org

47 participants
26 discussions

user fees/membership
by Sarah Follett (B!KE) 19 Jul '10

19 Jul '10

We at B!KE have been grappling with the question of how to structure payment for our drop-in shop hours. This is our main program and therefore our most consistent income generator. Currently we have a $20 annual membership fee, which is great because it's (reasonably) accessible for most, but less great because it's rather inadequate as far as covering our expenses (we have about 100+ new & renewed memberships each year- not going to cover the bills), and is probably too little to ask for from those who use the shop frequently or those in higher income brackets. We've discussed two-tiered membership fees (regular and un/ underemployed) or workstand rental time. It's really important to us that the use of the space is not out of reach to anyone, but we're also reluctant to have an overt volunteer-as-payment system because we don't yet have the infrastructure for that, and frankly, we do need the cash. I was checking the google docs spreadsheet to see if it listed different organizations solutions to this, but I don't think this is up there yet. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions? Sarah Follett Director, B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop 400 Wolfe St Peterborough, Ontario (705) 748-6681 http://www.communitybikeshop.org

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piles of tires
by chris turner 19 Jul '10

19 Jul '10

Hey, gang. At Off the Chain, in Anchorage, we have piles and piles of used tires. We can't use all of them, are tired of paying to store them, and don't want to throw so much rubber into a landfill. What are other shops doing with all of their extra, un-useable tires? -Chris Off the Chain www.offthechainak.org

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Mobile shops
by Jonathan Morrison 17 Jul '10

17 Jul '10

Does anyone have a proven working (not conceptual) mobile shop operation? We are going to be partnering with a local college, and while we have done this in the past, I was looking for some creative ideas on others have made it work. Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Executive Director Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective 2312 S. West Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84115 w: 801-328-2453 c: 801-688-0183 f: 801-466-3856 www.slcbikecollective.org The mission of the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective is to promote cycling as an effective and sustainable form of transportation and as a cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier, and safer society. The Bicycle Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on children and lower income households.

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Hiring FT, temporary shop mechanic at Bike Works Seattle
by Steve Maluk 14 Jul '10

14 Jul '10

Bike Shop Mechanic -- Full-Time, Temporary, Non-Exempt Bike Works, Seattle, WA Bike Works is hiring an experienced full-time, temporary bike shop mechanic to start September 16, 2010 and work until May 15, 2011. Bike Works is a non-profit bike education and advocacy organization based in the Columbia City neighborhood of Seattle. We're committed to building sustainable communities by educating youth and promoting bicycling as a means of accessible transportation. Bike Works provides a full-service community bike shop where we sell donated, refurbished bikes, and new and used bike parts and accessories. This Shop Mechanic position works in the community bike shop to diagnose and repair customer bikes, refurbish recycled bikes, and provide outstanding customer service. The Shop Mechanic reports to the Shop Manager, and will work closely with the shop's Lead Mechanic. We're looking for at least two years of experience as a bike shop mechanic, as well as someone who can work effectively in a team-oriented and systems-based work environment. Lastly, we're seeking someone who can thrive in a fast-paced retail setting. Job Duties 1. Perform bicycle repair, maintenance, and walk-in services on customer bicycles of all types and conditions. 2. Recondition/overhaul used bicycles of all types and conditions for resale. 3. Deliver professional, accessible, and helpful customer service to a diverse customer base. 4. Support daily bike shop operations. Other Required Qualifications 1. Prior experience with retail Point of Sale systems. 2. Ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities and deadlines. 3. Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills. 4. Ability to work well independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team; and work well with diverse styles and personalities. 5. Strong commitment to promoting bicycling, supporting youth and to advancing social change. Compensation $12.00 per hour, full-time, non-exempt. How to Apply Please visit our website at www.bikeworks.org for more information about Bike Works. Email your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to steve(a)bikeworks.org. No phone calls please. Position is open until filled; applications received by August 1 will receive priority consideration. -- Steve Maluk Shop Manager Bike Works 3709 S. Ferdinand St. Seattle, WA 98118 206-725-9408 ext. 3 http://www.bikeworks.org

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Bike!Bike! Registration update
by Ainsley Naylor 07 Jul '10

07 Jul '10

Hi thinktankers. Don't worry, Toronto is still standing after the G20, though some of us are battered and bruised. We are indeed still looking forward to hosting our own [awesome, radical, subversive!] conference in the city. As of yesterday we are getting into Bike!Bike! organizing full-force. The following email was sent out to everyone who has registered so far, but I figured a lot of you are still putting it off. So here is a bit of info to entice you to get on over to the website and register. The website will also have a bunch of stuff updated over the next few days. Thanks! Ainsley. ------- Hello all! you are receiving this email because you have registered to attend Bike!Bike! 2010 in Toronto this coming August, or because we wished to invite you to attend. We are now trying to set up housing, bike lending, volunteers, and workshop schedules, with the hope of being able to communicate important information to you 1-2 weeks before the beginning of the conference (August 12th). If your plans have changed in any logistical way - i.e. if you do not intend to attend Bike!Bike! or if you will be here earlier/later, if you do/not need a bike or housing, please send us an email and let us know. We want to be prepared to facilitate everyone’s needs as best as we can. Also, if your shop is sending more than one representative (it is more fun in groups!), then let us know and we can add this to your profile, and try to match you up with housing. Please ensure that you are prepared and have proper documentation if you are crossing the border. If you are crossing the border by bicycle be sure to look into which crossings you can access. For reference, here is what the basic schedule is looking like. There will most likely be 4 workshops each session (1.5 hour period) for about 35 total. a few workshop will span two sessions (3 hours) where it is deemed appropriate. We know what the evening events will be but want to keep them secret for now ;) Basic Schedule Outline: Thursday: 12-6pm registration 4-7pm special shop hours for Bike!Bike! bike fix-ups 7-10pm ride and casual welcome dinner for those who have arrived. Friday: breakfast 8:30-9:30 Workshops 9:45-1:00 Lunch 1:00-2:00 Workshops 2:15-5:30 Event (tba) 8pm-12am Saturday breakfast 8:30-9:30 Workshops 9:45-1:00 Lunch 1:00-2:00 Workshops 2:15-5:30 (may end earlier for special event) Event (tba) 10pm-2am Sunday breakfast 8:30-9:30 workshop/final brainstorm 9:45-11:30 Closing meeting, Bike!Bike! 2011 discussion 11:45-1:30 goodbyes 2pm onward The conference will be occurring in two downtown neighbourhoods - at Bloor and Lansdowne where Bike Pirates and the Free Gallery are located, and at the central U of T campus where we will utilise a large green space, cooking facilities, a cafe, and the Bike Chain workshop. There will be a bike bus taking folks from one neighbourhood to the other between sessions, as well as signs at the 2 major intersections along the route, so as to minimize confusion or navigational stress. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at bikebike2010(a)gmail.com and please continue to register and suggest workshop topics. Looking forward to seeing everyone and showing you around our city. Thanks!

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First Generation Bike Fleet Management Software?
by Rich Points 07 Jul '10

07 Jul '10

Hey All, Anyone out there have a first generation bike sharing software to manage the fleet? We're looking for something at Community Cycles. Any leads are appreciated -- Rich Points Community Cycles Executive Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019 (W) 303-589-0597 (C) Donate your old car to Community Cycles http://communitycycles.org/get-involved/donatecar.html Volunteer orientations held 6p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of each month.

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TheThinkTank July 2010