April 2012 - TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

New Cargo Bike Network
by Jan VanderTuin 26 Apr '12

26 Apr '12

April 26, 2012 Hello Cargo Bike Enthusiasts, We are currently reaching out to other people in the bike world to increase awareness of the Human Powered Network <https://catoregon.org/?page_id=534> (HPN). Our aim in contacting you is to reach someone in your community who is interested in being a part of an intensive Apprenticeship Program <http://hpm.catoregon.org/?page_id=329>.This program focuses on preparing individuals to create their own local, bicycle-based business/social enterprise. Based on Human Powered Machines (HPM <http://hpm.catoregon.org/>) 20 years of experience with cargo bike design and philosophy, the Network seeks to create an association of fabricators who will build a strong, decentralized alternative to the standard, centralized non-local production of bikes. Our dream? To have many smaller scale frame builders cooperating and acting as an entity that is comparable to a large bike manufacturer. A diverse group of apprentices has been through the program in the last three years. The HPN is designed to give them support that will come in many forms. At the outset, the Tiered Kit System <http://hpm.catoregon.org/?page_id=553> (TKS) will enable them to kick-start their new initiative. The TKSis a process whereby HPN associates may order to sell any of HPM's product line, built to varying levels of completion. When they have developed their own fabrication facilities capable of building complete bikes they will have the right to the designs (think open source hardware). Please print the attached PDF and freely distribute the information on the Apprenticeship Program to anyone in your community who may be interested. For the Network Jan VanderTuin Derek Thomas

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Community Cycles is hiring a shop manager in Boulder Colorado
by Rich 25 Apr '12

25 Apr '12

http://communitycycles.org/component/content/article/49-events/507-shop-man… *Position Title: Community Bike Shop Manager * *Responsibility Statement * The Community Cycles Shop Manager oversees the day-to-day logistics and quality control of the community bike shop. The position is responsible for volunteer, customer and client management, retail sales and inventory. *Reports To*: Executive Director *Essential Functions* *Shop Operations* * Manage, train and develop team of facilitators (high level volunteers). * Support the EAB program with bikes and other shop resources * Along with volunteers, ensure the shop is maintained in a clean, safe manner at all times. * Ensure adequate coverage of all shop positions and shifts to ensure consistent service throughout stated shop hours. * Recruit and help train dedicated volunteers as shop leads and front desk volunteers. * Oversee initial store construction and ongoing maintenance of retail space * Ensure completion and quality of work done; ensure that all phone calls, requests, and questions are addressed properly and in a timely manner. *Administration* * Maintain, organize, and update office files and records. * File invoices, statements, timesheets, and fiscal reports in an organized fashion. * Maintain Operations Metrics Report. * Prepare and submit monthly reports and problems/suggestions to the Executive Director. * Implements procedures to protect the shop's assets. * Ensure retail space is stocked and in an organized, clean state at all times. * Ensure shop van is in running order at all times. *Retail* * Responsible for achieving Retail Sales and Gross Margin targets. * Conduct price surveys to keep price book and service menu up-to-date and maintain pricing inventory knowledge. * Responsible for Retail merchandising and marketing. * Ensure parts and materials are stocked at all times. * Work with Head Mechanic to place orders with vendors for both stock and special orders. * Develop and maintain strict inventory control; inventory to be taken once per quarter. * Ensure retail space is stocked and in an organized, clean state at all times. *Experience/Education* * Non-profit experience preferred * Minimum two years retail experience required * Minimum one year management experience preferred * Minimum one year formal supervision of staff and/or volunteers * Bike shop experience preferred * Experience with marketing and retail merchandising preferred * Current knowledge of a wide variety of bike types, accessories, tools, etc. *Supervision *Daily supervision of paid mechanics and other employees Daily supervision of clients, volunteers and interns *Knowledge, Skills, Abilities* * Advanced supervisory and management skills * Strong understanding of bike mechanics * Basic understanding of volunteer coordination * Proficiency in windows-based computer software programs * Solid oral and written communication skills. * Experience with budget tracking, cash handling and inventory control * Ability to plan, coordinate, and implement classes and workshops * English/Spanish bilingual preferred *Equipment* * Personal Computer * Cell Phone *Physical Effort Required* * Regular lifting of 50+ pounds * Ability to climb ladders and stairs. *Compensation *The Community Cycles bike shop manager is a full time position, compensation is $28K-$30K based on experience and qulifications. Benefits - Eco Pass, no other benefits, at this time. *TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION* If you would like to apply for this position please copy and paste your resume into the body of an email /and/ attach it as a pdf to an email to resume "at" communitycycles.org *Resumes will be accepted through April 29* -- Rich Points Community Cycles Executive Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019 (W) 303-589-0597 (C) CC is Boulder's only bike shop dedicated to bike commuting. Find us on FaceBook http://facebook.com/home.php#!/CommunityCycles Volunteer orientations are held 6p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of each month.

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Job Opening- People Power: Hiring New Executive Director- Apps due May 2nd
by Tawn Kennedy 24 Apr '12

24 Apr '12

Please help spread the word! People Power of Santa Cruz County Executive Director Position Announcement People Power Mission Statement We promote the use of bicycles, utility tricycles, bike-trailers, skateboards, walking, and other non-motorized transit. We are committed to helping government, citizens, and businesses overcome their dependence on the automobile. Our goal is to demonstrate that better alternatives to the car exist, while improving conditions for bicyclists in Santa Cruz County. Who We Are People Power is Santa Cruz County's advocate for human-powered transportation. We imagine a human-scale world and work to make it a reality through educational efforts, community outreach, and grassroots political lobbying. Our 300 members come from diverse backgrounds and have a variety of complementary concerns and issues: quieter neighborhoods, safer routes to schools, short- and long-distance bike lanes and paths, auto-free public space, smart public planning, and reduction of pollution, global warming, and wars over oil. These seemingly diverse concerns are all addressed by the movement towards human-powered transportation and away from fossil fuels. We started in 1991 as a response to the first oil war. Our founders, Jim and Jessica Denevan, organized several bike ride demonstrations including one from Santa Cruz to San Francisco. We developed a ten-year plan for the city and county of Santa Cruz. Since then, much of our vision has become reality, especially in Santa Cruz city including bikes on buses, bike lanes on major streets, contra-flow bike lanes on one-way bottlenecks, and bike parking. We are currently focused on county-wide issues and projects, particularly the rail trail between Davenport, Felton, and Watsonville, and the containment of a movement to widen Highway 1. Position Title: Executive Director Reports to: Steering Committee Desired Qualifications - Proven ability to lead an organization - Experience in fundraising, grant writing, and increasing and retaining group membership - Excellent written and verbal communication skills - Extensive knowledge of social movements - Ability to work collaboratively with others - Experience managing volunteers - Ability to work effectively with elected officials and public-sector employees - Commitment to using a bicycle for transportation while working - Knowledge of and experience with financial management, budgeting and reporting - Ability to use computer software, including Office suite, email, web browsers, messaging, and conferencing applications - Availability to work occasional nights and weekends Compensation $18-22/hour, 25-40 hours weekly. Hours and pay dependent on qualifications and ability to do successful fundraising. How to Apply: Applications must be received by May 2, 2012, 5:00 PM. Send the following items to director(a)peoplepowersc.org. No phone calls please. - Résumé - List of three professional references with contact information - A written description of why you wish to become a leader in the bicycle advocacy movement (minimum one page). Description of Duties and Responsibilities Management and Administration Financial - Work with the People Power bookkeeper to oversee the organization’s finances. - Make day-to-day financial decisions in consultation with bookkeeper, based on policies set by the Steering Committee. - Ensure sound financial planning, management, reporting and organizational accountability. Coordinate Volunteers - Recruit volunteers (including college interns) for People Power and for the bicycle movement as a whole. - Match volunteers with meaningful work for which they are qualified. - Cultivate and train leaders both within People Power and within the bicycle movement. - Support leaders in their work, subject to projects and campaigns being approved by the Steering Committee. Coordinate paid staff - Supervise 1 to 2 high school Interns with an emphasis on their education and personal development. - Supervise adult paid staff. - Supervise the Greenways to School program. - Coordinate hiring for all of the above positions. Working with the Steering Committee - Attend monthly Steering Committee meetings. - Recruit and screen Steering Committee members. - Work with the Chair of the Steering Committee to prepare for and coordinate monthly meetings. - Inform Steering Committee policy decisions regarding specific campaigns and general operations. - Make interim decisions (between Steering Meetings) as needed and in accordance with policy. Fundraising and Public Relations Fundraising - Increase revenue (including grants) to ensure funding for operations and the Executive Director position. - Recruit new members as an integral part of all other activities with the goal of adding 100 members annually. - Grow and support merchandise sales, valet parking, and other in-kind revenue sources. Public Relations - Act as a voice for People Power and for cyclists with the press and the public at large. Membership - Coordinate the publication of the Update (with the Update editor), issue press releases, email action alerts, and announcements through social media including Facebook and Twitter. Update website content. - Work with membership coordinator on member retention efforts. - Coordinate volunteers serving at events. Advocacy - Coordinate campaigns for specific projects, including maintaining relationships with, and directly lobbying, elected officials. - Coordinate endorsements of candidates for elected office and ballot measures and propositions. - Maintain and improve relationships with relevant staff members and partners (Friends of the Rail Trail, Santa Cruz County Cycling Club, etc.). - Do research on policy and process related to campaigns. Events - Create and/or collaborate with other groups to organize and publicize events that support People Power’s mission. --- Tawn Kennedy Director, Green Ways to School A project of People Power The Hub for Sustainable Transportation greenways(a)peoplepowersc.org www.greenways2school.org (831) 425 0667 Cell: 428-5109

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Re: [TheThinkTank] No suggested donation
by troy neiman 23 Apr '12

23 Apr '12

At BICAS in Tucson we have a set hourly rate of $4 per hour for shop rental (or $12 per day) it divides up well with our work-trade wage of $8 per hour. As many people do work-trade for shop time we generate a very small amount of money from shop rental but it does cover consumable expenses for the shop and keeps it affordable for all. I have often thought about moving to sliding scale system say $4-$20 per hour or something but it seems like a real hassle to explain to people all day long and we dont want people to feel bad if they only can pay the minimum amount. Its really important to keep our prices low and affordable for our users but Its also true that we many times undercharge for a very valuable service to those that could afford to kick down more. Lets say you help someone fix something on their bike that no other bike shop would touch for under $100. It only takes an hour, so for us we would say $4. I find if I tell them the the price is $4 for shop rent then they will most likely pay $4. If I instead just say "well it took us just under an hour, if you want you can just put something in the donation bin"...I find its usually worth $10-20 to that person. On the other hand a majority of our users are spending 2 hours fixing a huffy and in that case the hourly suggested rate seems to be fair and works well. On that same subject, We have started taking note when selling small used parts as well. We will get people coming in for a hand full of nuts/bolts/washers, etc. I used to always suggest a dollar or some change. Now I just say "toss something in the donation bin" and I have found for those that can afford it will almost always leave at least $5+. Also, I many times let people choose there own price by asking "what it worth to you" on small items that we may usually only ask a dollar for its usually worth $2-5 to them. For these kinds of situations and like your situation of pumping up tires I totally agree with your volunteer. If you ask for an amount you will always get it but rarely more. If you dont ask for a specific amount you will often be surprised that the service has a much hire value to most. I think it really only works consistently on these smaller items that you dont mind giving away for free. Once you start letting people chose from nicer parts or spending a whole day in the shop it can be be a real bummer to find they dont find the service as valuable as you do. Anyway, Our system of more or less set prices on tool use and used parts works pretty well but being flexible to ask for donations in a situation that does not pressure the donor usually ends up good for both parties. A couple of $ here and few there adds up at the end of the year. ----- Original Message ----- From: Paul Nagel Sent: 04/13/12 08:41 AM To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org Subject: [TheThinkTank] No suggested donation At our volunteer meeting last night, someone shared an anecdote where a group offering to pump up people's bike tires raised far more money when they asked only that people pay what they thought the service was worth, rather than asking for $1 per pumping (this was something he heard in a business class of some sort). This volunteer went on to suggest we not post our current $5 suggested donation per hour for DIY repair, but rather use language along the lines of "donate what you think the service is worth". This is in a context where, even on a busier day, with about 12 visitors, we usually receive less than $60, even though many of those people will stay for two hours or more. Also, being more firm about payment is not of interest to us. As with most of you, we serve a wide variety of people. I can see "donate what you think the service is worth" being fine for people of even modest income, but I'm concerned about how that concept can be communicated without causing bad feelings in people who can't pay what they think the service is worth. In the past, when we were just getting started, we advertised our services as being "free", but accepted donations. That is somewhat different from the idea presented here, as "free" implies people need not/ought not to pay. Does anyone here have experience with having no suggested donation? If so, have you utilized both methods in a similar context, and how did the income compare? Also, how did you word your pricing policy? Thank you, Paul

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Information needed
by Neil Walker 22 Apr '12

22 Apr '12

I am looking for any information or article that show the effect that Cycling has on the global economy Neil Walker Bicycle Education League Certified Instructor #2935 678.200.2182 Join today to support Atlanta's voice for better biking. www.atlantabike.org Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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POW! $22 is getting Doubled right now = Bikes + Women + Minorities + Delivery Cyclists
by Helen Ho 22 Apr '12

22 Apr '12

Hi Think Tank! Please support our efforts as a super heartfelt and organized group of go-getters to engage women, minority and delivery cyclists moving forward today. <https://ioby.org/project/pow-biking-public-project> Like right now. A group of friends and I have started a groundbreaking new project. It started out as the Minority Bike Coalition and just this week we decided on an official name for the group. We are now *POW!* which stands for *People On Wheels*. We aim to engage non-traditional groups in the world of cycling advocacy which include women, minorities and delivery guys. Please support our 1st funding effort on ioby <https://ioby.org/project/pow-biking-public-project> as we launch into our pilot along the Roosevelt Ave in Queens, NY. The goal is NOT to assume we know what's best, but to find out what the neighborhood thinks about its streets and find out what would make life better on Roosevelt Ave. The plan is to start in Queens, replicate our efforts in East NY, Brooklyn, share what we learn with our friends and advocates from around the USA at the National Bike Summit in 2013 and encourage both local and national action! We notice that there is often a lot of discussion about diversity but not a ton of action. Also minorities, women, immigrants, and delivery cyclists convene in different forums than MAMILs (Middle Aged Men In Lycra). POW! <https://ioby.org/project/pow-biking-public-project> wants to share the best practices and lessons learned from our work in order to replicate on a national level. POW! began as a little idea at the 2nd National Youth Bike Summit this past winter. The Youth Bike Summit was started because of an inspiration from the 2012 National Bike Summit. So we hope to come full circle and share what we learn with everyone soon. There is a StoryTelling component in here as well as we plan on doing public photo essay display of cyclists in the target area. Please support our project on ioby<https://ioby.org/project/pow-biking-public-project>! *On SUNDAY, April 22nd all donations made up to $22 are DOUBLED for one day. That's right, free money for do-gooders! *So please set your alarms on Sunday and start Earth Day out right by showing solidarity with the silent cyclist. Our hardy and well-meaning POW! core group has been and will continue to donate our blood*, sweat, tears, urban planning, and advocacy experience to this project. But we need just a few measly things to get going. Help us now. We've been really honored, humbled and dazzled by the initial outpour of support! In our first 2 days of life, POW! <https://ioby.org/project/pow-biking-public-project>has gotten encouragement and support from awesome folks at Recycle-A-Bicycle, the National Youth Bike Summit, the DOT, Streetsblog, Transportation Alternatives, Boogie Down Rides, Local Spokes, Velo City, Film Biz Recycling and Built It Green! The west coast and Northhampton, Mass have been donating to the project and cheering us on too. We even got a news mention! Here it is again! Remember,* please donate this Sunday, April 22nd !! All Donations Doubled up to $22!* *https://ioby.org/project/pow-biking-public-project*<https://ioby.org/project/pow-biking-public-project> We were just born on Facebook and Twitter too! You can comment about what cute newborns and like, befriend us here: https://www.facebook.com/POWPeopleOnWheels https://twitter.com/#!/POW_bike In solidarity, Helen *No blood or tears have actually been shed yet. It is actually a really awesome, friendly, good looking, and productive group of do-gooders here. If you'd like to find out more or join us, you can contact me at helenshirley(a)gmail.com. -- Helen is trying to change the face of bicycling advocacy. Please donate to her ioby project! POW! pow!<https://ioby.org/project/pow-biking-public-project> FB <https://www.facebook.com/POWPeopleOnWheels> @POW_bike

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Liability Insurance/Ontario, Canada
by Eric Montgomery 19 Apr '12

19 Apr '12

www.brockvillebikeministry.com is looking for insurance here in ontario, canada. Pease visit our site. What we are trying to do is provide our youth of Brockville, Ontario, Canada with a donated, powder coated used bicycle that they assemble themselves. We instruct and work with the youth for one week in the summer to build their own bike, which includes Police services coming in at the end of the week to provide, rules of the road and to licence each youths bike. The youth leaves with a licenced bike that they assembled, complete with front/back lights, reflectors, bell and a chain and lock, new helmet. This is completely free due to donations and a federal grant to any youth between ten and twenty years old in brockville and area. We have a unfirm quote of Five thousand dollars just for liability only. Please ask any questions as we have church space available to accomidate eight ten youth and volunteer helpers for each week during this coming summer. Eric Montgomery Kelly Potvin Brockville Bike Ministry Brockville, Ontario, Canada

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clean up!
by Angel York 17 Apr '12

17 Apr '12

The L.A. Bike Kitchen invented this song (and said I could share it with y'all) and the Bikerowave introduced me to it and passed it along. I would love to see a video to go with this song.

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bike!bike! registration underway
by allison karow 12 Apr '12

12 Apr '12

Hi everyone! Some of you have already registered, hooray! If you are coming to bike!bike! this year in Vancouver, please register ASAP so we can start workshopping with the workshop leaders to strategize our strategies for strategic workshops. woooo! http://www.bikebike.org/register-2/ sunny

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Job opening: Shop Manager, The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign
by Phil Graff 12 Apr '12

12 Apr '12

The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign is hiring! For more information and application instructions, go to http://www.thebikeproject.org/manager-job-2012/. We're taking applications through April 20. Thanks! Phil Graff Volunteer, The Bike Project The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign Campus Shop Manager Position Description Date Posted: April 4, 2012 Position: Shop Manager Organization: The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign Start Date: May 14 – July 1, 2012 negotiable (earlier preferred) Duration: One year (renewable annually) Location: Champaign-Urbana, IL The Shop Manager will oversee operations and volunteers in a teaching, do-it-yourself bicycle repair shop. This position includes outreach and expansion of organizational presence on a University campus and in the surrounding community. This position exists to provide training, guidance and technical support in all areas pertaining to the operation of the shop. The Shop Manager will organize volunteers to implement daily operation of the bike shop; coordinate shop business operations and volunteer staff; take responsibility for maintaining inventory, equipment and supplies. The position is located at the Campus Bike Project (one of The Bike Project’s two locations) which is located on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign (www.thebikeproject.org) offers space, tools, and community to repair bikes, share knowledge, hold classes, and advocate for bikes in Urbana-Champaign. As an organization, we collaborate with community sustainability organizations, bike shops, and bicycle advocates to promote bicycle education including mechanical proficiency, commuter safety, and environmental awareness. The Shop Manager will play a vital role in nurturing these connections as well as acting as a liaison with various departments of the University of Illinois. Minimum Qualifications 1. Bachelor’s degree or higher 2. One full year experience working at least half time in a managerial or leadership role of a business, non-profit, non-governmental organization, cooperative or equivalent 3. Passion for bikes and bicycling as transportation Salary and Benefits: A total fund of $39,500/year will be used to pay salary and to purchase any benefits independently if needed (for example: $35,000 for salary, $4,500 to purchase benefits). Employee will also receive unlimited access to city transit network with University ID card.

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