December 2014 - TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Webhosting/domains
by Bike City 24 Mar '25

24 Mar '25

Well, I recently threw together some hand-written HTML and slapped it onto a free (and ad-less) webhost. This seemed great at first, regardless of the weird URL. But after lots of other publicity and potential traffic, I've seen it get hacked twice (by a radical Islamic group after the whole host, nothing personal), and lately it's either painfully slow to load or completely down. So, I haven't done this for about a decade and I'm out of the loop. I'm really not willing to suffer any ads, but since our budgeted is obcenely limited for such fluff, does anyone have recommendations? Are there any more reliable ad-free free hosts? (Probably not, for obvious reasons.) Otherwise, how do you guys handle web hosting? How much does it cost? What's a good balance between reliable and affordable? How much is domain registration nowadays? We don't have our 501(c)(3) status yet so we won't get a deal until later this year, by the way. Anyway, please help. It's rough to find time to FTP an update and find the site's down. Thanks, andrea Bike City Recyclery of Fayetteville, Arkansas http://bikecity.uuuq.com/ (hahaha)

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Reusable Repair Checklist Tag
by director 02 May '23

02 May '23

Hey All, We just spent some time and redid the tag we use to track repairs on a bike. I'm sure your shops are similar to ours in that many mechanics of varying skill levels will work on a single bike before it's distributed back to the world for use. This make it challenging to ensure a standard of quality on any given bike leaving the shop. As we fleshed out the tag we realized that it could function loosely as a curriculum. For most mechanics, especially students we suggest starting at the top and working down the list. I've come to realize that no two mechanics will do things in the exact same way, everyone has their own style. We've been suggesting that folks do the first two items in order and then address the rest of the repairs at their discretion. Of course we couldn't put everything on a half page so we had to make compromises. You'll notice as you get closer to the bottom of the tag the categories are a little more broad and don't get into the finer details. We're working on a final check list that will include finer details like checking bearing play, tire wear, fine tune derailleurs and brakes... The final checklist won't hang on the bike but it'll be around the shop and part of our training. Stay tuned for this. We print these double sided, cut them in half and laminate them. We hang them on the handlebars and fill them out with a Sharpie. When the bike is done and gone we clean the Sharpie off with 90% rubbing alcohol and a rag. This allows us to use one tag over and over and over. We've been using these tags for about 2 weeks now and it's been awesome. Communication between mechanics is much clearer and bikes are getting done faster. It's really helped orient Earn-A-Bike students to what needs to be done next on their bike. Anyway if you think it's a good idea feel free to adapt it to your shops needs. -- Ride On! Rich Points http://communitycycles.org Executive Director (c)303-589-0597 (w)720-565-6019 Community Cycles is Boulder's only bike shop dedicated to bike commuting. Find us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/CommunityCycles

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no boys allowed zine from bikebike?
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 27 Sep '18

27 Sep '18

hey all, i'm looking to get in touch with the person who wrote/published the "no boys allowed" zine which was passed out at bikebike in san francisco. it was part of one of the oppression and gender identity issues workshops. we're looking to start a women's night here at community cycles, and i'd like to scan my copy as a pdf and email it to potential volunteers, as well as make some copies to have in the shop... if you're on the list, or if you know the person who wrote it (her name escapes me), please get in touch with me off list... thanks! josh. community cycles boulder

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Instruction for Marginalized Communities: Women on Wheels and Multilingual Nights
by Lauren Warbeck 26 Feb '16

26 Feb '16

Oh HEYYYY again... It's a double email kinda day. 1) Multilingual Nights We're hosting our first ever multilingual nights YAYYYYY! We now have a posse of rad mechanics who are fluent in English, Spanish, French, Cantonese, and Mandarin and we are planning to hold a series of multilingual instruction nights. We're about to have our first sub-committee meeting about how we're going to go about the planning of these nights (ie: Do we have a strictly Spanish night, or a Spanish & French night? What is the role of Anglo mechanics in these nights? What are the underlying needs of these communities beyond language instruction?), but first I wanted to find out if any of you have feedback or resource materials about your own experiences hosting multilingual nights. What did you set out to do? Did it work? What did you learn? 2) Women on Wheels We're in the process of reconsidering the reach and name of our women's night, Women on Wheels. This name has been revisited several times by our collective, and again we're feeling the need for change. Those of you who commit energy to thinking about providing services across the gender/sexuality spectrum...I'm looking for your input. The key challenges for us, (and maybe all of us?) I think, are two-fold: First, it's about holding space for those who adhere to identity politics (tangible and named - Woman, Lesbian, Dyke, sometimes Transwoman etc) while also holding space for folks who exist all along the gender and sexuality spectrum (intangible and variably named - Queer, Tomboi, sometimes Transwoman, Genderqueer, etc ). As in, how do we hold safer space for butch grandmas and trans women and gender queer folks all at once? Is it feasible or possible to hold safer space strictly around gender variance? Or is it presumptuous as fuck to try to lump these diverse communities together? Or reductionist to assume gender experience is the key connecting factor between these individuals (and not race, or class, or ....)? Second, it's about negotiating the instances of inclusion and exclusion that emerge as a result of differing levels of awareness and knowledge around these varied philosophies and ways of identifying. This is the crux of why we've called it Women's Night for so long. While in practice our "women's night" is attended by trans-women, cis-women, femmes, masculine-identified genderqueers, tombois, etc etc, we have continued to call it women's night to make sure that people who aren't familiar with the world of post-modern gender identity know they are welcome, and cis-men know easily and clearly that it is not for them. I guess, to make it legible to mainstream communities, while still welcoming to non-mainstream communities. Meanwhile, we've also had interest from femme-identified cis-men and trans men in having services for masculine-presenting folks or folks who are presumed masculine (which again, is on a really broad spectrum). We're in convo with folks about their needs and wants, but it would also be great to have input from other shops. Where I'm really seeking is input about how your shops are drawing the lines around participation in nights for marginalized communities (including communities bonded around race, ethnicity, ability, etc) and/or how to meld diverse communities in appropriate and supportive ways. I know that Plan B has Ladies, Trans, and Sissies Night, and BICAS has Women, Trans, and Femme night. Where are folks at with their organizing process around this? What are other shops doing? You are all so great. Lauren

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members and sign up database software
by Jesse Cooper 23 Sep '15

23 Sep '15

Hey Folks! So at Our Community Bikes in Vancouver, we're thinking it's time to set up a proper sign in / sign out system, combined with a membership and volunteer database. Ideally we would like to know what software is out there that can track people coming in and using our space, a simple laptop or desktop kiosk where folks can type in info, and it would enter our database. Also to serve as a database that members can register into, and again wherein volunteers can sign up, and log their hours, and tasks accomplished. sooo.. any ideas? Jesse Cooper

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today: selfie for a good cause
by Falls City Community BikeWorks Community BikeWorks 12 Dec '14

12 Dec '14

Hi everyone, A donor has offered to donate $10 for every selfie that is taken by a bike commuter in front of their place of work, tagged, and shared to social media. This is for today only, a one-time thing. I hope you don't mind that I share this here, but we would love to have your participation!! Here's the event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/321406801397480/ If you join the fun, please let us know where you're posting from. Best! Bella Isabella Christensen & John Krueger (FCCBikeWorks) 502-558-3157 / 859-221-5329 https://www.facebook.com/FCCBikeworks http://bicyclingforlouisville.org/#fccb

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Examples Of Your Public Advocacy Campaigns
by Sam Haraldson 11 Dec '14

11 Dec '14

Hello ThinkTank'ers, In order to broaden our efforts in education and advocacy efforts I am soliciting for examples of the types of campaigns you've been successful (and unsuccessful) with as well as the message you were trying to drive home. Keep it short, keep it simple, or if you want to wax poetic I'm happy to read a lengthy treatise as well. 1. Campaign type (e-mail, workshop, radio/tv PSA, poster, tradeshow booth, et al) 2. What was the message you were trying to convey (safe riding techniques, helmet use, bike lights, share the road, etc) 3. Was a measurable goal in the message/campaign's success defined and if so how was it measured? 4. What city, state, country are you from? Thanks, Sam Full disclosure: I am requesting this information not on behalf of our Bike Kitchen but rather our city Bike Board of which I am also a member. -- http://bozemanbikekitchen.org

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Full Cycle in Minneapolis is hiring a Shop Manager
by Crystal Brinkman 08 Dec '14

08 Dec '14

Full Cycle is a non-profit bike shop in Minneapolis with a mission for creating opportunities for youth 16-23 struggling with homelessness. We are in need of an experienced Shop Manager that has a passion for making a difference in the world. There is a lot to learn about our shop, parent agency, and programs, and you can do that here: fullcyclebikeshop.org The job posting is here: http://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/job-details?id=90463http://www.minnesota… Please don't hesitate to call or email Matt Tennant, Director, with any questions or concerns: 612.718.7521 tennantm(a)puc-mn.org Please spread the word!!

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Hiring! Director, Ogden Bicycle Collective
by David Eyer Davis 08 Dec '14

08 Dec '14

Hi All, We're pleased to announce we're hiring a director for our second-largest location, the Ogden Bicycle Collective. We've had a successful Collective in Ogden, UT, since 2005, and are putting the final touches on a rigorous year-long renovation of our newly purchased building in the area. With the right applicant, we are confident that this year we can expand our shop from a volunteer-run community bike shop to follow in the model of our flagship in Salt Lake City. Applicants unfamiliar with the Utah Bicycle Collective model should know we are a very successful six-location Collective with a central non-profit body operated out of the Salt Lake shop. The non-profit hub coordinates granting, non-profit, distributor, and insurance issues and allows each branch to grow autonomously. As such, the Ogden director would be responsible for maintaining the self-sufficiency of the branch, including budgeting to allow for their own salary after the first year. Applicants unfamiliar with Ogden should consider that it is a thriving small town that's rapidly becoming an outdoor destination. Cost of living is cheap and quality of life is high, you can MTB to trailheads and take the train into SLC in 30 minutes. Check out <https://outdoorindustry.org/images/ore_casestudies/oia-casestudy-ogdenutah.…> this rah-rah report about it. Our mayor in Ogden bikes every day on a decked out Salsa Fargo looking like the Terminator. What I'm trying to say is the opportunity to scale a Collective location with support in a cool town is something I'd consider relocating for. So, apply! and spread the word! http://www.bicyclecollective.org/locations-a-hours/ogden/item/414-now-hirin… And give me a call if you have any questions. -- David Eyer Davis Executive Director Bicycle Collective w: 801-328-2453 www.bicyclecollective.org The mission of the 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 Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on children and lower income households.

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Denver
by Mark Friis 08 Dec '14

08 Dec '14

I have a friend in Denver looking for a co op. Anyone know of one? Mark Friis Executive Director Inland Empire Biking Alliance PO Box 9266 Redlands, CA 92375 909-800-4322

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Leasehold tax exemption with retail space?
by Chauncey Tudhope-Locklear 06 Dec '14

06 Dec '14

Hey Folks, This is Chauncey from The ReCyclery in Port Townsend, WA a 501(c3) non-profit cycling organization. We are operating on city property for free in exchange for the programs and outreach we do to get more individuals on bicycles. As a part of our work, we operate a retail space. The state has decided that we are not exempt from leasehold tax because we operate a retail space and they want to charge us 13% of the leased property's value per year. Let's just say, it's a lot of money in taxes if you consider the "potential" value of the space. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with this issue and whether or not you were able to come to a favorable decision that was reasonable for your organization's budget. Much appreciation! -- Sincerely, Chauncey Tudhope-Locklear (Chief Biking Officer) The ReCyclery 1925 Blaine St. STE #500 Port Townsend, WA 98368 360-643-0734 (personal cell) 360-643-1755 (shop) www.ptrecyclery.org "Pedal On!"

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What we do with 1500 kids bikes each year
by Geoff Heath 05 Dec '14

05 Dec '14

In short, we do this; https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0HJNUHA3wmIMnFLRjVWVk9hUFk/view So here in Winnipeg the community bike shops have had an agreement with the city landfill for the past 7 years where they put aside all the bicycles in the scrap metal area and we go out there once a month to sort/strip and harvest them. For 3 years we mostly scrapped the 1000s of 20" and under kids bikes that we didn't have the capacity to repair or store. Four years ago we came up with the idea for Cycle of Giving, a 24 hour kids bike building marathon. We invite volunteer mechanics from the city's 7 community bike shops, the for-profit shops, and anyone else who wants to come out to do a shift to spend between 6-24 hours building as many kids bikes (20" wheels or less) as they can. Last year we built 315 bikes in 24 hours and distributed them, free of charge, along with helmets and hand-made cards, to 14 different inner city youth service agencies. It's a fundraiser too, although we never seem to make much money (this year we got sponsors to make ends meet). But it's a damned good time with great bands (this year via the pedal powered sound system), amazing food, lots of glitter and eggnog and a whack of rad folks drinking too much coffee and slinging wrenches all night long. We always get great media too. The remaining kids bikes go to the bike repair vocational program for folks recovering from addictions in the local correctional facility. More details on that in some other email. Point is, annually we manage to turn those 1500 kids bikes in the landfill into 1000 working bikes for youth under 10 years of age. If anyone wants any other details on how we do this, shoot me a personal email, as I don't read my thinktank often enough. You can also see our website for some info; http://thewrench.ca/?page_id=1492 No sleep til Monday! -- Geoff Heath, Mechanical Director The Winnipeg Repair Education N' Cycling Hub 1057 Logan Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3E 3N8 www.TheWrench.ca

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Looking for suggestions for Made in USA bike lights
by Mary-Catherine Graziano 05 Dec '14

05 Dec '14

Hi all, We have a federal grant to support our bike safety gear outreach, BUT, they only allow you to purchase items that are made in America (which is laudable, but also surprisingly difficult). Does anyone know of any manufacturers? Thanks!! Mary Catherine Graziano Outreach and Education Manager Local Motion 1 Steele St., Burlington, VT 05401 phone: 802-861-2700 ext. 106 fax: 802-861-3096 www.localmotion.org <http://www.facebook.com/localmotionvt> <http://www.twitter.com/localmotionvt> <http://www.instagram.com/localmotionvermont> On Mon, Dec 1, 2014 at 9:56 PM, Mira Luna <mira(a)shareable.net> wrote: > http://www.shareable.net/blog/how-to-start-a-bike-kitchen > > > ____________________________________ > > The ThinkTank mailing List > <a href=" > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o…">Unsubscribe > from this list</a> > > >

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Looking for waiver releasing organizations/individuals from liability of injury incurred during Bike Safety drills
by waymond smith 04 Dec '14

04 Dec '14

Hello everyone, I'm a Bike Safety instructor for a youth organization in Chicago and I'm looking for a waiver that students and guardians will sign absolving the instructor(s) and the organization from any liabilities/claims for incidents/injuries that may occur during traffic training drills. Thank you *Waymond Smith*

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Paid Staff - Where to Begin
by Sam Haraldson 04 Dec '14

04 Dec '14

> > 3. Re: Paid Staff - Where to Begin (samuelchristianjensen(a)gmail.com) > 4. Re: Paid Staff - Where to Begin (Jonathan Morrison) > 8. Re: Paid Staff - Where to Begin (sheldon mains) > Thanks for taking the time to respond to my inquiry on the ThinkTank List everyone. We have considered a paid staffer to be an eventuality for some time now and with our funding hurdle less of an issue and volunteer coordination/open-hours more of an issue this is our next priority. A paid position, if done well, is one way to alleviate this. Bullet points from all responses (on and off list): - Clear and reasonable job description - Quantifiable goals - Keeping in mind this is not an end-all-be-all solution - Outline the first employee and consider the evolution to next, and next employee to follow - A "benevolent dictator" would be well-suited - Entrepreneurial and self-supporting - Bike knowledge is less important than people and networking knowledge Our board's past discussions have bounced back and forth between defining the role as "shop manager" or "executive director". Finding someone who is good at either would more than likely suit us well but finding someone who is good at both would probably mean they're not performing 100% at either defined job. I have collated all your responses along with others received off-list am taking this for discussion at our board meeting next week. I greatly appreciate your thoughts up to now and may reach out again in a week or two for follow up. Thanks, Sam -- http://bozemanbikekitchen.org

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Looking for a volunteer server admin
by Godwin ! 04 Dec '14

04 Dec '14

Hey folks, I'm looking for someone to help configure and maintain the bikebike.org server. I've been doing this so far but I could definitely use a hand, especially if anyone out there is more experienced than I am with Nginx and SSL. If you are interested or know someone who might be, please contact me off list, and feel free to share my email address with any interested parties. It's volunteer of course but I can offer to be a good reference for anyone trying to get into an IT position. Cheers!godwin

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Paid Staff - Where to Begin
by Sam Haraldson 03 Dec '14

03 Dec '14

I am soliciting the advice of fellow cooperatives who currently employ paid staffers. Our organization has grown enough in it's 10 year history that we are prepared to bring on a part time paid staffer for the summer and fall months of next year. If there is anyone who would feel comfortable chatting with me either via a series of emailed questions or over the phone I would greatly appreciate it. Our goals with a paid staffer are primarily to alleviate the task of some of the less enticing jobs from our volunteers, to set the stage for being open more hours, and to dedicate a resource to further develop fund-generating streams like eBay and Craigslist. Feel free to reply with general commentary to the list or contact me privately to speak directly. I am open to any and all advice or criticism as our organization explores this next big step. Thanks, Sam Bozeman Bike Kitchen (Montana, USA) -- http://bozemanbikekitchen.org

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Liability Insurance for Group Rides
by Phoenix Bikes 03 Dec '14

03 Dec '14

Hi all, We are looking to add more safety and structure to our Saturday youth bike rides and wanted to know what others are doing in terms of liability insurance to cover your rides off premises and any volunteer ride leaders. Thanks in advance for your input and suggestions, Meg Phoenix Bikes Arlington, VA

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Article on How to Start a Bike Kitchen
by Mira Luna 01 Dec '14

01 Dec '14

http://www.shareable.net/blog/how-to-start-a-bike-kitchen

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Job Posting: General Manager at the Bike Kitchen in Vancouver, BC
by AMS Bike Co-op 01 Dec '14

01 Dec '14

Hi everyone, We here at the Bike Co-op/Bike Kitchen are hiring a new General Manager. Feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions, and please share the posting with anyone you think might be a good fit! Thanks, andrea ____ The Bike Kitchen is a non-profit, full service, community bike shop located on the UBC campus. Together with the AMS Bike Coop, our mission is to support and expand the cycling mode share in the UBC area. We fill many different roles in the campus community and act as the hub of cycling activity in the area. During the day we offer repair services as well as repair instruction, and in the evenings we offer a range of educational programming on mechanics and riding skills. We specialize in refurbishing and selling used bicycles, and offer new and used parts/accessories for sale. More information about the organization can be found on our website http://bikecoop.ca/about/ The Bike Kitchen is seeking to fill the position of General Manager. The role of the Bike Kitchen Manager is an all-encompassing position and is the most senior role in the shop. The Manager is in charge of managing daily operations, as well as providing business direction. The Manager is also expected to be a proficient mechanic and repair bikes daily. The Manager reports to the Bike Co-op Board of Directors, who provide only broad direction. The Manager must keep the organization's mission in mind and oversee that the Bike Kitchen continues to act as an inclusive, positive space. The Manager must act as mechanic, staff manager, and business director. Duties and Responsibilities - Manage daily shop operations including sales and mechanics - Manage staff including hiring, training, scheduling, etc - Implement and expand on the business plan - Manage finances including cashout, weekly deposits, and payroll - Repair bikes for customers and do service writing - Act as primary contact for shop communications Qualifications - Must have experience or training in business management - 3+ years experience in the bike industry - Must have proficient bike mechanic skills - Must have experience managing staff - Must have an understanding of anti-oppressive values - Excellent organizational skills - Strong, professional communication and interpersonal skills Assets - Teaching experience - Knowledge of community bike shops - Knowledge of inventory and ordering - Knowledge of UBC departments and campus Salary: $38,000 - $42,000, plus benefits, commensurate on experience. Please email your resume and cover letter to info(a)thebikekitchen.com. We'll be doing interviews on a rolling basis starting in mid-December. All applications must be submitted by 6pm PST on January 4, 2015. The selected candidate will start work in mid-January 2015. -- *AMS Bike Co-op* University of British Columbia 6138 Student Union Blvd | Vancouver, BC | V6T 1Z1 604-822-2453 | bikecoop.ca | @ubcbike

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