May 2015 - TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

THE LIST
by Joshua Hoffman 27 May '15

27 May '15

Hello, I've put together a Facebook list of all the community bike shops who's pages I could find. 133 in total from around the world. This list is constantly turning up amazing stories and new insights (lots of job opportunities as well). https://www.facebook.com/lists/792013340883812 Please let me know if I need to add other shops.

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locks for kids
by breathingplanet . 26 May '15

26 May '15

what do people use as inexpensive but useful locks to give to kids? we have done lengths of chain and a medium padlock for about $5 cost. not sure if we can do better than that, but wondering. thanks! Andrew Troy Bike Rescue -- ------__o ----_`\<,_ ---(_)/ (_) andrew lynn 518-573-7947

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Bike Touring Workshop
by AMS Bike Co-op 26 May '15

26 May '15

Hey everyone, We're putting on a workshop on Bike Touring and was wondering if anyone out there had put on similar workshops and would be willing to share resources/advice? Cheers! Kristina -- *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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Interbike 2015
by Joergen Trepp 26 May '15

26 May '15

Hi All! Interbike's way, way around the corner, September 14th-18th with the Outdoor Demo the two days before. As you probably know, the industry's dog-and-pony show is a great environment for Collectives to meet retailers and shop owners and let them know about all the great ways to get involved with what we do on a local and national level. Last year we didn't get a ticket confirmation until the LAST MINUTE, which was annoying, so I wanted to reach out to the network early this year with two things. 1. Would you like to go and get a (free) ticket through us? 2. What resources should we bring to bear and share with the cycling industry? *1. If you'd like to go, sign up on this sheet <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mcqVNpCdwITiXhBM5RORTaklCbTnj2BZgSr…> and fill out the relevant tabs. *So if you're needing a hotel room, put yourself down in one of the slots, we aim to put 4-6 people in each room to keep 'em cheap. If you're looking to carpool, put down your arrival/departure details and room in your vehicle, if applicable. Going to Interbike with us comes with responsibility: Firstly, everyone attending has to sign up for two shifts at the Bicycle Collective Network booth (*third tab below*), where we'll be representing the Bicycle Collective and the Alliance for Walking and Biking. Secondly, we will not tolerate conduct that doesn't represent us favorably to the rest of the bicycling industry. Being inconsiderate of an exhibitor's time, heckling for swag or deals from people you haven't developed a relationship with or who haven't clearly offered that sort of thing, or generally behaving like a child will earn you a boot from the show. We're not willing to jeopardize the reputation of the Bicycle Collective Network. Barring major conflicts, we'd also like to do a night out for Collective folks on Tuesday night, the night before the show, where we would briefly go over our responsibilities formally and then just kick back, catch up across the city, state, and national lines between our different shops. *Sign up:* https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mcqVNpCdwITiXhBM5RORTaklCbTnj2BZgSr… *2. How should we represent the Bike Collective Network? * In years past, the question we're most asked at the booth is "Who's the local collective in our neck of the woods?" To answer this question, we have a print-out of the organizations listed on the Bicycle Collectives Wiki: http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Community_Bicycle_Organ… Is this the most current and representative list? Or is there a more current resource out there, like the organizations tab on bikecollectives.org? http://www.bikecollectives.org/#organizations What else would allow us to better connect the industry to our needs and interests this year? For example, for the Salt Lake/Ogden/Provo Shop I'm always looking for (utility) tube sealant donors and companies that make solid tubes. When I find out a company has a distributor in a given area, I try to get their blemished/overstock/recall items donated to local collectives. Beyond that, let me know if there's anything else we should try and tout! And I'll send a followup out later when tickets are secured. Joergen Trepp Director of Operations Bicycle Collective Work // 801.328.2453 Mobile // 231.392.3403 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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Insurance for bike collective
by Abby Easterly 25 May '15

25 May '15

Does anyone have advice on whether we need and how to acquire insurance for a fledgling bike collective in Manchester, NH? We are lucky to have free space and a fiscal agent, but we are not yet formally organized and are wondering about insurance. Please advise! Thank you, Abby

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Strategic Planning
by Marissa Pherson 21 May '15

21 May '15

Hi Think Tankers, Has anyone done a Strategic Plan, and do you have advice on the process or the result? Our organization is working to get started on that process and looking for examples and advice. Thanks! Marissa Pherson Columbus Bike Co-op Columbus, IN

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Bike Works Seattle is hiring
by Steve Maluk 21 May '15

21 May '15

Hello! Bike Works Seattle has three positions posted... Bike Works is hiring a Development Coordinator! *Role Overview: * The Bike Works Development Coordinator aids the Development Director in sustainable fundraising efforts through donor communications, strategy development, gift entry and acknowledgment, donor research and relationship building, data analysis and information management, and creating supporting materials to achieve the agency’s annual and long-range development and fundraising goals. This position reports directly to the Development Director. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong organizational, time management, fundraising and writing skills, excellent attention to detail, computer skills (fundraising database experience preferred), and enthusiasm for working as part of a team. *Essential Job Functions:* - Work with Development Director to seek and cultivate contributions from individuals and companies, including prospect research, cultivation, building reports and budgets, and developing sponsorship and grant materials and proposals. - Process incoming donations, including preparing acknowledgement letters, donor listings, and other donor recognition activities. - Drafting high-quality written materials for funders, including grant proposals, letters, reports, mailings, and acknowledgements required to support ongoing fundraising activities - Participate in event planning and implementation, including RSVPs, securing venues and event services, coordinating invitations and attendance, securing donations for events and sponsorship for events, tracking costs and revenue, providing post event evaluation, and developing procedures for future event planning - Manage donor and email databases and files to ensure accurate donor records - Support accounting activities such as receiving and copying checks, making weekly deposits, and matching up accounting and donor records Manage donor and email databases to ensure accurate donor records. - Coordinate Bike Works email newsletter, mailing appeals, and other donor communication and cultivation - Manage Bike Works’ website and web presence, including web site, Twitter, Facebook and the Bike Works Blog. - Manage administrative volunteers. - Coordinate all aspects of the administrative systems and facilities operations within the office, including maintaining an organized work environment, purchasing office equipment and supplies, and responding to general requests for information. - Maintain phone and voicemail systems, including answering phones when available. - Oversee information systems, including website, computer networks, and other major office communications systems. - Work in partnership with Development Director, Executive Director, Board of Directors, other staff, and Key Stakeholders to contribute to the organization’s vision, participate in organization-wide programs, and help create a sustainable organizational culture. *Qualifications & Experience: * Required: - Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience - 2 years professional work experience; nonprofit experience desirable. - Familiarity with fundraising strategies - Excellent verbal communication skills and strong writing and editing capabilities - Excellent attention to detail - Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while staying organized - Advanced skills with Microsoft Office and Windows environment; proficiency in relational databases or willingness and ability to learn new programs easily - Ability to work well independently with minimal supervision and also as part of a team - Willingness to work outside of office hours on occasion to support events - Discretion in handling confidential material. - Strong commitment to promoting bicycling, supporting youth and to advancing social change - Sense of humor Preferred: - Prior development or nonprofit experience and familiarity with fundraising strategies - Familiarity with donor databases, Vertical Response, Excel and Adobe Creative Suite - Experience with event logistics, planning, and management. - Some experience with volunteer management and public relations a plus. *Compensation: * Salary range $31,000-$33,000 DOE plus benefits including medical, dental, vacation, sick leave, and flexible work schedule/environment. *How to Apply: * Email your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to *jobs(a)bikeworks.org <jobs(a)bikeworks.org> *with subject line Development Coordinator*. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. *Position open until filled; *applications received by May 27 will receive priority consideration*. *People of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Bike Works is an Equal Opportunity and queer-friendly employer.* Bike Works is hiring 2 positions in the Recycle &Reuse Department: Bike Mechanic and Recycling Coordinator Bike Mechanic and Recycling Assistant Bike Works, the Seattle bike education and community-focused non-profit, is hiring for 2 positions in the Recycle & Reuse Department: a full-time (40 hrs/wk) Bike Mechanic and Recycling Coordinator, and a part-time (24 hrs/wk) Bike Mechanic and Recycling Assistant . *Position Summary:* Both of these positions provide primary support to the Recycle & Reuse Department in the, procuring, processing, and tracking of all donated bikes, parts, and accessories for Bike Works as well as refurbishing used bicycles of all styles and conditions for resale in our Community Bike Shop. These positions also provide customer service in the Bike Works Warehouse. Employee Classification: Full-time, non-exempt and Part-Time, non-exempt Reports to: Recycle & Reuse Director Primary Responsibilities: Primary Recycle & Reuse Dept. Duties 1. Recondition / overhaul used bicycles of all types and conditions for resale • Assess bicycles for damage and wear; determine a course of action for repairs based on parts availability/cost • Deliver fully-functional, safe, clean and affordable refurbished bicycles that set our customers up for success 2. Assist in donation receiving and check-in process and daily warehouse operations • Assess and sort donated bikes and parts • Fill out inventory tags for incoming bikes and log bikes into Bike Inventory database • Assist in unloading, sorting and documenting bicycles from large donation sources • Deliver professional, accessible, and helpful customer service to a diverse customer base 3. Assist in solicitation and procurement of in-kind donations of bikes and bike parts • Based on organizational needs, work with Recycle & Reuse Director to solicit in-kind donations • Based on needs and donation pick-up criteria, perform donation pick-ups • Assist in generating ideas for improvement in procurement of in-kind donations 4. Supervise Volunteers • Train and orient volunteers to warehouse space • Help find tasks for volunteers that fit skill-level and encourage growth as a mechanic • Check all volunteer labor 5. Support daily Bike Shop operations • Assist in transporting bicycle donations from the Shop to the Warehouse • Assist in maintaining a clean and organized work environment in the warehouse, shop, and other shared spaces • Represent Bike Works to the neighborhood & act as a resource for the community • Articulate the organization’s mission and operations (both shop and programs) to our community • Maintain a welcoming, accessible, and respectful environment for all customers and youth in the warehouse and shop • When needed, support bike shop with professional customer service and quality bike repair 6. Participate in agency-wide events, meetings and staff development processes • Attend staff-wide and departmental meetings and trainings as scheduled • Attend our Annual Fundraising Auction and participate in other fundraising initiatives *Required Qualifications and Desired Skills* • Knowledge of bike mechanics is required; mechanical experience in bike shop is preferred • Strong foundation of knowledge of bicycles, bike parts, accessories, and apparel is required; • Ability to work professionally and efficiently in a fast-paced environment, required • Retail experience with strong customer service and communication skills • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, required • Proficiency with technology including point of sale software, online ordering platforms, Microsoft Office applications, social media, and databases preferred • Hard-working, optimistic and enthusiastic demeanor • Ability to work well independently, as well as a collaboratively. • Valid WA State Driver’s license (and clean driving record) preferred • Experience with, and understanding of, the diverse communities that Bike Works serves • Commitment to environmental stewardship, social justice, and youth development. • Passion for the mission and goals of Bike Works *Job Location & Schedule* • Typical hours for this position are 10am to 6pm, or 9am-5pm, and will include weekends. This job is based in our warehouse and classroom building at 3715 S Hudson St., Seattle, WA 98118. Occasional evening events will be required. *Compensation* • $14.00 — $15.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications, paid hourly *How To Apply* To apply for either position, please submit a resume and cover letter, including names, email addresses and phone numbers of three professional references to danny(a)bikeworks.org. Applications received by June 2nd, 2015 will receive priority consideration. *Conditions of Employment* Bike Works is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse and talented staff. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, Bike Works does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or marital status. Candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Steve Maluk Shop & Operations Director Bike Works <http://www.bikeworks.org> 3709 S Ferdinand St. Seattle, WA 98118 206-725-8867

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 104, Issue 6
by Josh Goran 20 May '15

20 May '15

> > I'd love to hear the rationale for phasing out membership. Do share! > Marissa Pherson Marissa, At least for us, Membership has offered access to shop tools and workstands (after completing our Shop Class series), loaner bikes and parts, 15% off new parts, and free access to our Traffic Skills riding class. More details here! <http://ohiocitycycles.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21&I…> As part of our currently underway, grant-funded strategic planning process, we've decided to suspend and likely phase out the loaner bike/parts system, and prior to that, we made the decision to make access to our shop and tools public, since we were ALWAYS making exceptions to the 'members only' rule to allow people to work on their own bike with our tools. With regard to shop use, our working policy that will be revamped over the next couple months is that we allow people to check out tools and a stand for $5/hour and we assess fees if they need specific assistance, such as $5 to show a shop user how to install a derailleur. The snafu comes when someone thinks they don't need help but then they do, since we have a finite capacity to assist people with everything else going on. We're currently encouraging appointments during lower traffic times for 'assisted shop use' and otherwise operating on a first-come, first-served basis. We may end up restricting shop use hours in one way or another as we're currently understaffed and don't derive much income from shop use. Regarding the income derived from membership, ours was always fairly low - maybe 2% of our operating budget based on my memory. We're instead planning to shift towards a 'donor level' system. I personally like Bike Depot's system here <http://www.thebikedepot.org/index.php/support/memberships>, though they refer to theirs as membership levels and have 'members only' benefits that we plan to forego, instead encouraging people to give what they can at some predetermined levels, or at their own level, but illustrating at least a theoretical connection between the amount someone contributes and what that amount can support in the context of our programming. Our current board tends to feel strongly that there is an element of exclusivity in our current arrangement that we want to get away from, including potentially changing our name, but that's another story... :) Hope this helps! *----------Joshua GoranAdministrator, Ohio City Bicycle Co-op* 1840 Columbus Rd Cleveland, Ohio 44113 216 830 2667 OhioCityCycles.org <http://ohiocitycycles.org/> On Mon, May 18, 2015 at 4:15 PM, < thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> wrote: > Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to > thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > thethinktank-owner(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Rental Reservation Systems (Ron Kellis) > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Ron Kellis <ron.kellis(a)velocitycoop.org> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Cc: > Date: Mon, 18 May 2015 12:04:00 -0400 > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Rental Reservation Systems > Our parts go one of two places: > High end go in a displace case. Priced by the more knowledgeable. Not me, > I'm not a bike builder and have no idea. > Everything else goes in simply wood bins made from upside down pre-cut > stair treads. $5 for what ever. And that's sometimes negotiable. > Used tubes go in marked boxes. As tubes are $5, most used (though often as > good as new) never get taken. I use them in fix-a-flat classes. matched to > a patron's bike if possible and it's theirs if they want it. > > R > > On Sat, May 16, 2015 at 3:08 PM, Marissa Pherson <marissapherson(a)gmail.com > > wrote: > >> I'd love to hear the rationale for phasing out membership. Do share! >> >> Marissa Pherson >> >> On Fri, May 15, 2015 at 3:29 PM, Josh Goran <josh(a)ohiocitycycles.org> >> wrote: >> >>> We currently have paper release forms which include time out and time >>> returned, but we schedule using a Google calendar and a Google form for >>> sizing information for our "Performance Rentals." We're scaling back our >>> rental program, though, and I would not be surprised if we phase it out or >>> dramatically simplify it. >>> >>> We've historically loaned out bikes for free to members, but we're >>> phasing out membership and I'll be happy to see the end of people borrowing >>> bikes and returning them late/beat up/etc and not doing their share to >>> re-tune them. Also, it will probably mean that we'll sell/let volunteers >>> earn at least some of our coveted rental bikes, and they'll then get used >>> all the time rather than a few times a year. >>> >>> Relatedly, we are phasing out our parts library, as well, which often >>> had similar results: underutilized except for well-meaning but problematic >>> users who kept things out too long or needed to be reminded to return >>> something. >>> >>> I mainly share these details because I think it is important in the >>> early stages of your organization to keep things simple - we're currently >>> in the process of intensely scaling back and simplifying policies and >>> programs that have been in existence for a decade and it takes a lot of >>> work to eliminate work - being more deliberate and analytical early on >>> would have things much simpler and more efficient now :) >>> >>> *More details if you want:* >>> Library >>> <http://ohiocitycycles.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=113-…> >>> Rentals >>> <http://ohiocitycycles.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15&I…> >>> Performance Rental form <http://goo.gl/forms/cKTKgNJmr1> >>> >>> >>> >>> *----------Joshua GoranAdministrator, Ohio City Bicycle Co-op* >>> 1840 Columbus Rd >>> Cleveland, Ohio 44113 >>> 216 830 2667 >>> OhioCityCycles.org <http://ohiocitycycles.org/> >>> >>> >>> >>> ____________________________________ >>> >>> The ThinkTank mailing List >>> <a href=" >>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o…">Unsubscribe >>> from this list</a> >>> >>> >>> >> >> ____________________________________ >> >> The ThinkTank mailing List >> <a href=" >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o…">Unsubscribe >> from this list</a> >> >> >> > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > >

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Rental Reservation Systems
by Josh Goran 18 May '15

18 May '15

We currently have paper release forms which include time out and time returned, but we schedule using a Google calendar and a Google form for sizing information for our "Performance Rentals." We're scaling back our rental program, though, and I would not be surprised if we phase it out or dramatically simplify it. We've historically loaned out bikes for free to members, but we're phasing out membership and I'll be happy to see the end of people borrowing bikes and returning them late/beat up/etc and not doing their share to re-tune them. Also, it will probably mean that we'll sell/let volunteers earn at least some of our coveted rental bikes, and they'll then get used all the time rather than a few times a year. Relatedly, we are phasing out our parts library, as well, which often had similar results: underutilized except for well-meaning but problematic users who kept things out too long or needed to be reminded to return something. I mainly share these details because I think it is important in the early stages of your organization to keep things simple - we're currently in the process of intensely scaling back and simplifying policies and programs that have been in existence for a decade and it takes a lot of work to eliminate work - being more deliberate and analytical early on would have things much simpler and more efficient now :) *More details if you want:* Library <http://ohiocitycycles.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=113-…> Rentals <http://ohiocitycycles.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15&I…> Performance Rental form <http://goo.gl/forms/cKTKgNJmr1> *----------Joshua GoranAdministrator, Ohio City Bicycle Co-op* 1840 Columbus Rd Cleveland, Ohio 44113 216 830 2667 OhioCityCycles.org <http://ohiocitycycles.org/>

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Rental Reservation Systems
by La Bikery 13 May '15

13 May '15

Hello! We're a bike co-op in Moncton, Canada, and are just getting our very first rental bikes into place, and are wondering if anyone has an online booking or reservation system that they absolutely adore? We're a little stuck on where to start, and we only have 10 bikes and a couple of employees, so we don't want to end up paying more than we make. Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks, Mallory

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