- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Fwd: Velocity Bicycle Mechanic Training Program
by Bayley Vanderpoel 28 Aug '13

28 Aug '13

Hello all, I'm one of the regular volunteers at The Velocity Bicycle Cooperative in Alexandria, Virginia. I'm reaching out on behalf of our Coop to see what kind of training programs other bicycle coops may have available to share. We're evaluating all training program options so anything you have to get us started would be really beneficial. Thank you! Bayley Velocity Bicycle Coop 2111 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria http://velocitycoop.org/ ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Bayley Vanderpoel <bayley.vanderpoel(a)velocitycoop.org> Date: Fri, Aug 23, 2013 at 9:18 AM Subject: Velocity Bicycle Mechanic Training Program To: John Patterson <john.patterson(a)velocitycoop.org> John, I think one of Velocity's challenges with volunteer recruitment & retention is keeping the beginners engaged and feeling productive, particularly when things are slow in the shop. I often see beginner volunteers standing around uncertain of what to do without significant amounts of supervision. I think that even more would-be volunteers are interested in volunteering but they're discouraged with their lack of a maintenance skills. I'd like to propose organizing a bicycle mechanic training program, the main objectives being to keep volunteers engaged & self sufficient, ensuring a well rounded education, and useful support of our activities. It would be great if this program could be checklist & guidebook focused and not instructor led so the burden wouldn't fall so heavy on any current volunteers. Perhaps there's many levels of bicycle mechanic and you have to complete a checklist of activities to get to the next level. i.e., each level getting more complex then the last. I think a program like this would be particularly beneficial in the winter when volunteers will have plenty of time for bike builds. If you're interested in an idea like this, is it ok if I reach out to the ThinkTank distribution list and ask what sort of training programs are already out there that we could potentially evaluate adopting, or would you prefer someone from the board to email them? If you're ok with me asking on behalf of Velocity, then I'll follow up with you to show you what I've found and what I think can be beneficial for helping recruit, educate, and retain volunteers. Bayley

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Vancouver bike mechanics try to change industry bad attitudes
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 21 Aug '13

21 Aug '13

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Vancouver bike mechanics try to change industry bad attitudes
by director 21 Aug '13

21 Aug '13

Interesting article about customer service in bike shops. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2013/08/08/bc-bike-mec… -- 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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point of sale software?
by Rick Nonnekes 17 Aug '13

17 Aug '13

Cycle Transitions, a small do-it-yourself bike shop in Cobourg, Ontario has been in existence for a year now and we're happy to say that it's been a great success (25+ volunteers, 80+ members, a busy shop, high school students doing community service hours, and ~$7000 income from sales, memberships and donations!) We feel we're ready to take another step in our development - a real cash system including cash box and point of sale software. We'd like to know what other shops are using and how you integrate this with your accounting. Please let us know what's working for you. thanks! Rick Nonnekes manager, Cycle Transitions

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Liability Waiver Samples
by director 16 Aug '13

16 Aug '13

Hey All, We're going to start using a liability waiver. I'm looking for examples to model ours after. Please send yours to the list and/or post on the wiki. Thanks! -- 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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Re: [TheThinkTank] Fire at Bike Farm in PDX
by Judith Feist 15 Aug '13

15 Aug '13

The shop where I work we have a metal tin for soiled rags. Also, the print/art studio where I used to work used plastic bins through out the studio for chemical/oil soiled rags...don't just throw them away in the trash can with other garbage...be careful with any material that is soiled with grease or oil... Judith Sent from my Windows Phone ------------------------------ From: wormsign(a)gmail.com Sent: 8/15/2013 5:33 PM To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Fire at Bike Farm in PDX http://bikeportland.org/2013/08/15/opening-day-fire-causes-serious-damage-a… Watch your rags Enzo Loconte Board Secretary Bikerowave

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Fire at Bike Farm in PDX
by wormsign＠gmail.com 15 Aug '13

15 Aug '13

http://bikeportland.org/2013/08/15/opening-day-fire-causes-serious-damage-a… Watch your rags Enzo Loconte Board Secretary Bikerowave

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Shop Coordinator Position Opening at the Recyclery in Chicago!
by Darren Knox 14 Aug '13

14 Aug '13

The Recyclery Collective is looking for a very experienced (2yrs plus) mechanic to run our used bike reconditioning operation and manage our storage and shop facilities. Experience working on all eras of bicycles and ordering parts for a small shop is a must! Experience working with bike collectives and community mindset is a plus! Full job posting here: http://www.therecyclery.org/index.php/job/ E-mail resumes to darren(a)therecyclery.org or info(a)therecyclery.org -- Volunteer Coordinator, Shop Coordinator www.therecyclery.org 7628 N. Paulina ▪ Chicago, IL 60626 ▪ 773.262.5900 *The Recyclery Collective seeks to build community through the restoration of donated and discarded bicycles.* Donate <http://www.therecyclery.org/donate> or volunteer!<http://www.therecyclery.org/volunteer>

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Fwd: Question from a non-profit program in Western Massachusetts
by Jon Sher 08 Aug '13

08 Aug '13

Marcia. Is looking for a community bike shop in Western MA. Does anyone know of any Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: > From: Info <info(a)worcesterearnabike.org> > Date: August 8, 2013, 11:27:24 AM EDT > To: jonathansher(a)charter.net > Subject: Fwd: Question from a non-profit program in Western Massachusetts > > > > Sent from my iPad > > Begin forwarded message: > >> From: Marcia Eagleson <MEagleson(a)valleyopp.com> >> Date: August 8, 2013, 8:54:28 AM EDT >> To: Info <info(a)worcesterearnabike.org> >> Cc: "worcesterearnabikebod(a)lists.riseup.net" <worcesterearnabikebod(a)lists.riseup.net> >> Subject: RE: Question from a non-profit program in Western Massachusetts >> >> Hello, >> >> I was wondering if you had heard anything from any of your colleagues to see if there were any similar programs here in Springfield. >> >> I look forward to hearing from you soon. >> >> Regards, >> Marcia >> >> From: Info [info(a)worcesterearnabike.org] >> Sent: Thursday, August 01, 2013 9:35 AM >> To: Marcia Eagleson >> Cc: worcesterearnabikebod(a)lists.riseup.net >> Subject: Re: Question from a non-profit program in Western Massachusetts >> >> I will ask our shop managers if there are any programs like ours in yourvarea >> >> Sent from my iPad >> >> On Aug 1, 2013, at 9:33 AM, Marcia Eagleson <MEagleson(a)valleyopp.com> wrote: >> >>> Hello, >>> >>> I work for a non-profit program helping people to improves their lives through providing GED prep courses, ESL classes, Citizenship classes, and through helping clients find meaningful employment. >>> >>> We are working on a summer grant position and one population we serve are clients currently receiving housing aid (that will soon be pulled) and the cliens are attending our summer classes to find better employment and perhaps even schooling. >>> >>> I have one client, a single mom, who was looking for a bike and would really benefit from any cheap inexpensive bike programs here in Western Massachusetts. I thought there was a free or cheap bike program but out here in Springfield I can't seem to find any information on this.........is there such a program, and if so, can you forward this information on to me so I can share it with her? >>> >>> I work in Chicopee MA but live and Holyoke MA and know there is a program in Holyoke somewhere but my client lives in Springfield. >>> I look forward to hearing from you soon. >>> >>> Thanks, >>> Marcia >>> >>> Marcia Eagleson >>> Education and Career Advisor >>> Valley Opportunity Council

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Revolve Community Bike Shop needs a Shop Mgr
by Elizabeth Bejan 06 Aug '13

06 Aug '13

The Revolve Community Bike Shops in the Greater Kansas City area needs a Shop Manger. Please see this link on our website: http://revolvekc.org/2013/08/06/revolve-needs-shop-manager/ -- reuse, reduce, recycle, Revolve! Elizabeth Bejan, MSW Executive Director, Revolve 816-835-3310 (cell) www.facebook.com/RevolveKC.org www.revolvekc.org Revolve acts on the belief that the bicycle is the simple solution for healthy lifestyles, and affordable, earth-friendly transportation. We get Kansas City cycling!

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