- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Issues with poor kids and bikes...
by Jeff Potter 16 Jul '26

16 Jul '26

I’m hosting a weeklong bike camp for poor kids in a couple weeks. We have donated bikes that look mostly in good shape. After I send this email I’m pumping up all tires and beginning the checklist process. They’ll go home with these bikes if they don’t have a bike. The helmets took a few days to wrangle. I discovered thanks to a firefighter friend that children’s hospitals have an Injury Reduction unit that will give free helmets. I contacted our local one and they have helmets on hand. GREAT! (Otherwise, for funding has been fruitless even among my die-hard sources — mostly due to our late notice. HelmetsRus.net <http://helmetsrus.net/> and others are cheap ($7-15) but HRU has a 25 unit minimum. And ProRider looks to sell in cases of 30 or more.) Anyway, bike reality is a bit of a rabbit hole, as we all might know. How are poor kids set up for this? Hint: they’re not. A couple things occurred to me: If they don’t also have a good bike lock the bike will be gone after a day. Bikes are kept outside. Apartments have racks full of bikes and I suspect neighbor teens glean for anything not tied down. Who knows. They do get quickly stolen. These are cheap bikes but I’m not sure what level of lock is needed. So there’s that, locks. How well do kids lock things, though? There’s that, too. So maybe they end up with a couple-week experience? We’re in Michigan. Bikes are outside. After the first winter outside every kid bike is rusted to ruin. So there’s also that. But maybe there’s a fix? I note that these are basically NO-income families, not low. What chance do our kids have of getting a can of spray lube? Zero. In light of such realities, I wonder if there are hacks that no-cash people can use to keep bikes unstolen and functional despite rain/snow? Hmmm… It just occurred to me: store a whole bike each winter in a heavy-duty black plastic construction-grade trash bag of max size. ? Of course bags cost $ and are only available in quantity so might be $20 when only a couple are needed. Hmmm… Maybe our co-op could buy and distro those? We do an annual Xmas kids bike giveaway of 100 bikes. We never see the bikes or kids again. They leave w a helmet as well. But no lock. No trash bag. If they live near enough to us they can get air, lube or tube — but we just don’t see them again. Odd. I suppose word of our giveaway spreads farther than our immediate neighborhood, so the kids/bikes go adrift from any support. Basically we have no thru-process for our youth interaction. We have classes — that don’t include a bike. And free bikes — that don’t include a class. And no bike support except a helmet. Bikes need more. But bike stuff costs $ and is a challenge to both source and to have kids hang on to. Whew… Well at least this first experience can hopefully prime the pump for these kids getting ahold of a Freedom Machine that they can really use. All hacks appreciated! Jeff Potter

3 2

Managing Used Parts Retail
by Andrew Westphal 16 Jul '26

16 Jul '26

Hello everyone, I am looking for your insight on how to best manage the sale of used parts. Specifically, I would like your thoughts on the following: - Do you offer new items alongside used items, or do you partition the shopping experience in some way to differentiate between these items? - How much staff/volunteer support is available to customers shopping in the used parts area? - Please share any strategies that you employ to make used-parts shopping a positive experience for your customers, and manageable for your staff/volunteers. For further context, here's how we currently run used parts retail at Bikes Together in Denver, Colo. Layout: Used parts are stored in bins, boxes and small-parts trays, while used wheels hang from the ceiling. New-stock inventory (chain lube, pedals, grip tape, locks) is limited, and offered in a separate part of the shop. Both types of retail are available as self-service for customers. Pricing: Used parts are sold on a pay-what-you-can basis, with suggested donation rates by component type. Certain high-value parts are separated into a glass display case and stickered with specific prices. New-stock items are stickered with prices at market rates. Retail check-out runs through a single point-of-sale for new-stock and used parts. Shopping assistance: New-stock retail is generally supported by the staff who also support sale of refurb bikes and customer check-in to the service shop. Used parts retail is generally supported by staff and volunteers working in the DIY workshop. We struggle with managing the amount of staff time spent assisting used-parts shoppers; it can be time-consuming to educate the customer about what is compatible with their bike, and actually find that item in a bin. When available, volunteers are looped into that role. Unfortunately, some customers leave dissatisfied because they did not receive the assistance they required for used-part shopping. Some past resources I found in the ThinkTank archive: - Layout: shop space design advice (8 Jan 2009) <https://lists.bikecollectives.org/hyperkitty/list/thethinktank@lists.bikeco…>, with specific insights from SLC Bicycle Collective below: - We elevated our checkout area so it overlooks the entire shop. - We have tried to position everything so it stays "open" eliminating as many blind spots in the shop as possible. - We moved away from using large milk crates for parts to smaller parts bins, this means there are more bins, but it is easier to lift, and get to the parts on the bottom. This also meant the shelves are 1' deep instead of 3', so we gained 2' of the shop back. - Anything we had a choice of putting on hooks or in bins, we put on hooks. - Wheels are hanging from the ceiling on 8' 2x4s with bike hooks at certain intervals - Pricing/highlighting some difficulties with used-parts retail - [TheThinkTank] Policy on Profiteering from Community Bike Shops (27 Mar 2013) <https://lists.bikecollectives.org/hyperkitty/list/thethinktank@lists.bikeco…> - [TheThinkTank] What to do with the nice stuff? (12 May 2009) <https://lists.bikecollectives.org/hyperkitty/list/thethinktank@lists.bikeco…> - Difficulties of hiring for retail shop management in the bike collective world: Suggestions for finding a good shop manager (16 Mar 2010) <https://lists.bikecollectives.org/hyperkitty/list/thethinktank@lists.bikeco…> Thank you all! Andrew -- *Andrew Westphal* Board Secretary, Bikes Together andrew.westphal(a)bikestogether.org 248-345-3530 he/him <https://pronouns.org/what-and-why> *Our Mission: Bikes Together uses recycled bicycles as a vehicle for equitable social change; collective and individual wellness; education and empowerment; and connection.*

2 2

Group ride helmets... yeah yeah... Any summary available?
by Jeff Potter 07 Jul '26

07 Jul '26

Hi all… I’ve gone thru the group ride helmets challenge a million times. I’m wondering if there’s a “best practice” summary article somewhere. In the meantime, yeah, I’m going to dunk us all back into this thing: Our current situation is: a club that requires helmets is refusing to associate with our local social/party ride. We’re the only such ride in this area. I notice that the famous Detroit Slow Roll now has a policy of “no helmet no ride.” Maybe this is due to an ownership concern. Maybe Slow Roll used to be a community thing and now it’s owned, with someone in charge and responsible. This tends to tie back to the age-old insurance excuse. Our local club has often done this. However, I’ve been told by their admin that their insurance doesn’t actually require helmets specifically. I suppose it’s just considered a best practice that puts them on the good side of policy. Insurers aren’t bikers and simply require policy-holders to do whatever is considered responsible. Of course this likely has no bearing on *association.* It doesn’t seem possible that a group would be obliged to *shun* another group — unless they’re breaking the law? A goofy thing I’ve seen when the community is invited to do a short, slow social ride to see their city, etc., is that the “official bike group” host loans someone a bike and also forces them to wear a helmet. And the person is there as a person, socializing, not in group-identity “bike attire” — and simply has a HAIR-DO that will not work with a helmet! What are they to do? The embarrassing host club then perches a helmet on the top of, say, a hair-bun, or on the side of their head. The helmet just wobbles around up there and is embarrassing and makes them look silly. As a sensible adult I’ve seen that most of these folks soon remove the helmet. I haven’t tracked this too closely but I would think that if they don’t have a basket they’d just toss the thing. Admin hasn’t been their friend so I wouldn’t go there! One last thing: Does this challenge relate to the rule that boat clubs have where all members have to wear a life-preserver PFD at all times during club events? Some rules might say a PFD for each person must be on the boat. Finding a parallel situation can be illuminating. So, this water-safety policy can collide with reality occasionally and I don’t know how they deal with it. For instance: Shallow water canoe racing only requires that a PFD be on the boat. Yet I still see “serious official paddlers” freely being the cop against their peers and hassling them. “Where’s your PFD? Doesn’t do you any good unless you wear it.” One very last thing: It seems that most/all “serious official” groups (maybe also businesses?) involved with biking or paddling/boating require all their media to only show people wearing safety gear. No, this is the last thing: Then there’s kids… As regards bikes, boats, anything… I’m involved with kids and bikes. I’m part of encouraging kids to use bikes “…with a helmet!” …Everything regarding kids and bikes has to have “helmet” along for the ride. I’m actively working and showing them that a bike is a literal Freedom Machine. It boosts your independence. This is big reality, life-lesson breakthrough stuff. Showing kids how bikes help them become people … "with a helmet!” Also I work with poor kids. I’m lining up donor bikes for them, bikes for them to use during a class, maybe even to keep. If it’s just a how-to class where I’m showing them how to maintain and how to ride and be around cars but I’m not giving them the bikes the issue of maintaining *and then sanitizing* a fleet of helmets pops up. The class goes on for days, so each helmet has to stay w a particular kid the whole time. I suppose write their name on tape on it. But whew. …And I’m showing them their new way of life that starts with a bike, where they can start really being themselves due to their new *power to move* around a community. …With a helmet. I also work w kids on playgrounds. Some schools have rules: no tag, no chasing. …Nice. Certainly no kids are allowed to climb trees. …Tho play-structures can be tall. Most now have extensively railings. Some don’t and some have climbing walls and play-concepts that involve height. There’s something weird going on. How are kids supposed to interact with the world BEYOND school? I’m an old-fart. I still climb trees. To the top! 50 feet! I haven’t seen kids building their own tree forts off in hidden forests for … 30 years. But they used to be a thing. I don’t see them making ground-forts, either. Thankfully I still see them jumping off high points into deep water… But is it safe? (We used to have diving boards at our school and community pools. We were taught the dives, compulsory. I haven’t seen a diving board lately. Pools are fading. Kids aren’t taking the free drown-proofing lesson so that they can use the pool. Family won’t bring them — that stopped 20 yrs ago. Splash-pads are replacing pools. …Every night teens are out all night against curfew. Once a week they shoot each other and one dies. …Emotional regulation and resilience are real things. Learning outdoor skills can really help. Safety is important. But...

3 2

Would your project like to weld?
by Total Liberation Bicycle 01 Jul '26

01 Jul '26

In a past life, I help create a great project! I had access to so many bike frames that it made too much sense to get a welder. It started off small with fun and freak bikes but eventually I started making cargo bikes. Upcycled cargo bikes are my jam!! Do you want them to be yours??!! With a space and small tool investment, a cargo bike a day isn’t impossible. Maybe this is the time you were waiting for??!! Any ideas? -Dakota Sent from [Proton Mail](https://proton.me/mail/home) for iOS.

2 1

Where can I find the think tank archive?
by Bayley Vanderpoel 17 Jun '26

17 Jun '26

I have a link saved but it didn’t work. My real question is we’re looking for a new accountant and wondering if anyone uses a business they could recommend. Thanks! Bayley Vanderpoel Volunteer & Board Member Vélocity Bicycle Cooperative http://velocitycoop.org/ | http://www.meetup.com/VeloCity-Bicycle-Cooperative/ https://twitter.com/velocitycoop | http://www.instagram.com/velocitycoop Shop Phone: 703-549-1108 Del Ray Shop 2111 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria Hours: Tues, Thurs, Fri: 11am–6pm Sat: 10am-4pm Sun: 12pm–4pm Wed: 11am–9pm (6–9pm DIY hours) Lyon Park Shop 2647 North Pershing Drive, Arlington Hours: Tues–Fri: 11am–6pm Sat: 10am-4pm Sun: 12pm-4pm

2 1

kids' bicycle trade-up program
by weogo＠liveedge.net 10 Jun '26

10 Jun '26

Hi Folks, Is anybody doing a kids' bicycle trade-up program? Can you share specifics? Thanks and good health, Weogo PigeonRiverBikes.org

4 4

Teaching mechanics to kids (elementary school)
by martin_labrosse.gabriel＠courrier.uqam.ca 18 May '26

18 May '26

Hello think thank community! There is a very motivated mom from a parents' committee in a nearby elementary school that has reached out to our CBS to participate to a program they are conceptualizing and have received fund for (3K$). They wanna make a small bike workshop for kids' bikes. The first objective is to inspire confidence and autonomy through manual skills/labor in bike mecanic and maintenance. I wanna know what kind of things you are teaching to kids. We're talking elementary age (here in Québec it's 6-12 years old). Of course parents in the committee will be present throughout. For the cursus, I am thinking about the cleaning and maintenance of the transmission, the tube repair and maybe the installation of a few parts, which more be a way to make a better understanding of the bike in genereal. I am thinking there should be an initial crash course with the parents in our workshop, then we could go to their school with our mobile workshop. Let me know what you guys think! Cheers BTW pardon my english!

7 7

Re: kids' bicycle trade-up program
by Jade 15 May '26

15 May '26

Are you in Ithaca? I know a store called mama goose?! “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”Maya Angelou

2 2

Fwd: FW: lecture Weds. 29 April, Batterbury/bike workshops
by angel york 01 May '26

01 May '26

============ Forwarded message ============ From: Simon Batterbury <00009091183a7a38-dmarc-request(a)JISCMAIL.AC.UK> To: <CYCLING-AND-SOCIETY(a)JISCMAIL.AC.UK> Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:56:20 -0400 Subject: FW: lecture Weds. 29 April, Batterbury/bike workshops ============ Forwarded message ============ Lecture “Prefiguring Consumption Reduction: Recirculating Resources, Knowledge, and Skills in Community Bike Workshops”, by Simon Batterbury, University of Melbourne, Australia. https://liu.se/en/event/planning-in-transition-lecture-with-simon-batterbury Zoom link is on there. 10am CET. 29 April. [9am UK] As Patrick Rérat et al. argue (Le tournant vélo, 2026), "a cycling city is first and foremost a question of will." I explore some willful, unconventional organizations that perform practical tasks – assistance to keep thousands of bikes maintained and, on the road, largely in Western cities – and I show how they also contribute to countering consumerism and unsustainable transportation. Community bike workshops or ‘bike kitchens', have practical intent but also 'prefigure' more sustainable mobilities and contribute to degrowth. They offer a convivial environment for maintaining/restoring/salvaging bicycles, sharing tools and knowledge (also doing art projects, arranging classes and rides, directly assisting the marginalised, and many other activities). Workshops put into practice many of the principles set out by Ivan Illich and theorists of solidarity networks. They give participants (some with no mechanical knowledge) repair skills, and participation in convivial and diverse social networks in a 'sharing' commons. 'Practice' generates values. Community bike workshops are part of undervalued, 'shadow networks', generally marginalised by the local state and by mainstream infrastructure-heavy transport planning. They can be fragile since they need affordable premises, tools and volunteers. Interviews and participant-observation done with my friends & colleagues in around 60 workshops over 20 years in 8 countries have revealed some workshops are better at securing sustained human interest and investments of money, time and energy than others. Federating workshops has led to more visibility, as with l'Heureux Cyclage in France, but is still rare. Workshops, and cognate organisations like Tool Libraries and repair cafes are important because they willfully and enthusiastically intervene in specific circuits of material items and knowledge largely outside the state or corporations, and they also socialise reuse/repair, active travel, and urban 'bikespaces'. They need our support. About the lecturer Simon Batterbury is Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Melbourne, and currently a research visitor at TEMA T. He has worked on […….] (Geographies of New Caledonia-Kanaky, 2024). He currently supports students through the Melbourne Climate Futures PhD Academy and has been editor of the Diamond OA Journal of Political Ecology for 23 years, also challenging commercial academic publishers. He has worked at WeCycle, a bike kitchen restoring bikes free of charge for refugees and people in need in Melbourne, since 2019. The lecture is organised by the international lecture series Planning in Transition at Technology and Social Change, Linköping University [Peter Cox also did one in 2024 ! https://liu.se/en/organisation/liu/tema/temat/international-lecture-series-… ] Prof. Simon Batterbury April-May 2026 | https://liu.se/en/organisation/liu/tema/temat/research-fellows-at-technolog… , Tema T - Technology and Social Change, Linköping University, Sweden School of Geography, Earth and Atmos Sciences & https://www.unimelb.edu.au/climate/collaboration/mcf-academy in Melbourne Connect. | 2.36, 221 Bouverie St, University of Melbourne | 3010 VIC | Australia | simonpjb @unimelb.edu.au +61 383449319 http://www.simonbatterbury.net/ | Journal of Political Ecology https://journals.librarypublishing.arizona.edu/jpe/ Kowasch M, Batterbury SPJ (eds.) 2024. Geographies of New Caledonia-Kanaky. http://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-49140-5 Socially just publishing outlets https://simonbatterbury.wordpress.com/2015/10/25/list-of-decent-open-access… To unsubscribe from the CYCLING-AND-SOCIETY list, click the following link: https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/WA-JISC.exe?SUBED1=CYCLING-AND-SOCIETY&A…

2 1

The Bike Connector in Lowell, Massachusetts is seeking an full-time Executive Director
by wade＠bikeconnector.org 19 Feb '26

19 Feb '26

The Bike Connector https://www.bikeconnector.org/ , a non-profit community bike shop in Lowell, Massachusetts, is seeking an experienced and visionary Executive Director to lead our growing organization. Qualified applicants should send a cover letter and resume to edsearch(a)bikeconnector.org Please help spread the news. Executive Director Job Description — The Bike Connector Location: Lowell, Massachusetts Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt, 100% in-person Reports to: President of the Board of Directors About The Bike Connector The Bike Connector is a community-based nonprofit in Lowell, Massachusetts dedicated to expanding access to safe, affordable, and sustainable transportation. Through bicycle donations, bicycle repair, education, youth development, volunteerism, safety programming, and community partnerships, we empower people of all ages to use bicycles for mobility, independence, environmental stewardship, and fun. Our mission is to provide the Greater Lowell Community with safe and affordable bicycles. We achieve our mission by: Recycling donated bicycles and bicycle parts; Teaching bicycle repair and maintenance skills; and, Educating children and adults about bicycle safety. Since its inception in 2020, The Bike Connector has refurbished and distributed over 10,000 bicycles. We welcome everyone and partner with non-profit and civic organizations who help us identify people in need of bikes. Some examples of our community partners include Lowell Public Schools, Headstart, Veterans Affairs, International Institute of New England, Girls Inc., iCanShine, Community Teamwork, YMCA, Coalition for a Better Acre, Lowell Senior Center, and Dwelling House of Hope. Through partnerships we serve students, families, immigrants, seniors, unhoused people, people in recovery, people in reentry, and people with disabilities. Position Overview The Executive Director (ED) is the organizational leader of The Bike Connector. This individual reports to the President of the Board of Directors and works closely with the Board of Directors, providing vision and operational leadership as the organization grows. This position requires strong leadership skills, a commitment to community-based work, and a passion for bicycle access and equity. The ED will oversee daily operations, manage staff and volunteers, drive fundraising, deepen community partnerships, and ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Strategic Direction Lead the implementation of The Bike Connector’s mission, values, and strategic goals. Work with the Board of Directors to develop strategic plans, annual goals, and organizational policies. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven culture among staff and volunteers. Fundraising & Community Relations Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan. Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, and local businesses. Build and sustain strong partnerships with schools, nonprofits, civic agencies, businesses, and neighborhood groups. Identify grants and funding opportunities. Oversee grant proposals and required reporting. Oversee fundraising events and donor stewardship efforts. Manage The Bike Connector’s CRM software including data entry and reporting. Program Management & Community Engagement Oversee all programs, including bicycle donations, bicycle collections, Earn-Your-Bike, Fix-Your-Bike, annual spring bike sale, education, bike rodeos, youth initiatives, bike giveaways, and community outreach. Ensure program quality, effectiveness, and alignment with mission and community needs. Represent The Bike Connector at local, regional, and national events, coalition meetings, and media opportunities. Identify opportunities for growth. Operations & Administration Develop a plan to secure additional space for education, bicycle repair, bicycle intake, retail, and community programming. Oversee compliance with nonprofit regulations. Oversee safety and risk management policies and procedures. Oversee CORI process for staff and volunteers. Maintain accurate records, reporting, and documentation. Maintain IT infrastructure and identify new technologies. Maintain the Post Office box and oversee package/mail shipping and receiving. Financial & Organizational Management Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Board and staff. Draft budget is due to the Board on November 1st for the fiscal year beginning January 1st. Final budget is due to the Board during the annual meeting in December. Monitor and report on financial performance, revenue, and expenditures. Reconcile monthly bank statements with the assistance of a bookkeeper. Ensure strong internal controls, financial transparency, and responsible resource management. Prepare quarterly financial and operational reports for the Board of Directors. Ensure compliance with nonprofit requirements, including an annual audit and submission of an annual 990 tax statement if required. Develop a cash management plan and process. Staff & Volunteer Management Recruit, train, supervise, and support staff, interns, and volunteers. Current staff - 3 part-time employees including a shop manager and a weekend shop manager. The shop managers run the day to day operation of the shop. Current interns - 1 part-time Current active volunteers - 30 Oversee scheduling of volunteers for events. Write annual performance reviews for direct reports (shop managers). Write performance reviews for interns as required. Manage bi-weekly payroll process (collect, review, and submit employee time records). Promote a welcoming, safe, and inclusive work environment for everyone (clients, visitors, partners, volunteers, and staff). Provide coaching and professional development opportunities for the staff and volunteers. Ensure volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition. Establish and participate in volunteer committees for communications, development, and finance. Social Media & Communications Publish a newsletter on a monthly basis. Publish an annual report in January with donor recognition. Direct, with assistance of staff and volunteers, The Bike Connector’s social media accounts. Maintain The Bike Connector’s website. Maintain The Bike Connector’s online business profiles (Google, Linkedin…etc.). Qualifications Required Commitment to The Bike Connector’s mission and values. Experience in nonprofit, community development, youth programs, or related fields. Experience with fundraising, grant writing, and donor relations. Budget management and financial oversight experience. Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Strong organizational skills. Ability to lead, motivate, and build relationships across diverse communities. Experience managing projects, programs, teams, and staff. Comfortable in a hands-on, collaborative work environment. Preferred (not required for a first-time ED) Knowledge of bicycle repair, bicycle safety, active transportation, and transportation equity (or a willingness to learn). Prior experience working with volunteers or youth programs. Applicants from Lowell or familiar with Lowell and its neighboring communities are encouraged to apply. Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to a job unless they meet every single requirement. We are dedicated to being a diverse and inclusive organization, so if you are excited about this role but don’t align perfectly to every single aspect of the job description, we encourage you to submit your resume and cover letter. Salary and Benefits This is a full time, exempt position. The salary range is $90k – $100k, commensurate with experience. 4 weeks paid time-off (2 weeks of vacation and 2 weeks shop closure during the last week of December and first week of January). To Apply Please send a resume and cover letter to edsearch(a)bikeconnector.org with the subject line: Executive Director Application. Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2026.

1 0