- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Insurance issues
by Andrew Bushaw 17 Sep '07

17 Sep '07

So I called American Specialty Insurance, the Insurance Provider for the League of American Bicyclists, as recommended in the wiki and was told that they only offer insurance for club rides, not for organizations. We aren't interested in doing rides or races or anything like that, we basically just need insurance for the shop. (I think i've seen $1M in liability recommended on the list). Am I being fed a line by Am Specialty? I emailed LAB directly and have not received a reply in two weeks, nor do I see a phone number telling me it wouldn't be very good insurance if I can't even get a hold of them. Did I read all this wrong? What am I missing? If i'm not missing anything where do you shops go to get the liability coverage? Thanks, Andrew

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POSITION OPENING in SEATTLE: COMMUNITY BIKE SHOP MANAGER
by Melanie Lyons 15 Sep '07

15 Sep '07

Hello fellow Bike Collectives! Since all of you are important peer organizations for Bike Works, we wanted to let you know directly about this change and to ask for your help in finding someone new to join our team! If any of you are interested in this position please be in touch. And please forward this posting on to anyone you think might be a great candidate and anyone you think might know someone who would make a great candidate. And talk it up! We often find that people hear about Bike Works and the great stuff we are up to through word of mouth so please keep it up! We understand that the search for new leadership in our community bicycle shop is very important for Bike Works’ future, and we are in the midst of a nationwide search for a new Shop Manager. A hiring committee is looking for someone with the right leadership and management talents, combined with a passion for building sustainable communities by educating youth and promoting bicycling. Attached at the end of this email is our current job posting. Thank you for your continued support and interest in Bike Works Seattle. Position Opening: Community Bike Shop Manager Bike Works is a nonprofit organization based in Seattle, Washington whose mission is to build sustainable communities by educating youth and promoting bicycling. Bike Works has been working for kids, bikes, and community in south Seattle since 1996. Our programs and services invest in young people and encourage bicycling as a clean and healthy transportation alternative. Our programs include Earn-a-Bike for youth, Summer Bike Camps, Neighborhood Rides and bike club activities, Community Bike Shop, Annual Kids Bike Swap, domestic and international bicycle donations to charitable organizations, and more. Our Community Bike Shop serves Seattle residents from all walks of life with used bike sales and affordable repairs. We are looking for an energetic individual who supports our mission, values and community. Our ideal candidate will bring a unique mix of bike shop expertise and nonprofit organizational know-how. We seek someone who is excited about thinking strategically about innovative ways to streamline our social enterprise business model and strengthen our community impact. Experience or willingness to learn about developing a business plan would be A+! Our Bike Shop Manager must be willing to work hard to create a professional, empowering, and accessible shop environment for our customers and staff. Finally, someone with a healthy sense of humor and the ability to have fun with our funky organization will fit nicely on our team. While this position requires a great deal of responsibility and experience, it also offers exciting opportunities for professional growth and making a difference in our community. Essential Job Functions: The Bike Shop Manager assumes primary responsibility for leading the Bike Works Bike Shop in fulfillment of its mission and vision. Primary duties include: * Managing daily Bike Shop operations * Overseeing and delivering professional customer service to a diverse customer base * Ensuring the financial health of the Shop, successfully meeting revenue & expense targets * Managing and developing shop staff ; recruit, hire, train, manage and evaluate 2 -5 staff * Working in partnership with the Executive Director to guide business strategy, growth & development * Collaborating with Program Staff to support youth programs and volunteer activities * Participating in strategic planning process for the organization, helping to develop a long term mission driven strategic plan, and annual operational plans Desired Qualifications: * Strong commitment to youth leadership, sustainable communities and bicycle transportation * Previous experience in retail management and sales preferred; bike shop experience essential * Experience implementing/overseeing bike shop policies & cash control procedures * Three year’s experience successfully managing staff * Excellent organizational skills: systems oriented with high attention to detail * Excellent mechanical skills required (preferred 3 yrs professional experience working on variety of bikes) * Strong interpersonal skills & a friendly outgoing attitude with a desire to work with the public * Ability to mentor youth ages 9-17 in engaging and empowering apprenticeship relationship * Ability to multi-task in a fast paced, ever-changing environment * Respect for and a commitment to diversity, teamwork, and progressive social values * Basic PC skills, working knowledge of QuickBooks and Microsoft Office applications How to Apply: Send your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to development(a)bikeworks.org. Pay Rate & Benefits: Regular, full-time, non-exempt, salaried position with full benefits. Monetary compensation commensurate with qualifications and experience. Bike Works is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation. Thanks, Melanie Lyons Projects and Development Manager Bike Works 3709 S. Ferdinand St. Seattle, WA 98118 206-725-9408 HYPERLINK "http://www.bikeworks.org"http://www.bikeworks.org "Building sustainable communities by educating youth and promoting bicycling." No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.487 / Virus Database: 269.13.19/1008 - Release Date: 9/14/2007 8:59 AM

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Donated Space Tax deductable?
by BovineOaks＠aol.com 13 Sep '07

13 Sep '07

he could write you a $600 check each month as a donation then charge you 1200 rent so there is a real donation and a real paper trail that the IRS can not challenge ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

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Donated Space Tax deductable?
by Andrew Bushaw 12 Sep '07

12 Sep '07

Does anyone know how donated space works, tax exemption wise? We have a fiscal agent and are now looking for space. We think we have found a good space. $600 a month all utilities plus wi-fi included. As a bonus the other section of the building is an auto shop where they have pipe benders and welding equipment that we could use on occasion. It's located on the edge of our downtown on a high traffic street. Pretty ideal really. He will give it to us for 600 a month if he can write off the difference of what he would normally charge (1200). I have been told this is a legit way of doing things but want to know the specifics (do we give him a donation receipt every month with our rent check?) Has anyone worked out something like this? Are there any drawbacks? Thanks, Andrew F-M Community Bicycle Workshop

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BIke Farm update
by Ariel raymon 12 Sep '07

12 Sep '07

hey all, we had our first meeting last night and it was a success.... a few questions came up. 1. Are there grants out there just for start-up if you don't have non-profit status yet? (it costs 500 to get nonprofit status) 2. We heard there's a difference between being a non-profit and being a tax-deductible organization. Whats the legal term for this? Does anyone know the difference? 3. Our next goal is fundraising. Anybody have a super successful event they want to share with us? if you don't want to respond to the thinktank.. letus know at bikefarm(a)gmail.com 4. what's the average square footage for your space? we're looking at 600sq feet to start. how many stands do most people have in their shop to wrench on? thanks! let us know @bikefarm@gmail.com, if you dont want to respond to the thinktank...

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retail business accounts
by adam schwartz 11 Sep '07

11 Sep '07

I am curious what type of relationship many community shops have with bicycle retail suppliers such as QBP. As of now, we have a relationship with a few local bike shops to purchase tools and parts. However we are trying to move into some small retail (mainly locks, tubes and helmets). I looked up the requirements for an account with QBP and J&B suppliers, both looked like they didn't fit our model, which is primarily youth programming with community bike shop hours two days a week. We fall under a larger non-profit that works on community and youth development, so we are not exactly an economically independent organization either. -- adam schwartz Bicycle Education Program Coordinator Renaissance Community Bike Shop Riverdale, MD rideyourbicycle(a)gmail.com <adamgs(a)umd.edu>

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sopo shop overhaul photos
by rachael spiewak 06 Sep '07

06 Sep '07

hi, friends! we're overhauling the shop, and i thought i'd share the photos with y'all. we're not done yet, but you can see how things are shaping up. yes, that's me in the yellow shorts. yes, that's the sopo version of the free ride wheel sorter. http://picasaweb.google.com/stewart.varner two wheels good, rachael

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Bicycle Safety Checklist
by BovineOaks＠aol.com 05 Sep '07

05 Sep '07

Stand in front of the bike Push on the brake levers to test if the clamps are loose Push on shift levers to test if the clamps are loose Push down on the bars to test if the stem bar clamp is loose Push on bar ends to see if their clamps are loose G rab the front wheel tightly between your legs Twist the bars to test if the stem is too loose Place both hands on the handlebar, one on each side, Grab only the front brake lever and clamp it down tightly. Rock the bike forward and back to test if the headset is too loose. With brake still camped rock bike back and forth and look at the brake clamp and adjustment bolts/ nuts to see if they are too loose. Watch the brake pads, slowly clamp the front and rear brake levers, do both the pads touch both side of the rim before when the brake lever still has at least a inch of space between the lever and the bar. If not the cable is too loose. Grasp the front brake pads and try to twist them on the brake arms. (correctly tightened brake pads will not twist) Lift up the bike by the top tube and see if the headset is too tight. do the handle bars and wheel roll side to side easily in the headset Grasp the front wheel between two fingers, shake rapidly to see if the bearing are too loose Release the front wheel and see if it spins one way and then the other Testing to see if the bearings are too tight. Spin the wheel rapidly and check the true of the wheel Check if the brake pads are centered With an open hand, smack the side of the nose of the saddle to check if the seat clamp or the seat post clamp are loose Stand beside the bicycle Reach down and grasp a crank arm, rattle it side to side to see if the bottom bracket is too loose (do not hold the pedal) With an open hand, smack the side of the nose of the saddle to check if the seat clamp or the seat post clamp are loose Grasp the rear brake pads and try to twist them on the brake arms. (correctly tightened brake pads will not twist) Grasp the rear wheel between two fingers, shake rapidly to see if the bearing are too loose Spin the wheel rapidly and check the true of the wheel Check if the brake pads are centered I can do all of this in 30 seconds to a minute of time If you have a bike stand Place bike in stand Check shift lever cable tension is too loose Violently Shift to large cog / low gear Check to see if low set screw is too loose (over shifting into spokes) or too tight (will not shift to large cog/ low gear) stop rear wheel Turn crank slowly and test the shifting from low gear to high gear for any hesitation, over shifts, ( adjust or replace cable depending on results.) >From behind check the derailleur cage is not bent in towards the spokes. it should be parallel to the cogs. Check that the chain will not Look from the side at the distance between the nearest chainring tooth and the front derailleur outer cage. Should be 1 mm or less Put chain in middle chain ring and middle cog Look from above to see if the front derailleur cage sides are parallel to the chain. Shift chain into middle cog in the rear and then shift front derailleur from low to high gear and back to low to check limit set screws. The check can be done in a minute. Adjustments may take a few minutes Christopher Wallace Holistic Cycles Oak Park IL 773 490 0683 ************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour

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Bike Collectives Doing Advocacy Work
by Rich Points 05 Sep '07

05 Sep '07

Hey All, Community Cycles in Boulder has recently decided to take on an advocacy role in addition to our shop activities. We will now speak on behalf of the cycling community to the Transportation Advisory Board, City Council and other decision makers who influence infrastructure, policy and cyclists rights. I'm sure there are other shops out there doing advocacy work as well. We'd like to hear your stories of success and/or failure. This might be a good topic for a Bike Bike session next year. Peace -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Collectives- Advocacy Work
by BovineOaks＠aol.com 03 Sep '07

03 Sep '07

Yes YBEN was rocking for Years before BNB. Smaller back yard programs have been alive for decades before that. This is not a new idea, it is just getting better. ************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour

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