- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

What's in a Name?
by Matthew VanSlyke 17 Jun '13

17 Jun '13

Plans are progressing nicely here in the Empire State and if all goes well we'll be opening a new community bike shop here in Utica, NY very soon. As you all know, there are many, many details and decisions to be made. One of these early decisions is choosing the right name. We've bounced around several ideas and I'm trying to come up with something that jumps out at me but so far that hasn't happened. So I thought I'd put it out to this group and ask that you share some ideas about how you came to be "who" you are. Did you: Pick names from a hat? Throw darts at a wall? Take a vote? Go with your gut and use the first name that came to mind? And, do you now regret the name you chose for any reason? Did you end up changing the name? If so, why? I'd like to hear from you. Thanks a bunch. *Matt VanSlyke* *_______ Bike __________ * *Utica, NY*

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Please unsubscribe
by Kathy Tillotson 17 Jun '13

17 Jun '13

Please unsubscibe me from these emails. I have sent several emails to unsubscribe and am still getting emails. We no longer have a recycle bike business. Thank you, Kathy On Sun, Jun 16, 2013 at 9:27 PM, Vernon Huffman <vernonhuffman(a)yahoo.com>wrote: > Our shop has plenty of air flow year round, so smell hasn't been an issue. > Luckily it doesn't get that cold here. > > What is the source of the smell? Do you need to contain your degreaser > more tightly or scale back the use of toxic chemicals and aerosols? Is it > time to have a chat with some of the mechanics and volunteers about > personal hygiene? > > Bicycles shouldn't smell bad. Commercial bike shops don't generally have > an odor issue. What's different about your shop? > > > From: Mark Rehder <mark(a)re-cycles.ca> > > Hi all, > > During the warmer months we have a few doors open so the stink in our shop > is not so bad, but when all sealed up during our cold winters it's not > ideal. We've thought about a large filter unit, and it has also been > suggested to use a large exhaust fan, though that would also waste heat. > > How does your shop deal with this? > > Thanks, > > Mark Rehder - Coordinator > re-Cycles Community Bike Shop > http://re-cycles.ca > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > To unsubscribe, send a blank email to > TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org > To manage your subscription, plase visit: > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > -- *Kathy Tillotson* *Build Futures*, Executive Director www.BuildFutures.org C 714 907-7358 "If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together." - African Proverb

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Introducing myself, and shop signage query
by David Eyer Davis 17 Jun '13

17 Jun '13

Hey y'all! I'm Davey, I'm taking over for Mr. Jonathan Morrison here at the Bicycle Collective in Utah. I've been subscribed to the list for many-a-year and have enjoyed picking our collective brains here. I hope to meet many of you at Bike! Bike! this year and at Interbike as well. Does anyone know of a good resource that documents community bike shop interior signage? I personally recall seeing great signage at Bike Kitchen in San Francisco and at Community Cycle Center, but I'm sure we have a ton of good examples betwixt us. I'm specifically interested in upping our signage game in the following ways: 1. An immediate sign with graphics of the different bicycle types and what they're typically used for, with details about how to size a bike for yourself. The intent would be to get a customer armed with the basics of bike purchasing without immediately taking too much attention from a volunteer. 2. placemats beneath plexiglass on bench surfaces with standard mechanical repairs simplified. What mechanical tasks have you found to be aided by diagrams? which are useless to explain through pictures? 3. Basic parts identification, the difference between a freewheel and a casette, the difference between one-piece, cotter pins and square-tapered cranks, threaded vs. threaded headsets, etc. 4. other things that I haven't thought of but you have. I'd appreciate links to pictures, and would be happy to compile a page on the bike collectives wiki of our findings. Thanks, David Eyer Davis Executive Director Bicycle Collective c: 801-230-6308 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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shop air quality
by Mark Rehder 16 Jun '13

16 Jun '13

Hi all, During the warmer months we have a few doors open so the stink in our shop is not so bad, but when all sealed up during our cold winters it's not ideal. We've thought about a large filter unit, and it has also been suggested to use a large exhaust fan, though that would also waste heat. How does your shop deal with this? Thanks, Mark Rehder - Coordinator re-Cycles Community Bike Shop http://re-cycles.ca

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The Alliance is hiring
by Mary Lauran Hall 14 Jun '13

14 Jun '13

Hi all, I'm excited to announce that the Alliance is hiring a Member Services Coordinator! Yes, really! When we first found out that Mike Samuelson, our current Member Services guru, was going to grad school in August, we were like... And I was all... But we all recognize that it'll be a rad new adventure for him. Really, we're happy that he's heading off for an exciting new chapter. So now, we're on the lookout for somebody great. Someone who is excited to assist state and local leaders in making communities and states better and safer places to walk... ...and to bike. If this sounds like a great opportunity, ...then come work with us! Our office is pretty fun. View the full position description and instructions for applying here. <http://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/site/index.php/site/memberservices/all…> Best, MaryLauran -- Mary Lauran Hall Communications Manager Alliance for Biking & Walking mlhall(a)peoplepoweredmovement.org (202) 642 - 6617 P.O. Box 65150 Washington, DC 20035 *We've got big plans for 2013. Join or renew<http://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/site/index.php/membership/welcome/> with the Alliance today!*

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Focus on education or D.I.Y.?
by Paul Nagel 13 Jun '13

13 Jun '13

Forgive the long email, please! With respect to workshops where the public can repair their own bikes: Does your organization perceive and market your workshops as being more about A) learning bike maintenance (particularly basic skills, i.e. most people come to learn) or B) an opportunity to use tools and equipment to do it yourself and save money (it's "ok" (tolerable?) if you don't know much) I imagine many reading this will want to answer "both" or more probably "both and much more". My thinking about this until now has basically just been "both and much more". The answer must vary depending on location, demographics served, the size and proportion of bicycle users in your area, the nature of your local cycling culture, etc. Here in beautiful Orange County, our visitors are from diverse backgrounds but they almost all come with very little knowledge of how to repair their bikes and a strong majority want to learn more (I don't have survey statistics or anything, this is just based on talking with people at workshops). This has me realizing that my group might bring more people in and clarify our purpose if we were to emphasize the learning aspect. This can have significant impact in terms of the primary wording of our flyers, the staffing of our workshops, the descriptions of our workshops, even the visual styling of our materials. It might shift our focus in terms of our target audience. Off the bat, I think it implies we should continue to present ourselves as an organization with broad appeal and strive to improve in this regard. In other words, conceptualizing things more as "come learn how to integrate bikes into your life" and not so centrally "come work on your bike using shared tools and used parts with the help of volunteers because its cheap and more fun and the capitalist exchange economy is destructive, etc." I believe the latter statement is valid. I also recognize bike co-ops are often complex organizations that serve many purposes and have a variety of symbiotic elements. However, to return the focus specifically to do-it-together bike repair, I'm just getting a strong feeling that we should be presenting ourselves as "Learning with a repair side effect" rather than "Repair with a learning side effect". Some might object to putting one before the other, but, again, I've been feeling that the reality of what people are looking for when they come to us and other stuff like the task of describing what we do is sort of calling for a priority to be chosen. I believe that if "learning" is put completely front and center, then you are sending a very clear message that people with few skills are totally welcome. I guess this is the meat of what I'm getting at. It helps take away ALL anxieties people might have about not knowing stuff about bikes. It makes it very clear that no humiliation awaits you if you come to a workshop and need step-by-step assistance. It also makes it clearer to ourselves that we need plenty of able volunteers to facilitate learning. It might furthermore give the other volunteers a clearer picture of their purpose at workshops, and they might even find the teaching part more inspiring than merely repairing bikes. I think this connects with maintaining a more "mainstreamed" appeal if we see that we are serving people of all kinds and creeds, and being welcoming toward beginners rather than bring more of a clubhouse for the initiated. This doesn't involve a major shift or wholesale whitewashing, but perhaps points toward the importance of doing all we can to keep things clean, organized, attractive (while still feeling free to express diverse opinions and tastes). Perhaps this balance between maintaining an uncomplicated welcoming atmosphere yet not suppressing the free expression of a co-op's regulars, volunteers, and staff is another discussion. I'd really like to know people's thoughts and definitely experiences with the learning-beginner/D.I.Y-initiated dynamic. For example, has anyone shifted their marketing/mission/image one way or the other (or honed down this image) and noticed any changes? Did this shift in image occur as a response to changes in clientele, or an improvement in assessing their needs? Supplementary thoughts: one concern is presenting too much of an image of being "for beginners" and turning off people with more experience. Another concern is not clearly communicating that people can actually repair their bikes, not just learn about doing it. Also, these thoughts come in conjunction with our group getting more involved in bike advocacy and also doing more bike rides (potentially getting League Certified Instructors involved), so that we can be a bit of a "one stop shop" for people looking to improve and increase their bicycle use. I hope this wasn't too much thinking out loud, I'd really love to hear any experiences with this stuff, because we are making some significant changes and opening a shop in half a year or so and I'd like to have our energies properly focused. Thank you, Paul Nagel The Bicycle Tree P.O. Box 11293 Santa Ana, CA 92711 http://www.thebicycletree.org info(a)thebicycletree.org

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Community Cycles is Hiring a Sales & Service Manager
by director 10 Jun '13

10 Jun '13

https://docs.google.com/a/communitycycles.org/document/d/1PgPaWzIPA0p7YJ3vm… -- -- 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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Community Cycles is Hiring a Part Time Seasonal Bike Mechanic
by director 10 Jun '13

10 Jun '13

https://docs.google.com/a/communitycycles.org/document/d/1xYmWZcLLfQzVnSKIp… -- -- 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] Bicis Rotas: Cycling and Bike Re-Cycling as Mental Health/Drug Therapy?
by Affordable Bikes Re-Cyclery 09 Jun '13

09 Jun '13

Hi, someone just sent us the first link and I thought it was really interesting, as we've been getting a fair number of customers in various stages of recovery. Just wondering if anyone has had contact with this organization or and/or is doing similar work? The first link led me to the second one. http://www.fundacionmanantial.org/blog/bicis-rotas/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundacion_Manantiales

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Focus on education or D.I.Y.?
by Vernon Huffman 08 Jun '13

08 Jun '13

When we explain our incentives for doing work in our admittedly funky space, we say "because this is a learning shop, we need all kinds working here. If you know what you're doing, we want to watch. And if you're not sure, we want you to ask questions. Learning requires both roles." We stress the cycle of studying theory, watching another do the job, doing it yourself with assistance, and then teaching the process to somebody else. Shop managers keep an eye out for opportunities to repeat a lesson to everybody in the shop, but we also refer new students to the one who just learned that lesson. We accomplish a lot of repair while focusing on maintaining the learning environment.

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Theft, punishment, etc
by Tim Buckingham 08 Jun '13

08 Jun '13

Here at Broke Spoke we have had an individual who has been stealing on a regular basis and who is more self-fulfilling than actually contributing to the mission of the space. It is to the point where we think we need to ask him to leave the shop and to not return. Anyone have any experience with situations like this? Any retaliation?

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Safe space policy
by Geoffrey Bercarich 08 Jun '13

08 Jun '13

Can I ask all collectives to give their interpretation of a safe space and a method to maintain a safe or safer space.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Test for (volunteer) mechanics?
by Keren Gottfried 04 Jun '13

04 Jun '13

Hm, it sounds like yu are really hoping to get volunteers with a solid knowledge level to make sure you're helping a lot of people well. Is a written test your favourite method and do you think it is accessible to all? In my experience, written tests favour a very particular sort of learning style. What about something less academic/intimidating/formal, like a conversation or hands-on demonstration? We don't test people at Bike Pirates, we basically let anyone start (after they take an orientation) and learn "on the job". New and vet volunteers alike are encouraged to be open and honest with their knowledge levels with participants, to learn by "shadowing", and to ask questions vs. guess. We also explain to participants when they walk in (at least, we try to) that all our volunteers have varied knowledge levels and that we are a DIY work space. So we don't require people have a "base level" of knowledge. If you're just starting out but you've mastered flats, or brakes, or whatever, be the one to help with that issue as often as possible and shadow others on topics you know less about. It's an imperfect system but it allows for people to learn at their own pace, for our program to be welcome and accessible, while still being as efficient as possible. Background --> at Bike Pirates we have a (recently refined) volunteer training program that involves a couple hours on every Wednesday night for 3 weeks. The first week is a general orientation to the space and is the only mandatory week, followed by a mechanical orientation and the third is a walk trough and practice Bike Build night. - Keren, Bike Pirates. Toronto --- On Mon, 6/3/13, Paul Nagel <paul(a)thebicycletree.org> wrote: From: Paul Nagel <paul(a)thebicycletree.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Test for (volunteer) mechanics? To: "thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Received: Monday, June 3, 2013, 8:58 PM To start off, we've been seeing that nearly everyone (literally 49 out of 50 or even 99 out of 100) that comes to our workshops for do-it-together repair knows very little about bike maintenance (don't know a barrel adjuster from a limit screw). The process of learning is fundamental to these workshops, as it may be for most of the groups on this list. The notion of having a workspace where someone is vaguely supervising while people have at their bikes would not work for us at all. We pretty much need to be one on one with our visitors, we were 3 visitors to one volunteer the other day and it was far from optimal. In this light, it is important that our volunteer mechanics be at least decent mechanics as well as good teachers. We respect the importance of "hands off", but know that people come to our workshops not so much for the tools, but rather for the assistance of someone who knows what they are doing. So, I'm wondering if anyone uses a pretty simple written test (30 - 50 questions) in the process of bringing in new volunteer mechanics. We do not currently, though we do have new volunteers self-evaluate their level of knowledge on a one-page volunteer information form. I'm thinking a test could help quickly and objectively evaluate a person's skill level and help identify opportunities for growth. Any advice regarding problems and pitfalls would be appreciated. Of course any sample tests would be fantastic. This could be the same as an Earn-A-Bike test. Thank you, Paul Nagel The Bicycle Tree P.O. Box 11293 Santa Ana, CA 92711 http://www.thebicycletree.org info(a)thebicycletree.org -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 82, Issue 6
by Jenna Yu 04 Jun '13

04 Jun '13

I use a bikes at work 6' trailer and a 6' surely trailer. I like them both. I built a wooden box on top of the Surly trailer. The hitch attachment is easier and faster with the bikes at work trailer. If you get a couple of their hitches, you can share the BAW trailer with a few different people and even make your own trailer with a simple pin attachment. The Surly trailer hitch requires more adjustments and tweaking in the hitch but if feels really strong. I share the surley trailer with a coordinator at Recycle-A-Bike and he bent the skewer attaching the trailer to the bike improperly in one of the first attempts to use it. They are both great!! On Jun 4, 2013, at 4:17 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: Experience with Surly Cargo Trailers (Bill or Ted > Trailer)? (Samantha Herr) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 4 Jun 2013 14:54:58 -0400 > From: Samantha Herr <samanthazherr(a)gmail.com> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Experience with Surly Cargo Trailers (Bill > or Ted Trailer)? > Message-ID: > <CA+u0Amhr3rD3T=ww8AYBRnPQjQgCA+b30MR6_aH20=Jhmcj_ng(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Hey there, Andrew, > > Yep, I've used the Ted. Was built really well and had a great hitch system > through the back hub, but the Ted is a bit small. It also has some nice > featured built in for if you want to build the trailer up in any way. It's > pretty bare bones, but leaves lots of possibility. I think it's a great > trailer choice. > > Sam > > > On Tue, May 21, 2013 at 4:10 PM, Andrew Magill <andrew(a)spokesconnect.org>wrote: > >> Has anyone used either of the Surly trailers? We are thinking >> about purchasing the Bill trailer to haul a "mobile shop" as well as >> several complete bicycles. We would also consider a Bikes at Work Trailer >> but we can't get a discount from them. >> >> Any thoughts or stories please share! >> >> Thanks, >> >> Andrew >> >> SPOKES Bike Walk Connect >> >> MInneapolis >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >> To unsubscribe, send a blank email to >> TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org >> To manage your subscription, plase visit: >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >

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Test for (volunteer) mechanics?
by Paul Nagel 03 Jun '13

03 Jun '13

To start off, we've been seeing that nearly everyone (literally 49 out of 50 or even 99 out of 100) that comes to our workshops for do-it-together repair knows very little about bike maintenance (don't know a barrel adjuster from a limit screw). The process of learning is fundamental to these workshops, as it may be for most of the groups on this list. The notion of having a workspace where someone is vaguely supervising while people have at their bikes would not work for us at all. We pretty much need to be one on one with our visitors, we were 3 visitors to one volunteer the other day and it was far from optimal. In this light, it is important that our volunteer mechanics be at least decent mechanics as well as good teachers. We respect the importance of "hands off", but know that people come to our workshops not so much for the tools, but rather for the assistance of someone who knows what they are doing. So, I'm wondering if anyone uses a pretty simple written test (30 - 50 questions) in the process of bringing in new volunteer mechanics. We do not currently, though we do have new volunteers self-evaluate their level of knowledge on a one-page volunteer information form. I'm thinking a test could help quickly and objectively evaluate a person's skill level and help identify opportunities for growth. Any advice regarding problems and pitfalls would be appreciated. Of course any sample tests would be fantastic. This could be the same as an Earn-A-Bike test. Thank you, Paul Nagel The Bicycle Tree P.O. Box 11293 Santa Ana, CA 92711 http://www.thebicycletree.org info(a)thebicycletree.org

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Experience with Surly Cargo Trailers (Bill or Ted Trailer)?
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 03 Jun '13

03 Jun '13

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Experience with Surly Cargo Trailers (Bill or Ted Trailer)?
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 31 May '13

31 May '13

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Need Bike Valet Racks? Has anyone here thought of doing Bike Valet?? Contact SPOKES....
by Brian Drayton 30 May '13

30 May '13

Valet Bike Parking is like a coat check for your bike. Your organizaton can provide safe, free , event parking for many of the outdoor festivals in your area.. It is a fun way to be involved in the festivities of your cities events while promoting bicycling as an everyday means of transportation for everyone, and lowering the carbon foot print of each event , the city, and the planet. It is also an opportunity to work with your community spreading cycle frienly service and encouraging cycle culture . > *"For Brian Drayton, bike parking is not just a convenience; it's a > necessity, a mission, a movement in the making. Richmond Spokes, the > organization he founded in early 2009, provides valet bicycle parking at > about 25 small- to medium-size events throughout the Bay Area each year. > But more impressive than that is his sheer ambition. > "I want people to understand we can use bikes for everything, everyday," > Drayton said. "There should be as many bike-parking facilities as there are > gas stations in the world."* From: East Bay Express http://www.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/a-bike-rack-on-every-corner/Content?o… * * ****SPOKES can also prepare a Bike Valet SUrvival kit with instrucions best practices forms documents and strategies for marketing , deploying and monitizing your Bike Valet movement * *NEW!!! * Spokes New Portable (Moved by Bikes)Racks are durable and compact and available to other community bike orgs through SPOKES. *2013 SPOKES GETS NEW RACKS (Available Now)* * * * [image: 2013]<https://sites.google.com/a/richmondspokes.org/about/programs-1/programs/val…> * *After three years of our basic steel conduit racks , SPOKES has found the rack that rocks for bike Valet. **By this spring SPOKES will have replaced all our old racks with the Moved by bikes portable racks.* * * *SPOKES is also going to be Subsidizing these racks for other community bike organizations and bike coops to encourage the National Bike Movement in each SPOKES city. * * * * * *To make an order inquiry fill out the form at the bottom of this page or click this link<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dERkRGcxcGxNREh2ejFEem…> * * * * https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dERkRGcxcGxNREh2ejFEem… * *Price List * *Racks are: <https://sites.google.com/a/richmondspokes.org/about/programs-1/programs/val…> * - *$190 Each MSRP for companies and individuals* - *$100-$160 for qualifying community members and community bike organizations & cycling clubs** * * *Please fill out Rack Purchase inquiry below and let us know about your organization. * * * * * * * * * For inquiries email: racks(a)richmondspokes.org or call the Shop at 510-545-2243 <https://sites.google.com/a/richmondspokes.org/about/programs-1/programs/val…> * The community Bike Collective is dedicated to providing technical support and financial assistance to any community serving organization showing the will capacity and audience for Free Bike Valet services within their community. For more information about CBC and how we areplanning to use collective purchasing capitol to create deeper econimic prosperity in the community bike culture. Please join us: *here:https://sites.google.com/a/richmondspokes.org/about/programs-1/cbc* *CBC reserves the right to review applications and make delegations of subsidies and discounts under the strict criteria based on the factors set by our advisory and board of directors to make such delegations of the for mentioned subsidies to organizations contributing to our national Bike Valet Movement. * Bike Rack Order Form Open *Bike Rack Order Form*<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?authuser=1&hl=en&key=0AoF6wNHB…> Brian Drayton Oakland SPOKES Community Bike Lounge 465 9th Street Oakland, Ca. 94607 510-545-2243 Brian(a)oaklandspokes.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Oakland SPOKES loves it's Popup Home!!! Support us with your words in extending our Popup Lease and moving toward a long term /Permanant lease allowing us capitalize our community comittment. Please lend us yout testimonial of support by filling out this petition of support. (responders recieve a 15% Discount card via email) http://tinyurl.com/oaklandspokes ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ <https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=JFMWCU…>

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Climate Action
by Vernon Huffman 29 May '13

29 May '13

Please share your thoughts about the role of cyclists in transitioning from a fossil fuel economy. Bike4Peace has organized many cross continental rides to demonstrate the viability of efficient human powered transportation. We're eager to consider ways we can mobilize cyclists to augment the political movement to address climate change. Thanks -Vernon ----------------------------------------------------------+ | __o CONTINENTAL CRITICAL MASS | _`\;,_ come ride with me | (*)/ (*) My Blog | Bike4Peace Across the USA -----------------------------------------------------------+ - Vernon Huffman creator of Change

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 81, Issue 22
by Carolyn Szczepanski 29 May '13

29 May '13

Hey folks- The League is *just getting started* in developing our equity initiative and pulled together a mini-report on "The New Majority: Pedaling Toward Equity." Would love to hear folks' feedback. Here's the link to the report: http://www.bikeleague.org/news/equity_report.pdf *CAROLYN SZCZEPANSKI*, *Director of Communications, Women Bike* CAROLYN(a)BIKELEAGUE.ORG | 202-621-5452 *THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS* WWW.BIKELEAGUE.ORG <http://www.bikeleague.org> TWITTER <https://twitter.com/BikeLeague> | FACEBOOK<http://www.facebook.com/leagueamericanbicyclists> | YOUTUBE <http://www.youtube.com/user/bikeleaguevideo> *May is National Bike Month; Learn more here!<http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/> * On Wed, May 29, 2013 at 2:43 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. Need Bike Valet Racks? Has anyone here thought of doing Bike > Valet?? Contact SPOKES.... (Brian Drayton) > 2. Re: Need Bike Valet Racks? Has anyone here thought of doing > Bike Valet?? Contact SPOKES.... (Reno Bikes) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Wed, 29 May 2013 11:12:58 -0700 > From: Brian Drayton <brian(a)oaklandspokes.org> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Subject: [TheThinkTank] Need Bike Valet Racks? Has anyone here thought > of doing Bike Valet?? Contact SPOKES.... > Message-ID: > <CAL9cosbaVgUT1T3= > yeJJm6Lhce5PcmVOKFo+WrWWBomJa-haAA(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Valet Bike Parking is like a coat check for your bike. Your organizaton > can provide safe, free , event parking for many of the outdoor festivals > in your area.. > > > It is a fun way to be involved in the festivities of your cities events > while promoting bicycling as an everyday means of transportation for > everyone, and lowering the carbon foot print of each event , the city, and > the planet. It is also an opportunity to work with your community > spreading cycle frienly service and encouraging cycle culture . > > > > *"For Brian Drayton, bike parking is not just a convenience; it's a > > necessity, a mission, a movement in the making. Richmond Spokes, the > > organization he founded in early 2009, provides valet bicycle parking at > > about 25 small- to medium-size events throughout the Bay Area each year. > > But more impressive than that is his sheer ambition. > > "I want people to understand we can use bikes for everything, everyday," > > Drayton said. "There should be as many bike-parking facilities as there > are > > gas stations in the world."* > > > From: East Bay Express > > http://www.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/a-bike-rack-on-every-corner/Content?o… > > * > * > ****SPOKES can also prepare a Bike Valet SUrvival kit with instrucions > best practices forms documents and strategies for marketing , > deploying and monitizing your Bike Valet movement * > > > *NEW!!! * Spokes New Portable (Moved by Bikes)Racks are durable and compact > and available to other community bike orgs through SPOKES. > > *2013 SPOKES GETS NEW RACKS (Available Now)* > * > * > * > [image: 2013]< > https://sites.google.com/a/richmondspokes.org/about/programs-1/programs/val… > > > > * > *After three years of our basic steel conduit racks , SPOKES has found the > rack that rocks for bike Valet. **By this spring SPOKES will have > replaced all our old racks with the Moved by bikes portable racks.* > * > * > *SPOKES is also going to be Subsidizing these racks for other community > bike organizations and bike coops to encourage the National Bike Movement > in each SPOKES city. * > * > * > * > * > *To make an order inquiry fill out the form at the bottom of this page or > click this link< > https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dERkRGcxcGxNREh2ejFEem… > > > * > * > * > * > > https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dERkRGcxcGxNREh2ejFEem… > * > > *Price List * > *Racks are: > < > https://sites.google.com/a/richmondspokes.org/about/programs-1/programs/val… > > > * > > - *$190 Each MSRP for companies and individuals* > - *$100-$160 for qualifying community members and community bike > organizations & cycling clubs** > > * > * > *Please fill out Rack Purchase inquiry below and let us know about your > organization. * > * > * > * > * > * > * > * > * > For inquiries email: racks(a)richmondspokes.org or call the Shop at > 510-545-2243 > > > < > https://sites.google.com/a/richmondspokes.org/about/programs-1/programs/val… > > > * The community Bike Collective is dedicated to providing technical > support and financial assistance to any community serving organization > showing the will capacity and audience for Free Bike Valet services within > their community. > > For more information about CBC and how we areplanning to use collective > purchasing capitol to create deeper econimic prosperity in the community > bike culture. Please join us: > *here:https://sites.google.com/a/richmondspokes.org/about/programs-1/cbc* > > *CBC reserves the right to review applications and make delegations of > subsidies and discounts under the strict criteria based on the factors set > by our advisory and board of directors to make such delegations of the for > mentioned subsidies to organizations contributing to our national Bike > Valet Movement. * > > Bike Rack Order Form > > Open *Bike Rack Order > Form*< > https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?authuser=1&hl=en&key=0AoF6wNHB… > > > > Brian Drayton > Oakland SPOKES Community Bike Lounge > 465 9th Street > Oakland, Ca. 94607 > 510-545-2243 > Brian(a)oaklandspokes.org > > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > Oakland SPOKES loves it's Popup Home!!! Support us with your words in > extending our Popup Lease and moving toward a long term /Permanant lease > allowing us capitalize our community comittment. > > Please lend us yout testimonial of support by filling out this petition of > support. (responders recieve a 15% Discount card via email) > > http://tinyurl.com/oaklandspokes > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > > < > https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=JFMWCU… > > >

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Purchases with Sweat Equity
by Vernon Huffman 28 May '13

28 May '13

We ran into some potential trouble for paying volunteers with bicycles, which could be a violation of labor laws, so we developed a volunteer incentive program. Paraphrasing, it says if you completely overhaul two bicycles, you can keep the one of lesser value. It allows a Shop Manager to accept equivalent volunteer work in lieu of overhauling a bike. If somebody needs a bike and is willing to make an effort, we make sure she gets it, but we don't give them away. Everybody has some talent to offer. Our slogan is "give a little more than you get." ________________________________ From: "thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org" 1. (Edward Kirkwood) An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://lists.bikecollectives.org/pipermail/thethinktank-bikecollectives.org…>

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Purchases with Sweat Equity
by troy neiman 26 May '13

26 May '13

At BICAS, AZ we have a strict policy to do the work before you get the bike. Nor do we hold bikes while sweat equity (we call work-trade program) is being done. It would be great if everyone would come back and do the work but I am actually surprised that even 50% of the people did. You are already providing a really great service for people and its very fair to ask people to do the work first. Troy Neiman ----- Original Message ----- From: Edward Kirkwood Sent: 05/22/13 06:29 AM To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bike Purchases with Sweat Equity At Broke Spoke Community Bike Shop in Lexington, KY, our bike purchase policy is: People without the financial means can purchase a bike that is priced < $100 totally on credit that day with the verbal agreement that they return to shop and volunteer enough to pay their debt off. Our sweat equity policy pays folks $8 / hour in shop credit. After a review of our sweat equity accounts that we keep for each customer, we discovered that over 50% of the folks who purchased a 100% sweat equity bike never came back after that initial visit/bike purchase. Our mission is to provide better acccess to better bicycles used for transportation and to enable folks to perform their own maintenance. While our current policy is providing bikes to people, we are questioning whether we are giving folks a handout rather than a hand-up. We would like to hear how some of you handle sweat equity bike purchases. More specifically adult purchases as we do not have a huge kid market. Allen Kirkwood Broke Spoke

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1304 Bikes Needs Your Help!
by 1304bikes 22 May '13

22 May '13

You are receiving this email because at some point in the past you contacted 1304 Bikes, whether it was to donate a bike, inquire about getting a bike, or to help out in any way. We are writing you now to ask for your help in re-opening our doors after 4 years of being closed. We have found a new space in downtown Raleigh, but we need to raise enough money for our first years rent plus some start-up costs. This will give us the time needed to focus on re-establishing our previously successful programs and to create a sustainable fundraising model that will carry us into the future. We have 10 days left in our campaign and still have a ways to go, but if everyone who reads this email gave just $15 we would get there! So please consider donating. We are running a fixed campaign, so if we don't reach our goal, we get nothing and you will get a full refund. You can read below for more information or head to our funding site to see pictures, check out the perks we're offering, and make a donation. Thank you all for your support, past and present, and our apologies if you have already received this or donated (thank you!) *Donation Page:* http://igg.me/at/1304bikes/x/2593075 *More detailed info on 1304bikes and our fundraising campaign:* As Raleigh’s only non-profit bicycle program, past or present, 1304 bikes filled a unique niche in the bicycle community. Established in 2005, it was the only place where Raleigh residents, regardless of income, could earn a bicycle, find spare parts, use community tools, and receive repair instruction. Our parts and tools were provided to residents at no cost, and participants in the Earn-a-Bike program could obtain a free bicycle by volunteering to help at the shop for 1-8 hours. Our other programs included Open Shop where access to tools and used parts are freely accessible to the bicycle community and Kid-a-bike where donated kids bikes are refurbished and distributed at no cost to children. Over the years, the popularity of 1304 bikes grew and the organization became widely loved by the cycling community. 1304 bikes served a wide-spread and diverse cross section of the Raleigh population, including youth, college students, the homeless and cyclists of all walks. The number of shop users and Earn-a-Bike participants grew with each year we remained open, and we were on track in 2009 to have over 300 people complete the Earn-a-Bike program. Our busiest summer months would typically see 25-30 successful Earn-a-Bikers as well as up to 50 shop users during open hours. Our new space will allow us to continue the growth we had, as well as to reach new people and expand the programs and services that we offer. 1304 bikes also provided a valuable outlet for residents wishing to see their old bicycles reused and recycled instead of going to the landfill. We try to minimize as much waste as we can, re-purposing parts and bikes we cannot use into work stands, bike art, jewelry, etc. What we cannot use, we recycle including steel, aluminum, and tires. Unfortunately in 2009, 1304 bikes was forced to cease operations due to improper zoning of the building we operated in. In the last 4 years, little traction was made in finding a new shop space, especially one that was centrally located and affordable for a nonprofit with a meager income. At last though, we have finally found a new space in downtown Raleigh that we are excited about! It is on N. West St. and we will be renting 1,500 square feet of warehouse type space with the potential to expand as we grow. But with little funds in our account and no fundraising mechanisms in place due to our 4 year layoff, we are going to need some help. We are asking for the community’s support helping us to raise our first year's rent up front as well as some start-up money for tools, signage, workbenches, etc. We are running a fixed funding campaign, which means we will only get funded if we reach our goal. We feel that for 1304 bikes to thrive, we need to act now and spend the next several months focusing on reestablishing our previously successful shop programs and rebuilding a member base rather than worrying about fundraising. If we meet our funding goal, it will give us the breathing room we need to get 1304 up and running again; otherwise we will step back from 1304 bikes and hopefully find other ways to be a positive part of the Raleigh community. We initially got involved in this project because we loved riding and fixing bikes as well as the sense of community that came with those things. Please help us get back to sharing what we love and rebuilding that community by donating. -- 1304bikes www.1304bikes.com https://www.facebook.com/1304Bikes

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Bike Purchases with Sweat Equity
by Edward Kirkwood 22 May '13

22 May '13

At Broke Spoke Community Bike Shop in Lexington, KY, our bike purchase policy is: People without the financial means can purchase a bike that is priced < $100 totally on credit that day with the verbal agreement that they return to shop and volunteer enough to pay their debt off. Our sweat equity policy pays folks $8 / hour in shop credit. After a review of our sweat equity accounts that we keep for each customer, we discovered that over 50% of the folks who purchased a 100% sweat equity bike never came back after that initial visit/bike purchase. Our mission is to provide better acccess to better bicycles used for transportation and to enable folks to perform their own maintenance. While our current policy is providing bikes to people, we are questioning whether we are giving folks a handout rather than a hand-up. We would like to hear how some of you handle sweat equity bike purchases. More specifically adult purchases as we do not have a huge kid market. Allen Kirkwood Broke Spoke

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summer season lines and addressing peoples needs
by Andrea Chiotti 21 May '13

21 May '13

Hey, I'm working at the Community Cycling Center in Portland Oregon and we have been trying to brainstorm how to keep track of customers and tool stand users in the melee of the summer season. People come into our shop and line up out the door. Some people have "a quick question" and some need to consult about building their bike. It is hard to maintain a sense of order when one mechanic may be with a patron for 1 hour or more. Has anyone come up with a system to manage customers? We become overwhelmed trying to manage customers making purchases, consulting on repairs that they want to do themselves or have us do, or consulting about bike sizing, test riding, etc. We tried a "take a number" system last season that proved ineffective and just as confusing. We also tried having some people doing customer shuffling while mechanics answered questions, but still we would like to be more efficient. I'd love to hear any suggestions anyone may have or tactics you find work to maintain a steady pace of work and address needs in an organized way! Please feel free to ask me questions if i have been unclear. I am looking forward to hearing different problem solving tactics. Andrea Chiotti

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Squatted bike shop in Detroit.
by Marshall Symons 18 May '13

18 May '13

FIREWEEDUNIVERSECITY.ORG We were squatting a house and running it out of there but this year we are taking over a comercial space that has been abandoned for 15 years. I posted some pics of our progress on our blog. I hope you guys enjoy checking out our progress. <3 MARS PSYENCE fireweed universe city red planet bicycle collective DETROIT HUSTLES HARDER!

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Re: [TheThinkTank] summer season lines and addressing peoples needs
by Rachel Morris 18 May '13

18 May '13

At one point we had the same good problem. When stands were full, we put out a sign-in sheet. The person would write their name, cell number, date and time. When a stand opened, we'd call the person. That way they could be around at a shop, and then come back quickly. We never had as many people as you - so we had more wiggle room. I'm not sure how that would work with a serious line up. Kind Regards, Rachel The HUB Community Bike Shop - Ventura, CA

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We need space
by Garry Zimmerman 16 May '13

16 May '13

I am a volunteer at the Bicycle Resource of Bend in Bend, Oregon. We rent a small office space where we repair donated bicycles and we have five 10'X20' storage units packed with bikes and parts. We sell bikes to cover our $850 a month rent. We are so packed it is hard to turn around. My question is: What have other non-profits done to give them selves the space they needed? Garry BROB

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http://www.bikecollectives.org/ Is DOWN
by director 14 May '13

14 May '13

Anyone know what's going on? http://www.bikecollectives.org/ -- -- 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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Shop data management?
by Andrew Shooner 09 May '13

09 May '13

What kind of data do you record as part of your shop operations? Right now we use a somewhat abused set of spreadsheets to track our pertinent info, but I'm in the process of creating a more task-specific database (a web app) to handle it all better. Here is what we track now: - Volunteer hours (to add volunteer sweat equity credit to volunteers' records) - Sweat equity used (to subtract credit for purchase of bikes, parts, stand time) - Bike sales: Bike ID, how it was paid (cash/equity), how it will be used Our cash & credit sales are tracked independently on a POS/register. Right now that is all done on paper, then later entered into the spreadsheets. It's kind of a cumbersome process, but visitors are comfortable with a paper sign-in sheet, and volunteers are comfortable with a spreadsheet (vs. a database). We don't track overall number of shop visitors (although we do hang on to our paper sign-in sheets), or gross volume of stand time provided. While we have contact info for all visitors on a waiver they fill out the first time they come in the shop, we would probably have a difficult time if we needed to quickly find an emergency contact for someone, since they are all just on paper right now. I'd like to integrate that all together into the database. Since I'm writing this front desk app, I thought I'd ping the community to see if these are common needs, or if there are other common needs that I could consider as I develop it. I'd love for it to be useful enough to offer to the broader community at some point. -Andy Broke Spoke Community Bike Shop Lexington, KY

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Resources for starting a community bike shop
by Emrys Prussin 09 May '13

09 May '13

Hi There, We are starting a community bike shop in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and wondered if there were any resources out there with tips on starting up and things that others have learned in the process of starting their own community shops. We are in the process of putting together a first order for tools, to allow us to have at least three people working in the shop at once during community classes and for volunteers. Is anyone aware of a tool list that might give us some extra direction? any suggestions would be much appreciated, Oldtown Bike Works Yellowknife, NWT

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Question - Role of Community Bike Shops in Bike Advocacy
by james bledsoe 06 May '13

06 May '13

In Los Angeles, The los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition does the heavy lifting in this department. leaving us at the Bicycle Kitchen to focus on wrenching and empowering more regular folks to just ride their bicycles. This creates a larger pool of potential allies and advocates increasing the chances that the more politically minded among us will meet and the necessary magic will transpire. Like build it and they will come, wrench and they will roll!! jim --- On Sat, 5/4/13, Jason Tanzman <jason.tanzman(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: Jason Tanzman <jason.tanzman(a)gmail.com> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Question - Role of Community Bike Shops in Bike Advocacy To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org Date: Saturday, May 4, 2013, 12:37 PM Hey all, I'd love to hear stories of community bike shops explicitly involved in bike advocacy. I interpret "bike advocacy" pretty broadly but am thinking along the lines of fighting for bike lanes, changing bike-negative laws, pushing for complete streets policies, etc. I'm spending some time thinking about the role of community bike shops in the bike advocacy movement. One theme I've been reflecting on - and I welcome people's thoughts, comments, push-back, etc - is this. The bicycle advocacy movement is limited in its potential in part because of the lack of diverse community leadership and participation from traditionally under-represented communities (we/they are a bunch of old white men). Community bike shops have an incredible diversity of experiences and connections to traditionally under-represented communities, but a lack of intentional engagement in policy work limits community bike shops' ability to have a broad-reaching and long-term impact. I'm trying to understand how really grassroots organizations can have a more broad-reaching impact - and where community bike shops have succeeded (or failed) in using our networks to involve people in influencing legislation or government investments. I welcome any stories that in any way touch on the relationship between community bike shops to advocacy initiatives! Jason Tanzman Cycles for Change -- Development and Outreach Director 612-232-2737 (cell) 651-222-2080 (shop) www.cyclesforchange.org The mission of Cycles for Change is to be an open, accessible space to educate and empower people to use bicycles as transportation, helping to build a sustainable environment and community. Volunteer with us to help build a bicycling movement in the Twin Cities! -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Question - Role of Community Bike Shops in Bike Advocacy
by Rachel Morris 06 May '13

06 May '13

I totally agree that bike shops are a fantastic forum for bicycle advocacy. It's one of the best ways to reach a broad base of people directly affected by bike legislation and road conditions. You get to meet people, one-on-one, and talk about the issues. The Ventura Bike HUB (our shop) is becoming an important forum for the Ventura Bicycle Union (our advocacy arm). We plan to start holding our political meetings at the HUB, as soon as we nail down the location (we're still building hopping). Depending on how you did your paper-work, most 501(c)(3)s can put up to 20% of their resources into lobbying - as long as it's not partisan or supporting any particular candidate. "Assembly Bill AB1371 is going toward the governor for a third time." I would appreciate some specifics on the most strategic approach to respond to this bill. Is there a point person we should target? What is the status? Are there specific talking points. If there's a good link I can read-up on, that would be helpful. Rachel Morris VCCool Executive Director/ Ventura Bike HUB Director www.vccool.org

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Question - Role of Community Bike Shops in Bike Advocacy
by Jason Tanzman 04 May '13

04 May '13

Hey all, I'd love to hear stories of community bike shops explicitly involved in bike advocacy. I interpret "bike advocacy" pretty broadly but am thinking along the lines of fighting for bike lanes, changing bike-negative laws, pushing for complete streets policies, etc. I'm spending some time thinking about the role of community bike shops in the bike advocacy movement. One theme I've been reflecting on - and I welcome people's thoughts, comments, push-back, etc - is this. The bicycle advocacy movement is limited in its potential in part because of the lack of diverse community leadership and participation from traditionally under-represented communities (we/they are a bunch of old white men). Community bike shops have an incredible diversity of experiences and connections to traditionally under-represented communities, but a lack of intentional engagement in policy work limits community bike shops' ability to have a broad-reaching and long-term impact. I'm trying to understand how really grassroots organizations can have a more broad-reaching impact - and where community bike shops have succeeded (or failed) in using our networks to involve people in influencing legislation or government investments. I welcome any stories that in any way touch on the relationship between community bike shops to advocacy initiatives! Jason Tanzman Cycles for Change -- Development and Outreach Director 612-232-2737 (cell) 651-222-2080 (shop) www.cyclesforchange.org The mission of Cycles for Change is to be an open, accessible space to educate and empower people to use bicycles as transportation, helping to build a sustainable environment and community. Volunteer with us to help build a bicycling movement in the Twin Cities!

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Fwd: What SPOKES is up to... Oakland Spokes Community Bike Lounge
by Brian Drayton 30 Apr '13

30 Apr '13

Help Support SPOKES Community Bike Lounge. 465 9th street Oakland Ca A movement and a space creating a social and community bike space collectively supported by Community Bike Organizations *(CBO)* ** . As a Pop up , our goal is to be a campaign headquarters to highlight the contributions of CBO's in our area. We are currently crowd funding however our development of the fundraising plan needs the seeds of your support. <https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=JFMWCU…> SPOKES has been operating in Richmond, CA for four years and has had Great success unveiling the hidden bike culture in Richmond. SPOKES has been stimulating economy and green mobility in the heart of Richmond’s Downtown renaissance, and creating the resources and space for a city of 259,000 people with no bike shop. SPOKES customers not only buy bikes and repair and maintain their bikes, but also congregate and cultivate a movement of healthy living and mobility. During this time, SPOKES notoriety and work has been recognized and the SPOKES model requested by communities in San Pablo, EL Cerrito, Berkeley, Oakland, San Leandro, Los Angeles, CA, Atlanta, GA, Minneapolis MI, and in Washington DC. ** *Unfortunately the Richmond SPOKESHOP Bike Shop & Lounge will not be able to renew it's lease after May 1, 2013 at Market square Mall. We are beginning a campaign to raise capitol to find another *permanent* home for spokes in Richmond, Ca. * *The Oakland SPOKES Community Bike Lounge is being established to be the * * campaign headquarters of SPOKES National and the focal point of a fund raising ** campaign to relocate and sustain the founding SPOKESHOP in Richmond, and to establish a fund ** for supporting SPOKES affiliated Community bike organizations nationally. * * * *We will be launching an IndieGogo crowd funder in about a week and need support in finishing touches and stock for the new place. It would be awesome to *receive* any amount from you as *colleagues* or from your networks in support. SOKES believes that united we can change the global fight to create peaceful productive mobile green Communities and *more so to* make bikes a reality for all our communities through supporting Community Bike Organizations. * * * *[image: Inline image 1]<https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=JFMWCU…> * > Calling all community and community bike minded businesses and > organizations. > Oakland SPOKES is launching a hyper local/National Community Bike > Organization (CBO) Campaign and is setting up a community bike lounge in > partnership with Pop Up Hood Oakland to host “Bay Built Bikes” by East Bay > Area Community Bike Organizations (CBO) and, local mechanics/builders and > bike art vendors. > This Bike lounge will display and consign Bikes built by Bay Area > mechanics as part of the campaign Headquarters for SPOKES National’s > Community Bike Organization Project. Our goal is to collectively advocate > for earmarked City, State, and Federal Funding of our communities’ CBO > Projects. This lounge will have commuter accessories, and catered café > fixings from Awaken Cafe, Bicycle Coffee, Numi Tea, and Rock the Bike > smoothies in its cool Old > T > own Location > > 465 9th street Oakland > Ca > . We will be having daily opportunities for you as **members to reserve > space to do workshops, and host bike-related social events. > > Our soft opening will be held in conjunction with Oakland’s First Friday > on May 3rd 2013. Following that, our grand opening will take place in the > middle of the Bike to Work After Party and we will be hosting the official > Bike to work “After Party -After Party”. We plan to have DJ music by Abel > Dee and special guests and perhaps some Bike Flix to keep the pedals > turning. > > The lounge will have a map of the East Bay covering an entire wall as > focal accent. This map will have pushpins for all the CBO’s. Bike routes > will be marked out on the map in red and will begin from the SPOKES > Community Bike Org Hub on the map along routes to each site pinned on the > map. This map will serve as a visual guide to patrons of where all our > shops are located in reference to each other the hub and their lives. The > SPOKESHOP community bike lounge will also provide your organization with a > space for exposure in Downtown Oakland where you can showcase your bikes, > bike art, bike jewelry and swag for sale. > > Each member shop or org will need to contribute their high quality logo > and a “Bay Built Bike” or bike product(s) to be part of the for sale > consignment exhibit. We will highlight your logo, branding and location > on a string of *banners in the lounge. Your product or bike will be > mounted on the wall or rack with a short bio of your organization and name > of the builder or artist behind the product. All sales will be tracked as > consignment and you will have the opportunity to refresh your line of > products as it sells. Our goal is to help our businesses or organization > further penetrate the bike movement and bike industry and send business as > well as awareness to the customers in your community. Through crowd funding > and a capital campaign, we intend to raise funds to advocate for bikes as > part of community economic development. > > In order to participate, we require you to be a **member of the Community > Bike Collective. > https://sites.google.com/a/richmondspokes.org/about/programs-1/cbc > > This successful model will serve as a hub of resources for cyclists in > East Bay by providing them with maps and quick commuter tips. > Increase your sales and impact while celebrating green mobility today. > Join us now! > https://sites.google.com/a/richmondspokes.org/about/programs-1/cbc > *To have a banner in the Oakland SPOKESHOP Community Bike Lounge we do > require a $25 fee and consigned product subject to our approval for our > gallery consignment space. > **There is no Membership fee for this inaugural group, as SPOKES wants to > encourage our founding member organizations to jump on the bandwagon and > participate on collective bargaining for funding and resources. > Inaugural members will have links to their business or organization on our > website member page and a placard in the shop. <https://sites.google.com/a/richmondspokes.org/about/programs-1/cbc> We're in the 465 9th street Oakland Ca space... Need to connect to everyone on details of this fantastic collective community bike pop up. Meeting Wednesday May 1 2013 at 7:00. Please Rsvp. > *Swag > / > Bikes > / > Music > / > Food > / > Workshops > / > Rides* - Soft Opening This First Friday. - Grand Opening...... May 9, 2013! *Anyone putting a bike in the gallery should send me a pix of your bike to be consigned: and full bio on your shop , the mechanic that built the bike , make Model and components and estimated sale price.* Looking for art and swag. We will talk about the consignment and collectively create the consignment contract on Wednesday. Bikes: We have Soft confirmations on Roll Up Bikes , Cosmic Cycles , Oakland SPOKES, and Rock the Bike. WHo's next...? Food: We have Soft confirmations on Bicycle Coffee, Numi Tea, Awaken Cafe, and James and the Giant Cupcake as food. NEED Linden BEER ADAM Art: We have Soft confirmations on Red Bike and Green, Zapinc, and Oaklandish on ART. Need some more art dedicated for Last week of May. Music: We have Soft confirmations on Music from Ross Aebldee Robinson Need some resident DJ gear.. and more dj:s for thursday Friday and Saturday Evenings. Workshops: We have Soft confirmations on workshops from Oakland SPokes, Binx Garage, Roll Up We need: proposals for workshops: by Tuesday evening. Come on SPOKELAND, Waterside WOrkshops, Cosmic Cycles, Bikes For Life - Speedy flat repair - Basic lube and tune - Wheel Truing - Deterring Bike Thieves - WHO WANT TO DO BIKE CHURCH: Three workshops in one Sunday mornings. Brian Drayton 510) 545-2243 brian@ <brian(a)richmondspokes.org>O aklandspokes.org http://www. <http://www.richmondspokes.org/>o aklandspokes.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Why re-invent the wheel ...when you can tighten the spokes? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ >

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Rome, May 29th–May 31th 2013. Forum of bike recycling and community workshops
by Ciclofficine popolari Roma 30 Apr '13

30 Apr '13

FORUM OF BIKE RECYCLING AND COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS Three days of Bike Kitchen Forum (May 29th – 31st) in Rome We are glad to invite you to a Forum of bike recycling and community workshops which will take place in Rome, May 29th – May 31th 2013. Please confirm your participation at info(a)ciclofficinepopolari.it ------ After ten years of wrenches and ideas, we would like to reflect about the meaning and the evolution of today’s Bike Kitchens and Bike Communities, the sense of the reappropriation of the common spaces and the importance of the knowledge exchange. We feel the need to think about our bike riding direction and about the meaning of our mechanical skills. Starting from these questions we decided to share these thoughts with others Bike Kitchens which have similar experiences and horizons, even though belonging to dissimilar metropolitan environments. Places where, for example, biking is already part of the means of transport and it’s regulated by laws and standard normative, or places in which Bike Kitchens are sponsored by public or private entities, or can be organized as non-profit entities. For all these reasons we thought to create a gathering between the Bike Kitchens and Critical Mass which will take place the preceding week to the 10th Ciemmona (May 29th, 30th, 31st). Therefore we decided to host a Cyclocamp (from the 24th of May 'till the 3rd of June) and a Bike Kitchen Forum, not only for greasing ourselves from head to feet but also for sharing thoughts, ideas, practices and knowledge. We are convinced that putting together all these Bike Kitchens, in their similarities and mainly differences, we will be able to bring a renewed conscience in our global thinking and local acting. In order to promote this discussion we thought that could be useful to concentrate it in the three first days before the Ciemmona (29th , 30th, 31st of May) in which will take place the Forum. The following program is our proposal, is open to possible changes and rearrangements, and it has to be developed together Day 1 – Wed May 29th, 2pm-6pm. THE BIKE KITCHENS AND THEIR PRACTICES. Presentation of our experiences and different battle fields. Recycling, do-it-yourself, convivial technologies. Day 2 – Thu May 30th , 2pm-6pm. PROJECTS AND TERRITORY. Presentations of our differences: bottom-up /institutional initiatives, non-profit/ money-free approach. What do we do besides repair/invent/built up bicycles? Which objects and technologies are more people oriented? Welding, carpentering, sawing, etc. Day 3 – Fri May 31st 2pm-5pm. THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY. The Bike Kitchen reality was born starting from common needs and develops through sharing practices and ideas. Are there any other pathways to share? Does it make sense to organize a European Bike Kitchen Network? Which would be its use and goals? Could we think about a yearly international meeting of the Bike Kitchens? Could we do it during the Ciemmona or the Summer Cyclocamps? Should it be Itinerant? We would like to invite to present your experiences through an English presentation (powerpoint or similar, suggested format pdf) to be delivered to the other Bike Kitchens. Suggested Template for the presentation: Who are you (the speaker)? (1 slide) Which reality do you represent? (1 slide) Your organization: where is located, opening hours, how many activists, ect. Modus operandi and users Past and future projects These presentations, together with a small report of the three Forum days, will constitute a document that we would like to put together in a small publication. For all the participants, the garden of the CSOA eXSnia will be available for your camping tents, your skills, your ideas, etc. The camp site is totally free and you have to collaborate in its organization and management. We are strictly anti-fascist, anti-sexist and anti-racist. Please do not join us if you do not recognize yourself in these fundamental values. Roman people’s Bike Kitchen Network The Cyclocamp: http://ciclofficinepopolari.it/en/iniziative/2013/cyclocamp-roma/ , http://cyclocamp.org The Forum: http://ciclofficinepopolari.it/en/iniziative/2013/forum-delle-ciclofficine/ The 10th Interplanetary Critical Mass (Ciemmona): http://ciemmona.org/en The location: http://exsnia.it/ciclofficina Please confirm your participation and talk a little bit with us about the subject and the structure: info(a)ciclofficinepopolari.it Book a space for your tent sending an email to: accommodation(a)ciemmona.org Do you need a bike? We’ll do what we can! Write to: bikesharing(a)ciemmona.org

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Thoughts on new forum
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 30 Apr '13

30 Apr '13

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501c3 filing
by greenbean246 Green 25 Apr '13

25 Apr '13

Hello Bike Co-Ops! The Lincoln Bike Kitchen is gathering corroborating information for our 501(c)3 filing. It would be most helpful to us if we could hear from other bike co-ops which have tax exempt status regarding what part of the IRS code you fall under. Being able to tell the IRS what kind of charity other bike co-ops have been designated will help them give us a designation more quickly. We appreciate any info any of you can give us. Thanks! B. J. GreenTreasurerLincoln Bike KitchenLincoln, NE

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Re: [TheThinkTank] 501c3 filing
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 25 Apr '13

25 Apr '13

Wise move! We have encountered difficulty with our application. Proper language is key in your description. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "greenbean246 Green" <greenbean246(a)hotmail.com> To: "Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] 501c3 filing Date: Thu, Apr 25, 2013 10:33 Hello Bike Co-Ops! The Lincoln Bike Kitchen is gathering corroborating information for our 501(c)3 filing. It would be most helpful to us if we could hear from other bike co-ops which have tax exempt status regarding what part of the IRS code you fall under. Being able to tell the IRS what kind of charity other bike co-ops have been designated will help them give us a designation more quickly. We appreciate any info any of you can give us. Thanks! B. J. GreenTreasurerLincoln Bike KitchenLincoln, NE

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keeping tools from disappearing
by Bob Giordano 22 Apr '13

22 Apr '13

All 12 of our work stations have basic tools. Everyone shares a chain tool, cable cutters and a crank puller though. For years, those tools would 'disappear' every few months. We did not want to have a sign-out system, so we chained a bike fork to the chain tool, a training wheel to the cable cutter and a big crank to the crank puller. These tools no longer go 'missing'. We also throw out the tops to the small chain oil bottles (3 bottles circulate), and the oil continues to flow now, and does not go missing. -- Bob Giordano Free Cycles Missoula Shop: 732 S. 1st St. West, 541.7284 12PM-6PM Mon-Sat Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation www.strans.org, mist(a)strans.org, 406-880-6834

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New SF Cycling Forum
by Alaine Anhalt 22 Apr '13

22 Apr '13

Hello everyone! I just launched a new cycling forum for SF bike riders as part of a graphic design thesis. The website is still under construction but the forum is up and running. It's purpose it to create a resource for cyclists who have qualms about riding around the city because they think it's too hard or too dangerous. It's my hope that by offering solutions, people will choose to ride their bikes more! I would love for anyone with a moment to check it out and add some content. These types of forums are only as valuable as their level of activity. Already in the past two days I have a ton of posts from new riders with questions about riding, but my problem is that I have less people with expert knowledge who can provide answers. I have noticed that this thinktank has a fantastic collective wealth of knowledge and it's my hope that if only a few people share some insight on the forum it will be a much more valuable resource to the cyclists of SF. You don't have to be from SF to know the answers to most of these questions. Your help means a lot to the cycling community! In addition, I have a soft design of an app and a series of events, all hypothetical pending the proper funding. In the meantime I'm hoping the forum is a useful resource :) http://biketheresf.com/forums/ http://biketheresf.com/register/ Hope everyone has a great day! -- Cheers, Alaine

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1304 Bikes Crowd-Funding Campaign
by 1304bikes 22 Apr '13

22 Apr '13

Please let me know if I'm off base for posting this here, but I just wanted to let everyone know the we here in Raleigh are trying to reopen our shop. We've been closed since our shop had to close due to zoning issues outside our control in 2009. Little traction was made in the last 4 years trying to secure a new space, but we have finally found one we think is ideal. It's 1500sqft of warehouse type space (with room to expand if needed) in downtown. However, we have little money and no fundraising mechanisms in place, so we're asking for community support to raise the money for our first years rent. This will allow us to get our programs restarted and set up fundraising/grants to make it sustainable in the long run. Thanks for reading and we look forward to getting active again and hopefully returning to bike!bike! http://igg.me/at/1304bikes https://www.facebook.com/1304Bikes -- 1304bikes www.1304bikes.com

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike!Bike! FB Site
by Tony DeFilippo 19 Apr '13

19 Apr '13

Hi there, My name is Tony DeFilippo, I'm the social media manager for Velocity Co-Op in Alexandria, VA. I'd like to join your Bike!Bike! 2013 New Orleans group as our Velocity Coop FB account identity but when I go to do it I'm not seeing that there is a 'Like' available. Do I need to be invited? Thanks for the help, it looks like a cool event!! Tony On Thu, Apr 18, 2013 at 11:27 AM, John Patterson < john.patterson(a)velocitycoop.org> wrote: > Thanks, Tony, > > Per their message below (which I should have included in my email), best > if you send them an email directly for us to join the group... > > Regards, John > > ___________________________ > John Patterson | Director | VéloCity Bicycle Co-op | 2111 Mt. Vernon Ave., > Alexandria, VA 22301 | velocitycoop.org | +1 703-835-0699 | Mobile: +1 > 703-608-3660 > > > *From: *Plan B <nolabikeproject(a)gmail.com> > *Subject: **Re: [TheThinkTank] List of mailing addresses for community > bike projects* > *Date: *April 16, 2013 11:36:22 AM EDT > *To: *The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > *Reply-To: *The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > > Hey there. > > Yes, probably. Mr. Morrison is a smart cookie! > > Also, we'd like to encourage people to join the Facebook group if they > have the capability. We'll also share the list on that page as well. > > https://www.facebook.com/groups/251742101526928/ > > Unfortunately, the bots and spammers have gotten pretty vicious trying to > join the FB group, so if you get rejected, please send me a message via > thinktank and I'll let you in. 99% of legit people will be accepted into the > group. We're hoping using this group as a primary source of info can keep > us from overloading the thinktank with minutae. > > Would it be helpful if the list were cut and pasted the invitation list to > The Think Tank (not an attachment) for people to peruse? We're trying to > gauge numbers and encourage early registration (which will be available > soon) as we feel that this event may be heavily attended. (We hope so!) > > Hope to see everyone in a few short months!!!! > > Victor Pizarro > Project Organizer > Plan B, The New Orleans Community Bike Project > > > > On Apr 18, 2013, at 11:23 AM, Tony DeFilippo wrote: > > Hi John, > > It doesn't look like there is an option to 'like' or 'join' under the > admin roll for Facebook, however I shared the group and highlighted it on > the Velocity Timeline. I'll look into it further this evening, there must > be a way. > > Tony > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Tony DeFilippo <tony(a)ad28.net> > Date: Thu, Apr 18, 2013 at 11:16 AM > Subject: Re: Bike!Bike! FB Site > To: sheba farrin <sheba.farrin(a)velocitycoop.org> > > > Of course! > > > On Thu, Apr 18, 2013 at 11:12 AM, sheba farrin < > sheba.farrin(a)velocitycoop.org> wrote: > >> Tony, >> May I please hand this off to you? >> Thank you! >> :-) >> >> >> ----- >> Sheba Farrin >> Sciathan Productions >> Velocity CoOp >> ----- >> >> >> ---------- Forwarded message ---------- >> From: John Patterson <john.patterson(a)velocitycoop.org> >> Date: Thu, Apr 18, 2013 at 7:19 AM >> Subject: Bike!Bike! FB Site >> To: Sheba Farrin <sheba.farrin(a)velocitycoop.org> >> >> >> I am such a FB neophyte... I can't see how to "join" or "like" this >> group as VeloCity... Can you give it a go? >> >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/251742101526928/ >> >> Thanks! >> >> Best, John >> ___________________________ >> John Patterson | Director | VéloCity Bicycle Co-op | 2111 Mt. Vernon >> Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301 | velocitycoop.org | +1 703-835-0699 | >> Mobile: +1 703-608-3660 >> >> >> >> >> > > >

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Income Verification for EAB
by corvallisbikes 17 Apr '13

17 Apr '13

Not personally a fan of income verification because it creates an us & them atmosphere. We all pull together and everybody gives a little more than she gets. We only give bikes or parts as incentives for volunteering, without means testing. That said, I think the standard most charities use around here is food stamps. If you qualify for them, you qualify for all sorts of freebies, but not enough to actually live comfortably. -Vernon *Corvallis Bicycle Collective* www.CorvallisBikes.org <http://www.corvallisbikes.org/> Twitter @cvoBikes <http://twitter.com/cvobikes> *Hours & Directions to Our Shop <http://www.corvallisbikes.org/findUs>* *(541) 224-6885* On Wed, Apr 17, 2013 at 8:56 AM, director <director(a)communitycycles.org>wrote: > Hey All, > So we've received a federal grant for our EAB program. As part of this > we're required to income verify participants. Are any of you doing income > verification for any of your programs? If so do you have best practices? > Pitfalls to look out for? > > Any advice is appreciated. > > Ride On! > > -- > -- > Rich Points > http://communitycycles.org > Executive Director > (c)303-589-0597 > (w)720-565-6019 > >

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Income Verification for EAB
by director 17 Apr '13

17 Apr '13

Hey All, So we've received a federal grant for our EAB program. As part of this we're required to income verify participants. Are any of you doing income verification for any of your programs? If so do you have best practices? Pitfalls to look out for? Any advice is appreciated. 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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Opportunity for Free Planet Bike Gear!
by Mike Samuelson 16 Apr '13

16 Apr '13

Hi Think Tank, *The Alliance for Biking & Walking is happy to announce that we are again partnering with Planet Bike to donate Planet Bike merchandise to community bike shops across the continent. Woo hoo! * Planet Bike has more than $5,000 worth of refurbished merchandise that they need to clear to make room in their warehouse. With their commitment to advocacy, Planet Bike is excited to offer these refurbished products free of charge to up to ten community bike shops who are Alliance members and have earn-a-bike programs for youth. Attached is the catalog of gear available through this offer. Per Planet Bike’s request, to be eligible to receive a donation, your organization must: - Have an earn-a-bike program that includes a robust youth contingent *or * is exclusively youth focused; - Have an up to date website; - Submit a brief description of your youth earn-a-bike program; - Commit to pass these items on free of charge to kids (18 years or younger) who are active in your program (except pumps, which may be kept in the shop for communal use); and - Be a member of the Alliance for Biking & Walking. Merchandise will be available to just 10 shops, so that each shop receives a meaningful amount of product. Shops that did not receive product during last fall’s round of donations will be given preference, although all shops that meet the above criteria are eligible. *If you are interested, please complete the attached Customer Information Sheet and order form (by filling in the "Quantity Requested" column) and email these forms back to me by Monday, April 22nd. *In addition, please include a brief description of your earn-a-bike program and acknowledge that you will give away donated product that you receive from Planet Bike through this offer. * * I’m happy to answer any questions. Best, Mike -- Mike Samuelson *Member Services and Open Streets Coordinator* *Alliance for Biking & Walking* * * Phone: (202) 449-9692 x7 email: Mike(a)PeoplePoweredMovement.org P.O. Box 65150 Washington, DC 20035 *We've got big plans for 2013! Join or renew<http://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/site/index.php/membership/welcome/> with the Alliance TODAY!* * *

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Cyclocamp Rome 24th May - 2nd June
by Ciclofficine popolari Roma 16 Apr '13

16 Apr '13

CITIES ARE NOT FOR CARS! We are glad to invite you to a Cyclocamp, a Forum of bike recycling and community workshops and the 10th Interplanetary Critical Mass (Ciemmona), which will take place in Rome, May 24th – June 2nd 2013 Rome is a city where mobility is exclusively thought for cars. Few bicycles, little public transport, and lack of perception of the streets as a common good. Public spaces in Rome are seen and used as parking lots, while everything that doesn’t move in a car represents an obstacle. Thanks to this adverse horizon, the daily use of a bicycle in Rome brings along an intrinsic subversive status. Biking fast in between tons of slow and smelly scrap metal naturally leads us to imagine a more equal, just and car-free future. Seen from a bike saddle, cars in our city seems like animals of a remote past. Thus, in 2002, Critical Mass was born in Rome followed by people’s Bike Kitchens. As soon as these two paths crossed, without any help from the State or the Municipality, the bicycles had exponentially multiplied and the urban biker appeared in the roman metropolitan landscape. After ten years of wrenches and ideas, we would like to reflect about the meaning and the evolution of today’s Bike Kitchens and Bike Communities, the sense of the reappropriation of the common spaces and the importance of the knowledge exchange. We feel the need to think about our bike riding direction and about the meaning of our mechanical skills. Starting from these questions we decided to share these thoughts with others Bike Kitchens which have similar experiences and horizons, even though belonging to dissimilar metropolitan environments. Places where, for example, biking is already part of the means of transport and it’s regulated by laws and standard normative, or places in which Bike Kitchens are sponsored by public or private entities, or can be organized as non-profit entities. For all these reasons we thought to create a gathering between the Bike Kitchens and Critical Mass which will take place the preceding week to the 10th Ciemmona (May 29th, 30th, 31st). Therefore we decided to host a Cyclocamp and a Bike Kitchen Forum, not only for greasing ourselves from head to feet but also for sharing thoughts, ideas, practices and knowledge. We are convinced that putting together all these Bike Kitchens, in their similarities and mainly differences, we will be able to bring a renewed conscience in our global thinking and local acting. In order to promote this discussion we thought that could be useful to concentrate it in the three first days before the Ciemmona (29th , 30th, 31st of May) in which will take place the Forum. We will pleased to see you partecipate from the 24th of May to the 2nd of June in a series of events: Cyclocamp, Forum of bike recycling and community workshops and the 10th interplanetary Ciemmona. For all the participants, the garden of the CSOA eXSnia will be available for your camping tents, your skills, your ideas, etc. The camp site is totally free and you have to collaborate in its organization and management. We are strictly anti-fascist, anti-sexist and anti-racist. Please do not join us if you do not recognize yourself in these fundamental values. Roman people’s Bike Kitchen Network The Cyclocamp: http://ciclofficinepopolari.it/en/iniziative/2013/cyclocamp-roma/ , http://cyclocamp.org The Forum: http://ciclofficinepopolari.it/en/iniziative/2013/forum-delle-ciclofficine/ The 10th Interplanetary Critical Mass (Ciemmona): http://ciemmona.org/en The location: http://exsnia.it/ciclofficina Please send a confirmation email to: info(a)ciclofficinepopolari.it Book a space for your tent sending an email to: accommodation(a)ciemmona.org Do you need a bike? We’ll do what we can! Write to: accomodation(a)ciemmona.org -- -------------------------------------------------------- www.ciclofficinepopolari.it orari e indirizzi http://www.ciclofficinepopolari.it/ciclofficine.html

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List of mailing addresses for community bike projects
by Ryan Peterson 16 Apr '13

16 Apr '13

Hey thinktank, We'll be sending out invitations to this year's BikeBike within the next month or so, but before we do, I'd like to make sure we have as many correct mailing addresses as possible. I've attached the mailing list, and I'd love it if people could look through it and email me (ryan(a)bikeproject.org) with any corrections and/or additions to the list. Thanks!

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Book: Defying Poverty with Bicycles
by Matthew VanSlyke 13 Apr '13

13 Apr '13

ThinkTank: Has anyone read this book? I did stumble upon Bike Portland's 2/8 blog post<http://bikeportland.org/2013/02/08/new-book-defying-poverty-with-bicycles-8…>which gave an excellent review. http://www.onestreet.org/bicycle-programs/70-one-street-press

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Fwd: Fwd: The ULTIMATE program handbook!
by Angel York 12 Apr '13

12 Apr '13

Forwarded in case anyone else was still interested. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- I have nothing down on paper. We take advantage of school playground markers to do a couple of fun things, though. A series of parallel lines we use for the slow race. The idea is to have each bicyclist take a lane, everyone starts on "go" and the last person to go over the end line is the winner. This is for demonstrating basic bike control. We use adjacent double circles on playgrounds and connect them for a figure-8 right of way activity. Connect the double circles with chalk to make a figure 8 with no lines in the x marking the center of the 8. Start with one bicyclist at the top and bottom of the 8, and they ride toward the center, communicating with each other on who goes first if they reach the x at the same time. The activity can be use for that and for teaching bike control and the "ghost rider" between each bicycle if you add more bicyclists. I'm assuming you already have the Oregon Bicycle Transportation Alliance's Safe Routes for Kids, a Bicycle Safety Program Curriculum, which has detailed instructions for teaching kids ~ 5th-6th grade age. It has some very good activities and lessons. Christal ------------------------------ *From:* Angel York <aniola(a)gmail.com> *To:* Got any educational (ie bike rodeo) handouts you could share with this person? ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Chauncey Tudhope-Locklear" <chauncey(a)ptrecyclery.org> Date: Mar 30, 2013 10:23 AM Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Help: The ULTIMATE program handbook! To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Hey You guys, Awesome Resources! Thank you! Does anyone have a handbook/info for EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING? I'm really interested in any documents related to running bike rodeos, outreach clinics, bike camps, bike tours, etc. I'm also interested in any games/activities related to teaching people/kids about bike safety and bike love. For instance, have you ever played bicycle musical chairs? Stuff like that... On Fri, Mar 29, 2013 at 8:34 AM, director <director(a)communitycycles.org>wrote: Here is the Community Cycles volunteer handbook. It's also posted on the Wiki https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FcdJ9X7U3aLYS3o0SRoWylkLtrAhB3zFz04Ryqp… On Fri, Mar 29, 2013 at 9:30 AM, Jon Sher <jonathansher(a)charter.net> wrote: It won't open Sent from my iPad On Mar 29, 2013, at 11:26 AM, Paul Nagel <paul(a)thebicycletree.org> wrote: Here's our new volunteer handbook: http://www.thebicycletree.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/VolunteerHandbook1… -Paul The Bicycle Tree P.O. Box 11293 Santa Ana, CA 92711 http://www.thebicycletree.org info(a)thebicycletree.org ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:15:02 -0400 From: breathingplanet(a)gmail.com To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Help: The ULTIMATE program handbook! here's something related that we are just beginning to use! http://troybikerescue.org/files/OrientationZine.pdf On Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 8:23 PM, Chauncey Tudhope-Locklear < chauncey(a)ptrecyclery.org> wrote: Hey there friendly people, I am in the process of putting together an internal program handbook that will provide any new instructors an outline/understanding of our programs. I'm looking for #1. Your general feedback of the table of contents #2. A copy of your organization's similar handbook #3. A list of additional fun games/activities that you think should be in this handbook. I'm looking to pack a dozen or so descriptions/illustrations of games and activities that instructors can use to teach classes. For instance, a bike scavenger hunt where you hide different bike/tools parts in a given area and they have to fine each one and do a certain task before they can move on to the next activity. Below is the table of contents-- * The ReCyclery Ultimate Program Handbook Table of contents-- 1. Overall mission and vision of The ReCyclery. 2. How programs serve our mission and vision. Program Values-- fun, safety, experiential, environmental stewardship, riding skills, 3. Program delivery philosophy (What is the ReCyclery way to teach cycling education? What is our method?) -Direct participation -fun games/activities that involve/use skills being taught 4. List of types of educational programs (safety and riding skills) and HOW TO DO IT! (Lesson Plans, activities, games, instructions, safety considerations) -2 hour workshops/classes -Day long classes -3-5 day long camp sessions (3-5 hours) -2-4 day bike trips -Series classes -unicycle -womens bike night -welding -DIY panniers class 5. Tricks of the trade for Instructors (other ideas, games, ropes course activities etc.) 6. Setting up and running programs (marketing, insurance, recruiting participants, registration, etc.)* * * * * -- Sincerely, Chauncey Tudhope-Locklear (Executive Director) The ReCyclery 1925 Blaine St. STE #500 Port Townsend, WA 98368 360-643-0734 (personal cell) www.ptrecyclery.org "Health and Sustainability through Bicycles" _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… -- ------__o ----_`\<,_ ---(_)/ (_) andrew lynn 518-573-7947 _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… -- -- 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 _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… -- Sincerely, Chauncey Tudhope-Locklear (Executive Director) The ReCyclery 1925 Blaine St. STE #500 Port Townsend, WA 98368 360-643-0734 (personal cell) 360-643-1755 (shop) www.ptrecyclery.org "Health and Sustainability through Bicycles" _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Re: [TheThinkTank] traffic light timing
by Vernon Huffman 07 Apr '13

07 Apr '13

I understand that Corvallis (Cycle City), OR, has recently agreed to slow the downtown grid of lights to 10 mph to accommodate bicycles. They're also considering a plan to incrementally increase car parking rates, to encourage more cycling. We already have the largest ride share in the USA. There is so much more we could do, but you've got to fight the asphalt lobby every step of the way. ________________________________ From: Ryan Kragerud Hey CA Think Tank members, What's the deal with LA's light project? I just heard on Nat'l Public Radio, LA's traffic lights have been synced and the happiest road users are cyclists. The traffic person from Santa Monica's public radio station reported the story. Anyone know what speed the lights are set at, and how it's actually working? Thanks Ryan Kragerud, Bicycle Longmont From: Vincenzo loco I don't think it's set for a specific speed necessarily, I will ask some traffic engineers I know here.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] traffic light timing
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 07 Apr '13

07 Apr '13

So true, Mark! Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Mark Rehder" <mark(a)re-cycles.ca> To: "Vernon Huffman" <vernonhuffman(a)yahoo.com>, "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] traffic light timing Date: Sun, Apr 7, 2013 12:14 On 2013-04-06, at 10:52 PM, Vernon Huffman wrote: (snip)There is so much more we could do, but you've got to fight the asphalt lobby every step of the way. The above made me chuckle - not because I disagree, but because I won't let cars think they are the reason for paved roads. We cyclists were the original "asphalt lobby": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Roads_Movement Mark

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Help: The ULTIMATE program handbook!
by Vernon Huffman 07 Apr '13

07 Apr '13

Bike Rodeo Set up an obstacle course with road cones requiring relatively sharp cornering. A small up and down ramp adds some challenge. Have a competent cyclist check it to be sure its challenging, but not impossible. The goal is to ride through the course slowly. If you go too quickly you must start over. At some point in the course, each rider is to look over the left shoulder and tell how many fingers the person behind them is holding up. It's a good idea to let riders try the course before being tested. Any who fail should be encouraged to try again after receiving pointers from those who succeed. Each rider who completes the course should receive a certificate or some kind of recognition. ________________________________ From: "thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org" (Chauncey Tudhope-Locklear) Hey You guys, Awesome Resources! Thank you! Does anyone have a handbook/info for EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING? I'm really interested in any documents related to running bike rodeos, outreach clinics, bike camps, bike tours, etc. I'm also interested in any games/activities related to teaching people/kids about bike safety and bike love. For instance, have you ever played bicycle musical chairs? Stuff like that...

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Research Assistance Request - Bikecollectives.org Think Tank
by J Stewart 06 Apr '13

06 Apr '13

Hello Think Tank - I am doing research on the use of bicycles, collectives, and group rides this semester at Tulane in New Orleans, the site of Bike!Bike! X. To complete my project I am collecting information from websites and email requests. Some of you may have seen my message previously, sent from jstewar6(a)tulane.edu. I am aiming to create a geographic analysis map or two, not dissimilar to yours on Google, that also includes the date of the founding of the organization. I plan to use this location and date information for an analysis of the progression of US collective bicycle organizations with other spatial data. The information on bicycle collectives provided on your website is pretty extensive. It has been suggested among the responses I have already received that you guys have a fairly current dataset and that it might be updated to included founding date of the organizations. Then, this might be shared with me for my use in this project. I am writing to explore that option with you. Having put some effort into creating this and other data sets, I acknowledge that the data has some value. Perhaps we could negotiate a partnership. If you have some interest in the final analysis, I would be happy to share this, provided you would be willing to permit me to use the product of the data for my own presentations and products as a student as well. Sincerely, Jordan Jordan Stewart Architect, LEED AP Urban Studies Pre-Doctoral Fellow City, Culture, and Community Tulane University http://tulane.edu/ccc/ jstewar6(a)tulane.edu C: 415-297-0941 Also news.jstewart(a)gmail.com.

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Thank you!
by America Recycled 06 Apr '13

06 Apr '13

We have reached our fundraising goal!! Thank you to everybody who donated and spread the project around. The outpouring of support we've received in the last couple of months has been such a surprise, and not only will we be able to focus on bringing you this film now, but we've also seen how many of you out there really care about what we're doing. The morale boost is just as valuable as the cash. As many of you know, the USA Projects web site has been experiencing crippling technical difficulties this last week, at the worst possible time for our project. Many donations were not processed. They finally fixed it yesterday, and have given us an extension until Friday so that everybody who wants to contribute is able to. If you donated last week, make sure it went through on your credit card. If it did not, then try again-it should all be working now. This is great news. We have reached our goal, but we can continue to accept donations to get closer to fully budgeting the film. All funds will go toward making this movie live up to our vision in every way possible. So this should be the last time we bug you about this fundraising campaign. We have six days left to bring this to the next level. Keep spreading the word! noah and tim

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How to Teach "Hands-off"
by Geoff Heath 02 Apr '13

02 Apr '13

I think I put this request out 6 months ago but I figure I'll try again; Anyone have notes from the Bikebike 2010 workshop "how to teach hands off"? I'm making a document on teaching in the bike shop and would love to know what happened in said workshop. Thanks! -- *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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Revenue Statistics spreadsheet
by Matt VanSlyke 01 Apr '13

01 Apr '13

For those of you attending the Alliance conference call this afternoon, I wanted to remind you that there is a spreadsheet on the WiKi that details financial and revenue info for those shops that added theirs (thank you!). It is on the 'Organizational Models' page and the direct link is http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Revenue_Statistics Anyone can view the spreadsheet and also should be able to enter data. But if you have trouble with access send a request for permission. Matt VanSlyke

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Fwd: Fwd: The ULTIMATE program handbook!
by Angel York 01 Apr '13

01 Apr '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- I have nothing down on paper. We take advantage of school playground markers to do a couple of fun things, though. A series of parallel lines we use for the slow race. The idea is to have each bicyclist take a lane, everyone starts on "go" and the last person to go over the end line is the winner. This is for demonstrating basic bike control. We use adjacent double circles on playgrounds and connect them for a figure-8 right of way activity. Connect the double circles with chalk to make a figure 8 with no lines in the x marking the center of the 8. Start with one bicyclist at the top and bottom of the 8, and they ride toward the center, communicating with each other on who goes first if they reach the x at the same time. The activity can be use for that and for teaching bike control and the "ghost rider" between each bicycle if you add more bicyclists. I'm assuming you already have the Oregon Bicycle Transportation Alliance's Safe Routes for Kids, a Bicycle Safety Program Curriculum, which has detailed instructions for teaching kids ~ 5th-6th grade age. It has some very good activities and lessons. Christal

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America Recycled needs your help
by America Recycled 01 Apr '13

01 Apr '13

Hey there, We're in the final week of our fundraising campaign to produce a feature-length film about our two-year bicycle journey through radical subcultures of the American South, and we're just over 80% of the way to our goal. Thank you to the 87 supporters who have so far contributed to this project. By financing this project directly through our audience, we're able to retain complete creative control and bring you the story as we actually see it, rather than bow to the agenda of a studio or sponsor. Watch the trailer and support us here: http://www.usaprojects.org/project/america_recycled These last six days will be the most crucial ones, since if we don't reach our goal the project receives no funding at all. This depends on every person who believes in America Recycled. Since we are recipients of the USA Creative Vision Award, all donations are doubled, and contributors are awarded accordingly. A donation of $25=$50 and gets you a digital copy of the film upon completion AND a beautiful photo print from the project. Of course higher donations receive other fancy things, and all donations are tax deductible. If everybody who watched one of our videos gave us just a dollar, the entire budget of this movie would be raised and we'd have seed money for the next one. Take a minute to think about what you spend money on throughout your day from a coffee or beer to a movie or concert, and consider how much this project is worth to you. The arts do not fit so neatly into the money economy, so it's up to you to decide how much importance to give them. If you're unable to donate or already have, reach deep into the back of your mind to think of other people in your life who would be inspired by America Recycled. Choose two or three of them and write them a personal email with a link to the trailer and fundraiser. Thanks so much for your support over the last two years. We've poured our entire selves into this project, and it's going to show in the feature-length film. We can't wait to bring it to you. And in celebration of April 1, we have launched a new business in case this doesn't pan out. With the housing market still in a state of uncertainty, we've broken into the igloo racket. Have a look at our new business here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwMrz4m499E -Tim and Noah

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Online Collaboration Tool
by Jesse Doud 01 Apr '13

01 Apr '13

Hi everyone! During a bike tour of New Zealand over the past three months, I visited the collectives and kept hearing about this tool called Loomio. Now I've settled in Wellington and started working with the team building the software. Loomio.org started when members of the occupy wellington movement found that some individual voices were drowning out others in general assembly meetings and started making a free online tool that would promote equity and direct democracy in decision making amongst groups. A year later and they have 3000 groups signed up from all over the world, most recently Wellington city council. The feedback we're getting is that it reduces the amount of emailing to come to decisions. I think that could be a helpful tool for bike collectives, not as a replacement to meetings, but as an additional consensus building resource for the in-between, internety times. Here's the website: https://www.loomio.org/ Here's a demo of how the tool works: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIEyNNcXbZA Anywho, I'm obvs really jazzed to be on the loomio team, just wanted to put it out there amongst you fine folks! Cheers, Jesse

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Help: The ULTIMATE program handbook!
by Chauncey Tudhope-Locklear 30 Mar '13

30 Mar '13

Hey there friendly people, I am in the process of putting together an internal program handbook that will provide any new instructors an outline/understanding of our programs. I'm looking for #1. Your general feedback of the table of contents #2. A copy of your organization's similar handbook #3. A list of additional fun games/activities that you think should be in this handbook. I'm looking to pack a dozen or so descriptions/illustrations of games and activities that instructors can use to teach classes. For instance, a bike scavenger hunt where you hide different bike/tools parts in a given area and they have to fine each one and do a certain task before they can move on to the next activity. Below is the table of contents-- * The ReCyclery Ultimate Program Handbook Table of contents-- 1. Overall mission and vision of The ReCyclery. 2. How programs serve our mission and vision. Program Values-- fun, safety, experiential, environmental stewardship, riding skills, 3. Program delivery philosophy (What is the ReCyclery way to teach cycling education? What is our method?) -Direct participation -fun games/activities that involve/use skills being taught 4. List of types of educational programs (safety and riding skills) and HOW TO DO IT! (Lesson Plans, activities, games, instructions, safety considerations) -2 hour workshops/classes -Day long classes -3-5 day long camp sessions (3-5 hours) -2-4 day bike trips -Series classes -unicycle -womens bike night -welding -DIY panniers class 5. Tricks of the trade for Instructors (other ideas, games, ropes course activities etc.) 6. Setting up and running programs (marketing, insurance, recruiting participants, registration, etc.)* * * * * -- Sincerely, Chauncey Tudhope-Locklear (Executive Director) The ReCyclery 1925 Blaine St. STE #500 Port Townsend, WA 98368 360-643-0734 (personal cell) www.ptrecyclery.org "Health and Sustainability through Bicycles"

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Policy on Profiteering from Community Bike Shops
by Vernon Huffman 28 Mar '13

28 Mar '13

This is the proposed policy we are now considering in Corvallis, Oregon. Pricing/Sorting Policy Only Shop Managers may set prices on bicycles and bicycles parts and decide whether bicycles should be stripped, recycled, or repaired. Discrepancies between Shop Managers' pricing and pricing techniques are expected. Shop Managers must use their best judgment, be impartial, and avoid making decisions where they may have a conflict of interest. We believe that bicycles are valuable and prices should be set which respect that value. We do not want collectors scooping up deals to quickly flip and resell. We are not a thrift store and we are not out to undercut the prices and profitability of the bike shops. They are among our best allies. We want people to come out and use our shop to build the bike they'll want to ride every day. We want to empower people to apply whatever they have toward obtaining a bicycle that fits well and works reliably. General Rules/Practices for determining prices: * Parts Pricing Chart * Range on used items; shop managers may use their discretion to go outside range * Fixed prices on resale of new items which shop managers may not deviate from * Free parts if the bike was bought from us and works on it in the shop * Limited to individual usedparts worth less than $20 * Excludes “as is” bikes * High-quality parts * Special, particularly high-quality or rare parts should be individually tagged with a price. * We don’t hide parts from the public, but special parts may be designated for a specific bicycle when appropriate. * Adjusting Prices * Any Shop Manager can raise or lower the price of any bike or part below $200. * The price on any bike or part above $200 prices can only be lowered by consensus of two shop managers * Shop managers may not purposefully over-value a bicycle to save it or because they are attached. INCENTIVE POLICY In order to promote its mission of increasing bicycle ridership in the Corvallis area and to encourage and reward its volunteers for their efforts, the Corvallis Bicycle Collective offers the following program for its volunteers: Any volunteer who has finished building, repairing, or overhauling two working bicycles for the Collective may take and keep the bicycle of lessor value or a different bicycle of equal value. The Collective, may permit a volunteer to offer the equivalent effort of shop volunteer duties in lieu of rebuilding one or both bicycles. No volunteer may take more than one bike per year under this program, nor any bike valued in excess of $300. The Collective, may offer free, used replacement parts to continuing volunteers as may be required for the operation of a bicycle owned by the volunteer. Anybody who buys a bike or receives an incentive bike, other than one marked “as is” from the CBC may add or replace any parts or accessories worth less than $20 each to that bike in our shop at no additional cost. This is to give incentive for people to do the work in our shop. As a learning shop, we all benefit from others working there. If you know what you're doing, we want to watch. If you don't, we want to hear your questions.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Policy on Profiteering from Community Bike Shops
by troy neiman 28 Mar '13

28 Mar '13

We have had this problem over the years also. We have developed a 1 bike a year policy to try to avoid this with occasional exceptions for stolen bikes, etc. We also have a max on our work trade credit that people can earn of $160. We figure that people can get a good, quality bike for that kind of money but they cant work off the full price of really fancy bikes that we need to sell to help pay our overhead. We dont really have a limit on how much parts people can work for. We have such a high demand for our Work Trade program that we try to get everyone that needs a bike or a repair the opportunity to do so but if people seem to be abusing that then we will give others the priority for work credit over the abuser. We do also sell used parts on the super cheap. We have had minimal problems with this over the years. We have a few people that fix up bikes on the side and come to us to buy parts and bikes. The problem with this is that they often scoff at our already super low prices because they are wanting to make a profit which is not our problem. I will often times give people working on their bikes a much better deal than these guys that are repairing for profit but if they are willing to pay for the parts then we dont really care what they do with it. The other problem is these garage repair guys will come in and try to buy all of our best parts for rock bottom prices. For example, our kickstands are $1 but this guy would come in and buy all 10 of our long aluminum kickstands and then we have only crappy steel and too short kickstands for people that live on their bikes with all their gear and need a good kickstand. So now its sort of a one kickstand, 2 tires, etc at a time and nicer parts and better condition cost more (steel kickstands+$1, Alum=$3). Seems to work pretty well because its still a great deal for people that need to fix their bikes and we get a little more cash flow from these guys even if we have to listen to them whine about the prices. Then there is the ebay crowd which probably made a lot of money off of us for years but now we either sell it in the shop for a still cheap but more fair market value price or we will sell some vintage campy whatever on ebay ourselves and have more cash flow for our programs. ----- Original Message ----- From: Edward Kirkwood Sent: 03/25/13 07:51 AM To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org Subject: [TheThinkTank] Policy on Profiteering from Community Bike Shops I am curious if any of you have had problems with folks using community bike shops to run their own repair business? We currently have some folks who are abusing the privilege of purchasing parts with sweat equity volunteer time and then selling those parts to folks outside the shop. How does your shop police that? Allen Kirkwood

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Volunteer perks and parts
by troy neiman 27 Mar '13

27 Mar '13

Hey all, We are looking into providing discounts on new parts (special order opportunitys) for our long term volunteers. Does anyone else provide this? If so, how does that work for you? How do you track the hours and the volunteers that are able to have this perk? Have you had any problems or people taking advantage of this? What other kinds of perks do folks provide to volunteers? Different levels of volunteering get different perks? Thanks, Troy Neiman BICAS Tucson

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Liability Insurance up in July
by Eric Montgomery 27 Mar '13

27 Mar '13

www.brockvillebikeministry.com is now in our second year. We supply youth ten to twenty years of age the opportunity to do a complete rebuild of the bike of their choice. We teach them weekly all summer long, feed them and supply them with lights, bell, locks, and a helmet along with their bile for free. We would like to get insurance quotes for this year. Is their group insurance available to.us.

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Looking for some volunteer testers
by Godwin ! 26 Mar '13

26 Mar '13

Hey folks, we've been hard at work over the past few weeks putting together a new website for Bike!Bike! and we are looking for people to try their best at breaking it (or just come up with ways to improve it). The site isn't just going to be for this year's conference but is an organization registry and will help organizer and retain information from all Bike!Bike!s, annual and region, past and future. We're looking for a mixture of people who have experience testing and don't, and also have experience running a Bike!Bike! conference and don't. We really just need people to create fake users, organizations, and conferences, register for conferences, administer them, ect. We need people to find bugs, but also look for ways to improve the site in any way. If you're interested, please keep the weight off this list and contact me directly, I'll give you all details you need. Thanks!!.godwin

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Volunteer Coordinator Position
by Tim Buckingham 26 Mar '13

26 Mar '13

As you can see, Broke Spoke is growing like a weed, we have been hitting this list hard the last few days. We are an all volunteer run organization and have the opportunity to create a short-term funded position. We have kicked it around a lot and are looking at a Volunteer Coordinator who will do a lot of behind the scenes work. Including: - Volunteer Recruitment - Volunteer Communications - Volunteer Trainings - Scheduling - etc Shop that have a position such as this or outreach coordinator shop manager, can you send me job descriptions? Cheers Tim

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Policy on Profiteering from Community Bike Shops
by Edward Kirkwood 25 Mar '13

25 Mar '13

I am curious if any of you have had problems with folks using community bike shops to run their own repair business? We currently have some folks who are abusing the privilege of purchasing parts with sweat equity volunteer time and then selling those parts to folks outside the shop. How does your shop police that? Allen Kirkwood

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Volunteer Background Checks
by Tim Buckingham 25 Mar '13

25 Mar '13

At Broke Spoke (Lexington) we are working to improve our volunteer process and how we create shift managers and dull out keys. What type of checks (if any) do other shops use prior to handing out shop keys to volunteers? Any background, employment history, references, etc? Some of these might be barriers as we work with a lot of folks who are in recovery centers, shelters, etc. Any help is greatly appreciated. Cheers Tim

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Sackville Bike Co-Op
by Michael Watkins 25 Mar '13

25 Mar '13

Hello Everyone I'm Michael Watkins one of the co-founders and coordinators of the Sackville Bike Co-op. After discussing some stuff with Amanda Hachey of La Bikery in Moncton, I was hoping to give everyone our Co-op's elevator speech while asking for some help. The Sackville Bike Co-op is a small not for profit startup run out of the Mount Allison University Students' Union looking to open our doors to the public this spring. Through the Co-op we will be providing students and members of the Sackville community with access to low cost rental bikes throughout the season, and in future we hope to start providing community workshops on bike repair, safety, and general maintenance. Through this co-op we hope to lessen our communities dependance on fossil fuels while simultaneously providing access to safe and healthy transportation for everyone, including those without alternate means. However, my current question/request is for advice on procuring a legally vetted waiver form to place the safety of our members into their own hands while they use our bicycles. If anyone on the mailing list can provide me with some advice, or better yet an already vetted form that would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for any help, and with any luck the Sackville Bike Co-op will be up and running before we know it. Thanks again -Michael --- Michael Watkins Mount Allison University '13 BA Double Major in History and Biology Sackville Bike Co-Op Coordinator Mount Allison Students' Administrative Council email: mewatkins(a)mta.ca Facebook: Sackville Bike Co-Op

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Wait list managment
by Patrick VDT 25 Mar '13

25 Mar '13

Hello everyone, Im curious to find out how people are managing wait lists for programs. More specifically, are you picking students for your programs or is it first come first served on a sign up list. If you are picking students, what criteria are you using? We are starting to get more attention than we want to handle at this point. So we have programing slots for 350 students but we have 5-600 students sign up for the wait list. Up until this point we have always done first come first served. But we are trying to avoid telling a kid : Thanks for signing up, we will see you in 8 months when we have an opening. Thanks Patrick

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Revolve Community Bike Shops seek Shop Manager
by Elizabeth Bejan 21 Mar '13

21 Mar '13

Sorry about the duplication...Job description is attached The Shop Manager will coordinate operations of the Revolve Community Bike Shops, located at 5100 Troost in Kansas City, MO and 554 Central Avenue; Kansas City, KS. The Shop Manager will primarily work out of the Kansas City, KS location. The Shop Manager will offer guidance and technical support in all areas of shop operations, including but not limited to: refurbishing bicycles for sale; tearing down bicycles for parts; maintaining inventory, equipment, and supplies; organizing volunteers; and administering business aspects of the shop. The Shop Manager will report directly to the Executive Director and help supervise the Part-Time Mechanic working at the 5100 Troost location. Revolve, Inc. (www.revolvekc.org) is a 501(c)3 organization that offers bicycle safety education and several Earn-A-Bike programs; in addition, Revolve sells donated, refurbished bicycles to support its mission of redistributing refurbished bicycles to those who cannot afford a bicycle. See photos and newsclips of what we do at: www.facebook.com/RevolveKC.org. Read a recent *Kansas City Star Magazine *cover story on us here: http://revolvekc.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/KC-Star-Mag-Article.pdf *Minimum Qualifications:* [image: *] Experience working on a wide range of bikes; familiarity with bikes and components from the1960s through the 1990s a must [image: *] Minimum of one year bike shop mechanic experience [image: *] Passion for bikes and bicycling as transportation *Desired Qualifications:* [image: *] Excellent shop organization skills [image: *] Strong written and verbal communication skills [image: *] Ability to work collaboratively with community members and community partners [image: *] Demonstrated ability to work with diverse people while observing sensitivities and differences [image: *] Ability to foster an environment of empowerment and cooperation [image: *] Experience organizing volunteers and staff [image: *] Familiarity with relevant safety and health issues [image: *] Experience in sustainable business practices [image: *] Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Docs office suite, and social media [image: *] *Ability to speak Spanish a huge plus* *Job Tasks:* [image: *] Build bicycles for sale from donated supplies of bikes and bike parts [image: *] Oversee shop operations, repair bikes, and conduct sales [image: *] Oversee volunteers [image: *] Maintain an organized and safe workspace [image: *] Manage the inventory of new and used equipment [image: *] Answer questions and provide information to the public about programs and services [image: *] Coordinate closely with staff and attend relevant meetings [image: *] Submit regularly scheduled report of activities and shop operations [image: *] Maintain updated records and files of bikes and inventory *Salary:* [image: *] Commensurate with experience. Manager will work a set schedule of 40 hours/week (generally Tuesday through Saturday), with occasional over-time. We are ready to pay to offer competitive pay to a bike mechanic who speaks Spanish. *Benefits: * [image: *] Discount on purchases of new bike-related items from bike store partner and discounts on used parts from Revolve [image: *] 13 Days of Paid Time Off per year for use as vacation, sick, and holiday pay (hours are proportional for first year) [image: *] F lexible Winter Schedule We'll put mechanically-inclined significant others to work as our PT Bike Mechanic. -- 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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(no subject)
by Elizabeth Bejan 21 Mar '13

21 Mar '13

The Shop Manager will coordinate operations of the Revolve Community Bike Shops, located at 5100 Troost in Kansas City, MO and 554 Central Avenue; Kansas City, KS. The Shop Manager will primarily work out of the Kansas City, KS location. The Shop Manager will offer guidance and technical support in all areas of shop operations, including but not limited to: refurbishing bicycles for sale; tearing down bicycles for parts; maintaining inventory, equipment, and supplies; organizing volunteers; and administering business aspects of the shop. The Shop Manager will report directly to the Executive Director and help supervise the Part-Time Mechanic working at the 5100 Troost location. Revolve, Inc. (www.revolvekc.org) is a 501(c)3 organization that offers bicycle safety education and several Earn-A-Bike programs; in addition, Revolve sells donated, refurbished bicycles to support its mission of redistributing refurbished bicycles to those who cannot afford a bicycle. See photos and newsclips of what we do at: www.facebook.com/RevolveKC.org. Read a recent *Kansas City Star Magazine *cover story on us here: http://revolvekc.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/KC-Star-Mag-Article.pdf *Minimum Qualifications:* [image: *] Experience working on a wide range of bikes; familiarity with bikes and components from the1960s through the 1990s a must [image: *] Minimum of one year bike shop mechanic experience [image: *] Passion for bikes and bicycling as transportation *Desired Qualifications:* [image: *] Excellent shop organization skills [image: *] Strong written and verbal communication skills [image: *] Ability to work collaboratively with community members and community partners [image: *] Demonstrated ability to work with diverse people while observing sensitivities and differences [image: *] Ability to foster an environment of empowerment and cooperation [image: *] Experience organizing volunteers and staff [image: *] Familiarity with relevant safety and health issues [image: *] Experience in sustainable business practices [image: *] Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Docs office suite, and social media [image: *] *Ability to speak Spanish a huge plus* *Job Tasks:* [image: *] Build bicycles for sale from donated supplies of bikes and bike parts [image: *] Oversee shop operations, repair bikes, and conduct sales [image: *] Oversee volunteers [image: *] Maintain an organized and safe workspace [image: *] Manage the inventory of new and used equipment [image: *] Answer questions and provide information to the public about programs and services [image: *] Coordinate closely with staff and attend relevant meetings [image: *] Submit regularly scheduled report of activities and shop operations [image: *] Maintain updated records and files of bikes and inventory *Salary:* [image: *] Commensurate with experience. Manager will work a set schedule of 40 hours/week (generally Tuesday through Saturday), with occasional over-time. We are ready to pay to offer competitive pay to a bike mechanic who speaks Spanish. *Benefits: * [image: *] Discount on purchases of new bike-related items from bike store partner and discounts on used parts from Revolve [image: *] 13 Days of Paid Time Off per year for use as vacation, sick, and holiday pay (hours are proportional for first year) [image: *] F lexible Winter Schedule We'll put mechanically-inclined significant others to work as our PT Bike Mechanic. -- 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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Hollering again - call on financial planning for community bike shops
by Mary Lauran Hall 18 Mar '13

18 Mar '13

Hey everybody, I'm giving a shout again just because, you know, the internet is overloaded with cats and you might have missed it. The Alliance is hosting a call on financial planning for community bike shops on Wednesday. All are welcome! Deets below. Feel free to join and/or pass along to someone who might benefit. *Financial Planning for Community Bike Shops* *Wednesday, March 20, 2013* *4:00 PM to 5:00 PM eastern* *Register online here<http://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/site/index.php/site/EventRegistration-…> * Financial planning and fundraising are challenging for all advocacy groups, but it can be particularly difficult for community bike shops, which deal with the seasonal increases and decreases of ridership as well as the cost of purchasing parts and tools. Join leaders from three community bike shops as they discuss key concepts of financial planning and give examples of how their shops have created stable funding streams. Please note that *this call will begin at 4 PM ET* instead of the normal 2 PM ET. Panelists will include: - Momoko Saunders, Bike Farm, Portland, OR - Rambod Behnam, Bikerowave, Los Angeles, CA - Nathan Wilkes, Yellow Bike Project, Austin, TX - ... and featuring Noah Chubb-Silverman of Reno Bike Project, who's going to share Reno's super detailed budget with us and will be around to answer questions. Ride on! Mary Lauran -- Mary Lauran Hall Communications Manager Alliance for Biking & Walking mlhall(a)peoplepoweredmovement.org (202) 449-9692 x2 P.O. Box 65150 Washington, DC 20035 *We've got big plans for 2013. Join or renew<http://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/site/index.php/membership/welcome/> with the Alliance today!*

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike System funding - Bike tax?
by scott＠gknightride.org 18 Mar '13

18 Mar '13

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Bike System funding - Bike tax?
by Ryan Kragerud 18 Mar '13

18 Mar '13

Hey there, Bicycle Longmont is working on a bike system funding project and we're in the research phase right now. Who out there is aware of innovative ways communities, states/provinces, are funding bike improvements? We've heard of Bike taxes, like in Colorado Springs where $4 is added to the price of every new bike sold, We've heard of options where local sales tax derrived from bike sales go toward infrastructure/bike projects. Also - Oregon and Maine have surcharges on traffic infractions that go toward statewide funds that include grants that make biking and walking to school safer and to programs for adult and children bike education. Anyone aware of other sources of info on this topic? Thanks, Ryan Kragerud, President Bicycle Longmont

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Wanted: Bicycle Mechanic/Educator at Reno Bike Project
by Reno Bikes 14 Mar '13

14 Mar '13

BICYCLE MECHAINC/EDUCATOR -- 20-30H/WEEK ABOUT RENO BIKE PROJECT Reno Bike Project (RBP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community bicycle shop and advocacy group committed to creating a nationally recognized, cycling-friendly community through advocacy, education, and cooperation in the Truckee Meadows. Since our inception in 2006, RBP has grown from a basement operation to a full cycling community center and advocacy group. We are constantly striving to achieve our mission of getting more people on bikes, and last year alone we distributed over 1,000 bikes back into the community through our shop and various programs. We sell used bikes, used and new parts, and have public workstations that provide affordable access to the tools and expertise cyclists need to maintain their own bikes. PROFILE This is not your typical Mechanic position in your typical shop. This job consists of two major roles; fixing bikes and teaching others to fix bikes, but you may be asked to assist with a wide scope of activities and you will be required to wear many different hats. We serve a wide range of people from bicycle hobbyist to college students to Reno's homeless population in repairing their bicycles, answering questions and other general customer service duties. You will be required to conduct repairs to the highest quality on a wide range of bicycles since we work on bikes of all varieties and ages. We feel that the repairs we carry out on our customers' bikes represent us as a shop; therefore any repair should be completed to the best of your ability. Besides operating a full service repair shop our organization is committed to helping people learn about bicycle repair/maintenance and offers 6 public workstations that are available during open hours for the public to utilize our tools and the knowledge of our staff to repair their own bike. People from all walks of life and skill levels use our shop to fix their bikes and sometimes that can be a challenge so patience and a good attitude are mandatory attributes for this job. If you don't deal with people well do not apply. But if you enjoy helping people one to one and wish help provide our community with a valuable resource this might be the job for you. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The following reflects management's definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. • Perform bicycle repair, maintenance, and walk-in services on customers' bicycles as needed. • Deliver professional, accessible, and helpful customer service to a diverse customer base. • Support daily bike shop operations. • Responsible for properly taking in all service work including correctly filling out service work orders, scheduling an appropriate amount of repairs and completing those repairs in a timely manner. • Advise and assist customers with their product selection without bias. • Develop and maintain knowledge and expertise of all merchandise in the shop to effectively assist customers with accurate information. • Assist with bike sales and any other bike floor duties as needed. • Maintain a clean and safe workplace. • Perform other duties as assigned by the bike shop manager. • Help with shop maintenance and construction projects. The candidate we seek will possess: • Excellent mechanical skills required (minimum two years hands-on, professional bike shop experience). • Strong customer service skills. • A self-directed, energetic, flexible and personable attitude. • Excellent organizational skills. • The ability to work independently and as part of a team. • The ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment and the ability to work some weekends and holidays to support business needs. COMPENSATION: Negotiable depending on skill level and experience. HOW TO APPLY please reply with resume noah(a)renobikeproject.com -- Wed-Fri 11am-6pm Sat 10am-4pm 541 E. 4th Street. Reno, NV 89512 775.323.4488 donate via paypal: http://www.renobikeproject.com/index.php/donate/ Follow us on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/renobikeproject/ Please let us know if you would like to unsubscribe to our email list.

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Community Bike Shop Revenue Stats (thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org)
by Matthew VanSlyke (Google Drive) 14 Mar '13

14 Mar '13

I've shared an item with you: Community Bike Shop Revenue Stats https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqIsLxDspWYcdFM1blZmeFNIMmJLNF… It's not an attachment -- it's stored online. To open this item, just click the link above.

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Shop Managers wanted for Bike Project
by Phil Graff 14 Mar '13

14 Mar '13

Hello, Bike-related employment opportunities! The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign is currently hiring for two shop manager positions: a part-time manager for our Downtown Urbana shop, and a full-time manager for the Campus Bicycle Shop. (The manager at the Campus Bicycle Shop will be a University of Illinois employee; the Campus Bicycle Shop is a collaboration with the University.) See both job announcements at http://www.thebikeproject.org/jobs/ . Below are vitals for each position, followed by the full text of the job announcements. The application deadline for both positions is 5 pm CDT, March 18, 2013. Part-time Shop Manager (Downtown Urbana location) http://www.thebikeproject.org/jobs/part-time-manager-2013/ Date Posted: March 8, 2013 Position: Part-time Shop Manager (20-25 hours/week) Organization: The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign Start Date: April 15–May 15, 2013 (negotiable; earlier preferred) Duration: One year (renewable annually) Location: Champaign-Urbana, IL Full Time Shop Manager (Campus location) http://www.thebikeproject.org/jobs/full-time-manager-2013/ Date Posted: March 8, 2013 Position: Full Time Shop Manager (40 hours/week) Organization: The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Start Date: April 15–May 15, 2013 (negotiable; earlier preferred) Duration: One year (renewable annually) Location: Champaign-Urbana, IL Text of the job announcements: ========================================================================== The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign Downtown Urbana Shop Manager Position Description Date Posted: March 8, 2013 Position: Part-time Shop Manager (20-25 hours/week) Organization: The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign Start Date: April 15–May 15, 2013 (negotiable; earlier preferred) Duration: One year (renewable annually) Location: Champaign-Urbana, IL The Shop Manager will coordinate operations of The Bike Project’s downtown Urbana shop. The Shop Manager will offer guidance and technical support in all areas of shop operations, including but not limited to: repairing and building bicycles; maintaining inventory, equipment, and supplies; organizing volunteers; and administering business aspects of the shop. The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign (www.thebikeproject.org) is a volunteer-run organization that offers space, tools, and support to repair bikes, share knowledge, hold classes, and advocate for bikes in Urbana-Champaign. We collaborate with community sustainability organizations, bike shops, and bicycle advocates in order to promote bicycle education in mechanical proficiency, commuter safety, and environmental awareness. Minimum Qualifications 1. Experience working on a wide range of bikes; familiarity with bikes and components from the1960s through the 1990s a must 2. Minimum of one year bike shop mechanic experience 3. Passion for bikes and bicycling as transportation Desired Qualifications 1. Excellent shop organization skills 2. Experience teaching bicycle repair techniques 3. Strong written and verbal communication skills 4. Ability to work collaboratively with community members and community partners 5. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse people while observing sensitivities and differences 6. Ability to foster an environment of empowerment and cooperation 7. Experience organizing volunteers and staff 8. Experience coordinating events 9. Familiarity with relevant safety and health issues 10. Experience in sustainable business practices 11. Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Adobe design products, Google Docs office suite, and social media Job Tasks: 1. Build bicycles for sale from donated supplies of bikes and bike parts 2. Oversee shop operations, repair bikes, and conduct sales 3. Maintain an organized and safe workspace 4. Manage the inventory of new and used equipment 5. Answer questions and provide information to the public about programs and services 6. Coordinate closely with staff and attend relevant meetings 7. Submit regularly scheduled report of activities and shop operations 8. Maintain updated records and files of bikes and inventory Wage: Rate is $15.00/hour. Manager will work a set schedule of 20 hours/week, with occasional additional time, up to 5 hours/week, negotiated as needed. Benefits: Discount on purchases of new bike-related items To Apply: Please submit the following documents in .doc or .pdf format by 5 pm CDT, March 18, 2013 to thebikeproject.apply(a)gmail.com: 1. A cover letter responding to the following prompt: “The Bike Project was founded in the spirit of Do-It-Yourself, inclusivity and cooperation. How does your experience relate to actively advancing these principles and what are your goals in this position?” 2. A resume 3. Three work-related references including names, current addresses and telephone numbers See more information and updates at: www.thebikeproject.org/jobs/part-time-manager-2013 See all Bike Project job announcements at: <http://www.thebikeproject.org/jobs> www.thebikeproject.org/jobs ========================================================================== University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign in collaboration with The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign Campus Bicycle Shop Manager Position Description Date Posted: March 8, 2013 Position: Full Time Shop Manager (40 hours/week) Organization: The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Start Date: April 15–May 15, 2013 (negotiable; earlier preferred) Duration: One year (renewable annually) Location: Champaign-Urbana, IL The Shop Manager will coordinate operations, workers, and volunteers in the Campus Bicycle Shop (CBS), a teaching, do-it-yourself bicycle repair shop. This position includes outreach and expansion of organizational presence on a University campus and in the surrounding community. Located on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the Campus Bicycle Shop is a collaboration between the University and The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign (TBP). The Bike Project ( www.thebikeproject.org) offers space, tools, and community to repair bikes, share knowledge, hold classes, and advocate for bikes in Urbana-Champaign. The volunteer-run organization collaborates with community sustainability organizations, bike shops, and bicycle advocates to promote bicycle education including mechanical proficiency, commuter safety, and environmental awareness. The Shop Manager will be an employee of the University of Illinois. The Shop Manager will work with TBP to carry out shop and outreach operations, liaison with various departments of the University of Illinois, and play a vital role in nurturing connections between the University and local community. Minimum Qualifications 1. Bachelor’s degree or higher 2. Minimum of one year experience fixing and maintaining bicycles in a community do-it-yourself environment 3. Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of bike repair and bike mechanics 4. Passion for bikes and bicycling as transportation Desired Qualifications 1. Experience organizing volunteers or staff 2. Experience coordinating events 3. Excellent written and verbal communication and public relations skills 4. Experience teaching 5. Familiarity with related sustainability, safety and health issues 6. Experience in sustainable business practices 7. Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Adobe design products, and Google Office programs 8. Ability to work collaboratively with students, staff, faculty and off-campus community members 9. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse people while observing sensitivities and differences 10. Ability to foster an environment of empowerment and cooperation Job Tasks 1. Oversee shop operations including shop upkeep, bike repair, and sales and safety 2. Recruit, schedule, and organize volunteers 3. Direct part-time student employees 4. Field inquiries from and provide logistical information to patrons about programs and services 5. Coordinate training seminars and workshops 6. Organize off-site events including volunteer recruitment, bicycle education, and promotions 7. Maintain event information and contacts in database 8. Act as liaison between TBP and the University units 9. Attend committee meetings and report on shop operations 10. Handle any monies, receipts and associated paperwork 11. Maintain inventory of new and used equipment and manage restocking from appropriate sources 12. Participate in assessing the needs of Campus Bicycle Shop and The Bike Project through giving and receiving feedback 13. Maintain updated records and files as well as policy and procedure manual Salary: $40,150/year. Employee will also receive unlimited access to city transit network with University ID card. To Apply: Please submit the following documents in .doc or .pdf format by 5 pm CDT, March 18, 2013 to thebikeproject.apply(a)gmail.com: 1. A cover letter responding to the following prompt: “The Bike Project was founded in the spirit of Do-It-Yourself, inclusivity and cooperation. How does your experience relate to actively advancing these principles and what are your goals in this position?” 2. A resume 3. Three work-related references including names, current addresses and telephone numbers See more information and updates at: www.thebikeproject.org/jobs/full-time-manager-2013 See all Bike Project job announcements at: www.thebikeproject.org/jobs<http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thebikeproject.org%2Fjobs&sa=D…> ==========================================================================

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Community Bike Shop Revenue
by Matthew VanSlyke 13 Mar '13

13 Mar '13

Hi All, I'm working up a budget for a new shop in New York State and I'm looking for a bit of info. I've put together a decently detailed business plan. I want to get a feel for how good (or bad) my numbers might be. So, a few questions: *Which, if any, of your programs/courses/trainings do you charge people for? * I anticipate running Earn-A-Bike, mechanics classes and a summer program - either on my own or in partnership with existing day camps for kids. I see NBW (Philly) does it as a revenue generator ( http://neighborhoodbikeworks.org/programs/summer-cycling-day-camp/). If you run similar programs, do they generate revenue? *What kind of sales volume do you have?* - I'm talking about repurposed bikes, parts and merchandise. Of course I anticipate the answer to this question to contain a lot of qualifiers like the size of your operation, your hours, number of staff, volume of inventory, geographic location, etc, etc, etc. I understand that but some ballpark numbers would help. Maybe an estimation of how many bikes you sell per month and approximately how much revenue is generated from the sale of parts. *How often do you offer mechanics classes?* Again I know this is very much dependent on staff and volunteer availability. I have estimated that with my 8 workstations I could offer a 10-12 week course (adults) for as many as 16 students (working in two-person teams) - provided I have at least 4 volunteer mechanics to assist. *How often do you offer Earn-A-Bike classes? *Once again, I know this is very much dependent on staff and volunteer availability. I like the curriculum you follow at Community Cycles ( http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Community_Cycles_Youth_…) and this is very similar to what I have in mind. So to you folks specifically and to others who also run EAB programs, is there any revenue generation here or is this strictly on the expenditure side of the equation for you? *How do you charge for service/repair work?* I anticipate using a sliding fee schedule and/or a list of suggested donations for the most common repairs. Can you ballpark the amount you receive for the most common repairs you perform? *How much revenue do you generate from open shop hours? *I know this is very much dependent on shop hours and available work space. But again, rough numbers will help me. I'm digging through the archives and obviously I'm finding a lot of really useful info. Thanks to all of you who have spent the time to post to the Wiki. It has been immensely helpful to me during this start up time. If you know of links that would help me get my own answers to these questions please pass them along. And if you can answer more specifically that would be excellent. Thanks so much, Matt -- *Matt VanSlyke* *Development Director New York Bicycling Coalition www.nybc.net 315-525-9554*

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Call next week: Financial planning for community bike shops
by Mary Lauran Hall 13 Mar '13

13 Mar '13

Hey Think Tank tinkerers, The Alliance is hosting a call on financial planning for community bike shops next week. All are welcome! Deets below. Feel free to join and/or pass along to someone who might benefit. I sent this out in an earlier chain, so if you're seeing this twice let's just call it deja vu. *Financial Planning for Community Bike Shops* *Wednesday, March 20, 2013* *4:00 PM to 5:00 PM eastern* *Register online here<http://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/site/index.php/site/EventRegistration-…> * Financial planning and fundraising are challenging for all advocacy groups, but it can be particularly difficult for community bike shops, which deal with the seasonal increases and decreases of ridership as well as the cost of purchasing parts and tools. Join leaders from three community bike shops as they discuss key concepts of financial planning and give examples of how their shops have created stable funding streams. Please note that *this call will begin at 4 PM ET* instead of the normal 2 PM ET. Panelists will include: - Momoko Saunders, Bike Farm, Portland, OR - Rambod Behnam, Bikerowave, Los Angeles, CA - Nathan Wilkes, Yellow Bike Project, Austin, TX - ... and featuring Noah Chubb-Silverman of Reno Bike Project, who's going to share Reno's super detailed budget with us and will be around to answer questions. Ride on! Mary Lauran -- Mary Lauran Hall Communications Manager Alliance for Biking & Walking mlhall(a)peoplepoweredmovement.org (202) 449-9692 x2 P.O. Box 65150 Washington, DC 20035 *We've got big plans for 2013. Join or renew<http://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/site/index.php/membership/welcome/> with the Alliance today!*

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Manger Position - Community Bike Project Omaha
by Stuart Shell 13 Mar '13

13 Mar '13

*Community Bike Project is seeking a part-time manager to oversee its bicycle service and retail operations in Omaha, Nebraska. Please see the attached description and respond to info(a)communitybikeproject.org.*

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Chatham Eco Fest
by Lyndy 11 Mar '13

11 Mar '13

Hello, I have been sending out emails left and right to reach out to Environmental Organizations of every kind across Pittsburgh, PA. Here is a formal invitation to those organizations in the surrounding area who would like to come join us! Chatham University is hosting our Eco Fest on Saturday, April 6th from 1-5pm, in celebration of our brand new, home made Bike Share program, sponsored by Free Ride! We want to reach out to local environmental organizations, clubs, businesses and small vendors to help expose and connect them to other organizations. We will provide spaces for individual organizations to establish their identity and to present their media or other displays. Our own Chatham students are invited as well as local student run Environmental organizations. We may not have enough tables for everybody so we suggest bringing a card table with you, as well as a blanket or lawn chairs. All tablers will be in our beautiful grassy quad. We encourage bringing information about past projects or campaigns to promote the Environmental Lifestyle. If you have a portfolio of sorts or just a spheal to tell visitors that would be awesome as well. In our Dilworth hall, housing for grad students and also Environmental professors, we will set aside a room to more intimately share past projects and discuss more ideas for promoting the Environmental Lifestyle in the future, through each organization’s individual focus. We invite your organization to come and reserve a space. Let us know if you are interested! ~Lyndy Palmer lpalmer(a)chatham.edu Chatham University Office of Sustainability Bike Works Mechanic chatham.edu 1 Woodland Rd Pittsburgh, PA 15232

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Bicycle Parking.
by Tigre Bici 05 Mar '13

05 Mar '13

Hello people. We are looking to implement some bike parking on campus but we just got the news that we won't be able to have the inverted U on stainless steel so we are looking for any insides on what kinf of material doesn't require a lot of maintance and can resist a lot of heavy use, the idea is to keep the inverted U's since are the once that we consider more reliable on securing the bikes. Any thoughts? Experiences? Saludos! Raquel Treviño -TigreBici

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Lyndy
by Lyndy 05 Mar '13

05 Mar '13

http://www.ffr-gmbh.de/crvknckq/ibiis

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Cycles for Change (St. Paul, MN) Hiring
by Jason Tanzman 05 Mar '13

05 Mar '13

Hey all, Cycles for Change <http://www.cyclesforchange.org>, in St. Paul, MN is hiring multiple staff positions. Some are seasonal, some are full-time year round, including the Development and Communications Director. Please consider applying today! Development and Communications Director<http://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/job-details?id=64212>- Full-time, year-round, salaried; open until filled. Bike Library Mechanic<http://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/job-details?id=64215>- 3/4-full time, year-round; open until filled. Public Relations and Community Organizing Assistant<http://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/job-details?id=64355>- Seasonal, through September; closing date 3/26/13. Repair and Retail Mechanic<http://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/job-details?id=63975>- Seasonal, through October 15. Closing date 3/20/13. Repair and Retail Associate<http://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/job-details?id=63973>- Seasonal, through September; Closing date 3/20/13 Feel free to email me or call 612-232-2737 with any questions you might have regarding any of these positions! Jason -- Development and Outreach Director 612-232-2737 (cell) 651-222-2080 (shop) www.cyclesforchange.org The mission of Cycles for Change is to be an open, accessible space to educate and empower people to use bicycles as transportation, helping to build a sustainable environment and community. Volunteer with us to help build a bicycling movement in the Twin Cities!

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Community Development Block Grants for bike co-ops?
by Eric Jojola 27 Feb '13

27 Feb '13

Hi All, Has anyone on this list written a (successful or unsuccessful) community development block grant application to start up a local bicycle co-op? I'm working on one now and would appreciate any advice or assistance in terms of the application. Thank you, Eric Jojola -- Eric Jojola <http://www.linkedin.com/in/jojolae> 909-556-8983

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Daniel S
by Daniel S 25 Feb '13

25 Feb '13

http://www.magnatekindia.com/bpurb/0.vc3om?yhjanxbpgtsu4b2wbr2/25/2013 2:28:42 PMDaniel S

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costa rica bike tour?
by sheila fitzgerald 25 Feb '13

25 Feb '13

hello! has anyone ever biked or spent time in costa rica? i am looking for DIY and bike adventures for a trip there in late july/early august. i found an org called Bici Rehab, which seems to be a community bike space, or at least project. has anyone ever heard of Bici Rehab? http://www.facebook.com/BiciRehab/info seeking information and ideas from fellow pedal powered people! thanks, sheila -- sheila fitzgerald http://troybikerescue.org

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[bikebikene] Save the Date!!! Bike Bike Northeast 2013
by Andrew L 24 Feb '13

24 Feb '13

Woop woop! this just in from the good folks in Worcester, MA Andrew TBR ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Greg Opperman <gopperman(a)gmail.com> Date: Sun, Feb 24, 2013 at 7:05 PM Subject: [bikebikene] Save the Date!!! Bike Bike Northeast 2013 To: bikebikene(a)lists.riseup.net You are cordially invited to *Bike! Bike! Northeast* on *September 6-8, 2013, *in* Worcester, Massachusetts.* * * We have lots of splendid plans, including scavenger hunts, group rides, workshops, shows, and more! Stay tuned for details. Come get energized for Bike! Bike! International. We'll be coordinating plans for the big show in October. If you have any preliminary thoughts, ideas, or feedback about the date, or anything else, let us know! You can receive news and updates on Bike! Bike! Northeast 2013 by signing up for our e-mail announcement list: http://eepurl.com/vS7Z5 XOXOXO, Worcester Earn a Bike -- ------__o ----_`\<,_ ---(_)/ (_) andrew lynn 518-573-7947

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Safety Workshops
by Cory Herc 23 Feb '13

23 Feb '13

Hello all! We're gearing up for our first Spring open, and are looking at our possibilities for running cycling safety workshops as a part of our spring/summer programming. So far, CANBIKE seems like one of the more prevalent options for broadly available bike-safety curricula, but we're curious about other options, and folks' experiences with different sorts of safety programs and workshops (as well as info about potential issues/insurance/liability, etc.). Any thoughts or experiences that might be helpful? We're a new co-op and this is our first season running these workshops. Thanks! -- *Cory Herc* *Operations Director - Coopérative La Bikery Co-operative* *120 Assomption Blvd., Moncton, NB* * * *www.labikery.ca*

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 78, Issue 14
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 22 Feb '13

22 Feb '13

Ours is $60.00 US/mo Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Geoff Heath" <mech(a)thewrench.ca> To: <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 78, Issue 14 Date: Fri, Feb 22, 2013 14:38 hey folx I'm wondering how much $$$ other non-profit shops (particularly Canadian ones) pay for general liability and Board of Dir. insurance. All the quotes I've gotten thus far seem unreasonably high for our lil operation. We don't do any organized riding on the street with youth, nor do we have any employees so I'd assumed it would be affordable. Is there such a thing as an altruistic insurance provider? Any advice or resources would be appreciated. Cheers Geoff @ The Bike Dump in Winnipeg --

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America Recycled Film!
by America reCycled 22 Feb '13

22 Feb '13

Hi Everybody, It's been awhile, but we are excited to announce that we are back together in New Orleans and production of the feature-length America Recycled film has officially begun! We have just released a trailer with lots of new footage alongside our fundraising campaign. Thank you for supporting us over the last two years as we've tried to share this dream. We remain committed to keeping America Recycled an independent project, and thanks to so much grassroots support, we're well on our way to releasing this film. Watch the trailer and learn how to help here: http://www.usaprojects.org/ project/america_recycled We are using United States Artists as our fundraising platform. They use a similar model to Kickstarter, but it's a non-profit organization dedicated to the arts, so all donations are tax-deductible. They also do an amazing job supporting artists working in all disciplines, finding creative partnerships and funding practices for projects that might not otherwise come to fruition. For example, America Recycled has received the USA Creative Vision Award! They selected us out of all artists who launched a fundraiser in January across all disciplines, and are contributing a $5,000 match fund. This means that every single donation is matched 100%, cutting down what we need to raise by almost half. It also means that donors get an award for double what they give. Asking for money is not our favorite part of this work-we'd rather just be telling stories. But this is a necessary part of the process at this point, and we need all the help we can get. There are plenty of ways to help out here, even if you aren't able to donate anything yourself. You can spread the word about the film and the campaign within your community. You can write about it around your social networking sites and make posts on relevant websites and blogs. You can email us about hosting a screening of our short films to raise some money or organize your own event locally to bring attention to the project. Even small emails and facebook/blog comments help out. This project has moved way beyond the point where it's just about the bicycle trip of two brothers. This story is about all of us who want to experiment with different ways of living in this country and believe in the power of community in making these dreams a reality. We still have a long way to go, but we can do it together. If you believe in this project, think about how you can help. And spread the word! - The Hussin Brothers (Noah and Tim)

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 78, Issue 14
by Geoff Heath 22 Feb '13

22 Feb '13

hey folx I'm wondering how much $$$ other non-profit shops (particularly Canadian ones) pay for general liability and Board of Dir. insurance. All the quotes I've gotten thus far seem unreasonably high for our lil operation. We don't do any organized riding on the street with youth, nor do we have any employees so I'd assumed it would be affordable. Is there such a thing as an altruistic insurance provider? Any advice or resources would be appreciated. Cheers Geoff @ The Bike Dump in Winnipeg --

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photo's of shops
by momoko saunders 21 Feb '13

21 Feb '13

Dear think tank, I've set up a flickr account to host bike collective photos. I have a dream of documenting the amazing thing we are doing. I'd love for everyone to contribute a photo of their bike shop, just so we can start to get an idea of who we're talking to, put a shop to the email address. also, seeing how shops are organized is fascinating and helpful! Please send 1-3 photos of your shop to: *merely32been(a)photos.flickr.com (it's just some secret email address you get with the account so you can easily upload photos, the name has nothing to do with anything)* Please make the title of the email "bike collective name" - "city", "state or province" "zip code", (country if you want to) You can view my first upload of portland's bike farm here<http://www.flickr.com/photos/93412361@N07/>, and hopefully, we can all see all the photo's uploading. http://www.flickr.com/photos/93412361@N07/ fun exercise, google image search "bike collective photos".<https://www.google.com/search?q=bike+collective+photos&hl=en&tbm=isch&tbo=u…> makes you smile. cheers, -momoko p.s. if you want the password to the flickr account just let me know.

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insurance for community bike program- workshops, rides, etc.
by Dave Baker 20 Feb '13

20 Feb '13

hello everyone, i am dave baker from the bike works in silver city, new mexico. i am a new addition to this list so i figured i would send out this query and see what ideas everyone has. i am looking for an insurance provider that offers a policy tuned for the type of work we do. we previously had insurance for a retail bike shop but it doesn't apply since retail shop customers generally don't enter the shop space and don't usually use the tools. we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs weekly free workshops that are open to the public. we also take kids on a weekly bike ride. in april, we are having a fundraising event in a local city park and the city is requiring that we get liability coverage for the day, which costs around $300. A year long policy would cover special events such as this and make much more sense. i am looking for feedback from other organizations that have dealt with this same issue. thanks, dave

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California Collectives in proximity to Long Beach
by Ryan Kragerud 19 Feb '13

19 Feb '13

Hey all, Nirve Bikes has fenders they're looking to get rid of. If your collective could use custom/cool fenders check em out at info(a)nirve.com Nirve Posted: Nirve Graeme - If you think you can use them, then give us a call or email - I would rather see them used than recycled. We have more than pictured here. info(at)nirve.com

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NIRVE overstocks
by Ryan Kragerud 19 Feb '13

19 Feb '13

I just saw a post on FB - Nirve is recycling lots of fenders. All y'all in CA should look them up.

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Special event liability insurance
by scott＠gknightride.org 07 Feb '13

07 Feb '13

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RBP 2013 Call for Art
by Reno Bikes 06 Feb '13

06 Feb '13

[image: Inline image 1] Greetings all, RBP is looking for artist interested in submitting for our annual We HeArt Bikes Bicycle Art Show. All submissions excepted and we would love to show off your work. http://www.renobikeproject.com/2013/02/rbp-call-for-art/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/renobikeproject/sets/72157626738005314/ Cheers, Noah -- Wed-Fri 11am-6pm Sat 10am-4pm 541 E. 4th Street. Reno, NV 89512 775.323.4488 donate via paypal: http://www.renobikeproject.com/index.php/donate/ Follow us on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/renobikeproject/ Please let us know if you would like to unsubscribe to our email list.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Trailer
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 03 Feb '13

03 Feb '13

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Trailer
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 30 Jan '13

30 Jan '13

Mark, I've seen your work on the web. I have respect for what you have done. Welding EMT will produce zinc gas; not healthy to breathe. Welding EMT can be done out of doors safely. Better to use furniture tubing, if possible. One can do well with drill & bolt construction. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Mark Rehder" <mark(a)re-cycles.ca> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bike Trailer Date: Tue, Jan 29, 2013 17:04 EMT is great, but of course don't try to weld it! A search through the archives should show my posts on some of the no-weld trailers I've built. I found that even 3/4" conduit has its limits in terms of flex... Mark On 2013-01-29, at 4:55 PM, summitcyclingcenter(a)yahoo.com wrote:EMT is inexpensive new and easy to bend. Possibly can be sourced from scrap yard or demo site. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Kevin Dwyer" <kevidwyer(a)gmail.com> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bike Trailer Date: Mon, Jan 28, 2013 07:23 I'd really like to see an open source cargo trailer developed. Single bed frames would seem to be an ideal base, easy/free to come by and capable of holding over 200lbs. Could be done as a workshop once or twice a year. Kevin Dwyer The Bicycle Collective SLC, UT On Sun, Jan 27, 2013 at 5:54 PM, Eric Montgomery <emontgo1017(a)gmail.com> wrote: On Jan 27, 2013 1:50 PM, <christopher(a)holisticcycles.com> wrote: I am using a tadpole trike with two wheels in front with disk brakes on each front wheel. I am lucky to be in Chicago land of some of the flattest earth on the planet. With lighter trailers I can use an upright bike with wide slicks and low pressure to get as much rubber to the ground. I do not go fast with over 400 pounds, a upright piano is about 500 pounds, I just take it easy. If you go slow and do not worry about your pace it is much easier to stop. If you get moving fast you are in trouble in so many ways. It would be nice to design brakes for the trailer to use it in places like St. Louis where down hills are part of life. I could figure out a system to have four wheels on the trailer with rim or disk brakes. My biggest problem was tongue weight and making the trailer balanced. PS plastic wheels can not take the side loads that metal spoked wheels can. Christopher Wallace Holistic Cycles140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes From: John Brown <johnsbrown(a)gmail.com> Date: Sat, January 26, 2013 7:42 am To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> What kind of additional braking do you add to haul 350-1200lbs on a trailer? On Fri, Jan 25, 2013 at 9:16 AM, <christopher(a)holisticcycles.com> wrote: I build trailers without welding at all, some handle up to 1200 pound. I weld other trailers because I can. My thoughts are this, if I am teaching kids to think about designing, engineering, constructing things; I want them to be able to do it in the future with the tools they or their parents may all ready have at home or tool they can buy inexpensively. Some kids may have a welder at home, More kids will have a drill. I built my trailers with a drill and a conduit bender. I normally haul 350 to 400 pounds of gear with it. It can be made small to haul groceries or large to carry a sofa. We are currently making one to carry 12 bikes and the gear to teach a mobile bicycle safety course at schools. Christopher WallaceHolistic Cycles 140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes From: Nozomi Ikuta <nozomi(a)affordablebikesrecyclery.com> Date: Wed, January 23, 2013 8:28 pm To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> That was my thought exactly -- this is where our thoughts headed when we thought about welding. Cargo trailers, that is! On Wed, Jan 23, 2013 at 5:20 PM, <christopher(a)holisticcycles.com> wrote: what about building trailers Christopher Wallace Holistic Cycles140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes From: "Bronwyn Potthoff" <bpotthoff(a)gwi.net> Date: Fri, January 18, 2013 8:55 am To: <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Hello, We’ve been unsuccessfully trying to secure insurance to initiate a welding/fabrication program through the Community Bicycle Center. Ideally, we’re helping youth develop technical job skills through creating low-rider and chopper bicycles --- but the point of the program is not about bikes, it’s about learning the welding and fabrication skills necessary to create a tricked-out ride. The major obstacle we hear from insurance companies is that we’re creating a high-risk “Frankenstein” product (or “functional art”) that is extremely hard to insure. As soon as we chop a bike, the manufacturer’s warranty is null and void (for good reason!) The actual welding with kids is not a huge issue – it’s what happens if a weld breaks or a kid injures him/herself going off jump with a bike that is not build to handle such stressors. Waivers and disclaimers will only go so far and are not bullet-proof. Because we’re a commercial entity, it’s obviously not covered under any homeowner’s insurance policy (which would be what covers you if you’re helping your nine year-old neighbor weld a sick mutant bike). Also, vocational school insurance functions differently – I checked that too. I may end up having to change the program so that our “product” is not a bike, but something less risky such as a static sculpture. Regardless, does anybody have any experience with securing insurance for commercial (aka nonprofit) welding work with kids during which a “product” gets fabricated? [Keep in mind, all programs are free AND the product created is also free --- no bill of sale is involved] I’ve touched base with other programs around the country that do similar work, but have not heard back. Thanks!! If it makes more sense to talk through this via phone, my number is 207 282 9700. Bronwyn Potthoff, Resource Development/Community Relations Director Community Bicycle Center(mailing) P.O. Box 783(shop) 284 Hill Street Biddeford, Maine 04005t: 207.282.9700 www.communitybike.net Providing Opportunities for Youth to Grow _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

2 1

Teaching Riding Skills
by Rich Points 30 Jan '13

30 Jan '13

Hey All, Our EAB program is almost 7 years old. Over the years we've gotten pretty good at teaching bike mechanics to our EABers but we fall short when it comes to teaching riding skills. One of my goals for this year is to institute a riding component to the program. Are any of you teaching riding skills as part of your EAB or Build a Bike programs? If so we'd love to hear how you do it. 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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Working with Churches and other Religious Orgs to Collect Bikes
by Rich Points 30 Jan '13

30 Jan '13

Hey All, We're going to try something different this year by reaching out to local churches and religious organizations to collect bikes. Last year we had an unsolicited young man collect bikes for us as part of his confirmation. This was awesome and he collected about 40 bikes for us. I'm drafting a letter to send out to religious orgs in the county asking them to collect bikes for us. My goal is to find out what service projects the institutions already have in place, like confirmation, and see if we can piggy back those projects with bike collections. Have any of you worked with religious orgs to collect bikes? Please share any words of wisdom you might have. Thx 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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Bike Share Advice
by Lyndy 30 Jan '13

30 Jan '13

Hello, I am a student mechanic for a campus bike shop in Pittsburgh. We are starting a new bike share program to rent bikes by the semester/year to our students. We have a lot of interest gaining for this endeavor, from short-term international students, from commuters, from activists, environmentalists, poor students and out-of-state students (who left their bike at home). We are purchasing bikes from a bike recycle program which I am helping to fix up and make road worthy. The school is paying for 10 bikes, $50 per bike, to start up the program. The school is also paying for U-locks, front and back lights, small tool repair kits, and helmets (S/M/L). We have a bike shop with all the tools to take a bike part and repair minor pieces, like inner tubes and brake/shifter cables, and will outfit it with more consumer items as popularity grows (seat covers etc.). The idea is to give a bike to a student, as well as a lock and lights (purchase of a tool kit and helmet from us is optional, however a helmet with receipt is required), sign them up to the bike registry (to help with theft and bike identity), and orient them with the local bike trails, safe commuting routes, and local community. The whole idea it to encourage a bike community within the campus. I will have bikes to fix, cyclists to teach, and less students will be driving or using local transit. The only issue is we don't know what to charge for renting bikes. It will cost us (the campus) $150 to outfit a person with a bike and all the materials at first, but afterwards only about $50-75 per new person (same bike, new helmet, maybe new lights). What prices should we be charging students to rent a bike for? How much should cover the cost, and how much should be for a deposit (incentive to bring the bike back with minimal damage)? As a bike share program we want to be competitive. It costs about $200-300 for a brand new bike, or $100 or a crappy Wal-Mart bike, but we also want to cover the costs of the program. I was thinking of $50 deposit, $50 cover charge per semester, or $50 deposit, $100 charge per year (and less if returning customer). However, the sustainability director thinks we should charge more. Any ideas? ~Lyndy

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance_for_youth_welding_prog rams_thr ough bikes
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 29 Jan '13

29 Jan '13

Thanks for the hitch input Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: christopher(a)holisticcycles.com To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Insurance_for_youth_welding_prog rams_thr ough bikes Date: Sun, Jan 27, 2013 19:51 There are three trailer hitches I have used. For the larger loads I like to use the dual sided BOB trailer hitch, On some lighter trailers I like one sided hitches that have clamps on the rear triangle, only lightweight trailers should have one sided axle mounts. Christopher WallaceHolistic Cycles140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance_for_youth_welding_programs_thr ough bikes From: "summitcyclingcenter(a)yahoo.com" <summitcyclingcenter(a)yahoo.com> Date: Sat, January 26, 2013 5:44 pm To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> I've built a couple of simple bike trailers. Thanks for the photos. I really like your design. I would like to see your hitch and tow bar design. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: christopher(a)holisticcycles.com To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes Date: Fri, Jan 25, 2013 12:16 I build trailers without welding at all, some handle up to 1200 pound. I weld other trailers because I can. My thoughts are this, if I am teaching kids to think about designing, engineering, constructing things; I want them to be able to do it in the future with the tools they or their parents may all ready have at home or tool they can buy inexpensively. Some kids may have a welder at home, More kids will have a drill. I built my trailers with a drill and a conduit bender. I normally haul 350 to 400 pounds of gear with it. It can be made small to haul groceries or large to carry a sofa. We are currently making one to carry 12 bikes and the gear to teach a mobile bicycle safety course at schools. Christopher WallaceHolistic Cycles140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes From: Nozomi Ikuta <nozomi(a)affordablebikesrecyclery.com> Date: Wed, January 23, 2013 8:28 pm To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> That was my thought exactly -- this is where our thoughts headed when we thought about welding. Cargo trailers, that is! On Wed, Jan 23, 2013 at 5:20 PM, <christopher(a)holisticcycles.com> wrote: what about building trailers Christopher Wallace Holistic Cycles140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes From: "Bronwyn Potthoff" <bpotthoff(a)gwi.net> Date: Fri, January 18, 2013 8:55 am To: <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Hello, We’ve been unsuccessfully trying to secure insurance to initiate a welding/fabrication program through the Community Bicycle Center. Ideally, we’re helping youth develop technical job skills through creating low-rider and chopper bicycles --- but the point of the program is not about bikes, it’s about learning the welding and fabrication skills necessary to create a tricked-out ride. The major obstacle we hear from insurance companies is that we’re creating a high-risk “Frankenstein” product (or “functional art”) that is extremely hard to insure. As soon as we chop a bike, the manufacturer’s warranty is null and void (for good reason!) The actual welding with kids is not a huge issue – it’s what happens if a weld breaks or a kid injures him/herself going off jump with a bike that is not build to handle such stressors. Waivers and disclaimers will only go so far and are not bullet-proof. Because we’re a commercial entity, it’s obviously not covered under any homeowner’s insurance policy (which would be what covers you if you’re helping your nine year-old neighbor weld a sick mutant bike). Also, vocational school insurance functions differently – I checked that too. I may end up having to change the program so that our “product” is not a bike, but something less risky such as a static sculpture. Regardless, does anybody have any experience with securing insurance for commercial (aka nonprofit) welding work with kids during which a “product” gets fabricated? [Keep in mind, all programs are free AND the product created is also free --- no bill of sale is involved] I’ve touched base with other programs around the country that do similar work, but have not heard back. Thanks!! If it makes more sense to talk through this via phone, my number is 207 282 9700. Bronwyn Potthoff, Resource Development/Community Relations Director Community Bicycle Center(mailing) P.O. Box 783(shop) 284 Hill Street Biddeford, Maine 04005t: 207.282.9700 www.communitybike.net Providing Opportunities for Youth to Grow _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Youth Bike Summit - Speakers + Workshops
by Pasqualina Azzarello 29 Jan '13

29 Jan '13

Hi Everyone, We're pleased to announce this year's Youth Bike Summit program *schedule*<http://youthbikesummit2013.eventbrite.com/#>! We've got a great line up of workshops and *Enrique Penalosa*<http://www.streetfilms.org/riding-bogotas-bountiful-protected-bikeways/>will be presenting the Keynote address along with Local Spokes Youth Ambassador, Devlynn Chen. An invitation, information, and online resources can be found below. Thanks for helping us to spread the word! *WHEN:* February 15-17, 2013 *WHERE:* The New School in New York, NY *KEYNOTE:* Enrique Penalosa, former Mayor of Bogota, Colombia *COST:* 3 DAY PASS: $20/youth; $35/adult *tickets include meals for all three days Tickets can be purchased here: http://youthbikesummit2013-eac2.eventbrite.com/#<http://youthbikesummit2013-eac2.eventbrite.com/> More info can be found here: http://www.recycleabicycle.org/about-us/youth-bike-summit<http://www.recycleabicycle.org/about-us/youth-bike-summit> FB Invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/552149951465199/ YBS FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Youth-Bike-Summit/230384430374509?ref=ts&fre… YBS Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/youthbikesummit YBS Twitter Handle @youthbikesummit *YBS STEERING COMMITTEE:* Bike Works in Seattle, Bikes Not Bombs in Boston, Neighborhood Bike Works in Philadelphia, Cycles for Change in St. Paul, West Town Bikes in Chicago, and Recycle-A-Bicycle in New York City. We hope to see you at the Youth Bike Summit! Best, Pasqualina -- Pasqualina Azzarello Executive Director Recycle-A-Bicycle Ph: 718-858-2972 Fax: 718-858-6201 http://www.recycleabicycle.org Follow us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/pages/Recycle-A-Bicycle/62453932286> Follow us on Twitter <https://twitter.com/#!/RAB_NYC>

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Trailer
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 29 Jan '13

29 Jan '13

EMT is inexpensive new and easy to bend. Possibly can be sourced from scrap yard or demo site. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Kevin Dwyer" <kevidwyer(a)gmail.com> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bike Trailer Date: Mon, Jan 28, 2013 07:23 I'd really like to see an open source cargo trailer developed. Single bed frames would seem to be an ideal base, easy/free to come by and capable of holding over 200lbs. Could be done as a workshop once or twice a year. Kevin Dwyer The Bicycle Collective SLC, UT On Sun, Jan 27, 2013 at 5:54 PM, Eric Montgomery <emontgo1017(a)gmail.com> wrote: On Jan 27, 2013 1:50 PM, <christopher(a)holisticcycles.com> wrote: I am using a tadpole trike with two wheels in front with disk brakes on each front wheel. I am lucky to be in Chicago land of some of the flattest earth on the planet. With lighter trailers I can use an upright bike with wide slicks and low pressure to get as much rubber to the ground. I do not go fast with over 400 pounds, a upright piano is about 500 pounds, I just take it easy. If you go slow and do not worry about your pace it is much easier to stop. If you get moving fast you are in trouble in so many ways. It would be nice to design brakes for the trailer to use it in places like St. Louis where down hills are part of life. I could figure out a system to have four wheels on the trailer with rim or disk brakes. My biggest problem was tongue weight and making the trailer balanced. PS plastic wheels can not take the side loads that metal spoked wheels can. Christopher Wallace Holistic Cycles140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes From: John Brown <johnsbrown(a)gmail.com> Date: Sat, January 26, 2013 7:42 am To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> What kind of additional braking do you add to haul 350-1200lbs on a trailer? On Fri, Jan 25, 2013 at 9:16 AM, <christopher(a)holisticcycles.com> wrote: I build trailers without welding at all, some handle up to 1200 pound. I weld other trailers because I can. My thoughts are this, if I am teaching kids to think about designing, engineering, constructing things; I want them to be able to do it in the future with the tools they or their parents may all ready have at home or tool they can buy inexpensively. Some kids may have a welder at home, More kids will have a drill. I built my trailers with a drill and a conduit bender. I normally haul 350 to 400 pounds of gear with it. It can be made small to haul groceries or large to carry a sofa. We are currently making one to carry 12 bikes and the gear to teach a mobile bicycle safety course at schools. Christopher WallaceHolistic Cycles 140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes From: Nozomi Ikuta <nozomi(a)affordablebikesrecyclery.com> Date: Wed, January 23, 2013 8:28 pm To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> That was my thought exactly -- this is where our thoughts headed when we thought about welding. Cargo trailers, that is! On Wed, Jan 23, 2013 at 5:20 PM, <christopher(a)holisticcycles.com> wrote: what about building trailers Christopher Wallace Holistic Cycles140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes From: "Bronwyn Potthoff" <bpotthoff(a)gwi.net> Date: Fri, January 18, 2013 8:55 am To: <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Hello, We’ve been unsuccessfully trying to secure insurance to initiate a welding/fabrication program through the Community Bicycle Center. Ideally, we’re helping youth develop technical job skills through creating low-rider and chopper bicycles --- but the point of the program is not about bikes, it’s about learning the welding and fabrication skills necessary to create a tricked-out ride. The major obstacle we hear from insurance companies is that we’re creating a high-risk “Frankenstein” product (or “functional art”) that is extremely hard to insure. As soon as we chop a bike, the manufacturer’s warranty is null and void (for good reason!) The actual welding with kids is not a huge issue – it’s what happens if a weld breaks or a kid injures him/herself going off jump with a bike that is not build to handle such stressors. Waivers and disclaimers will only go so far and are not bullet-proof. Because we’re a commercial entity, it’s obviously not covered under any homeowner’s insurance policy (which would be what covers you if you’re helping your nine year-old neighbor weld a sick mutant bike). Also, vocational school insurance functions differently – I checked that too. I may end up having to change the program so that our “product” is not a bike, but something less risky such as a static sculpture. Regardless, does anybody have any experience with securing insurance for commercial (aka nonprofit) welding work with kids during which a “product” gets fabricated? [Keep in mind, all programs are free AND the product created is also free --- no bill of sale is involved] I’ve touched base with other programs around the country that do similar work, but have not heard back. Thanks!! If it makes more sense to talk through this via phone, my number is 207 282 9700. Bronwyn Potthoff, Resource Development/Community Relations Director Community Bicycle Center(mailing) P.O. Box 783(shop) 284 Hill Street Biddeford, Maine 04005t: 207.282.9700 www.communitybike.net Providing Opportunities for Youth to Grow _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

2 1

Bike Trailer
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 29 Jan '13

29 Jan '13

5 5

Bike Drives with Church Partners
by Jason Tanzman 29 Jan '13

29 Jan '13

Cycles for Change in St. Paul, Minnesota collects most of our bicycles through Bike Drives. Many of these have been coordinated in partnership with churches. We've found churches to be supportive of our work and focused on social justice. We've worked with a couple smaller churches and collected 20-30 bikes, and we also partnered with a much larger suburban church about 2 years ago and collected 150 bikes - which was almost more than we could handle. I highly recommend collaborating with churches for Bike Drives. In my experience, we've connected with a "social justice ministries" committee, rather than a youth doing service for confirmation, as Rich mentioned, but I'm sure both are opportunities to explore. Other groups we've worked with to coordinate Bike Drives include: business, including REI which has been an amazing partner, doing bike drives at each of their three metropolitan stores; a local Lions Club, which brought in 90 bikes; Eagle Scouts, who have done some very successful bike drives. This is from a few years ago, but Working Bikes Coop in Chicago had a pretty incredible operation coordinating dozens of Bike Drives and collecting bikes from throughout the Chicago metro area. Jason Tanzman -- Development and Outreach Director 612-232-2737 (cell) 651-222-2080 (shop) www.cyclesforchange.org The mission of Cycles for Change is to be an open, accessible space to educate and empower people to use bicycles as transportation, helping to build a sustainable environment and community. Volunteer with us to help build a bicycling movement in the Twin Cities!

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Deal with the devil!
by Scott Conlin 28 Jan '13

28 Jan '13

'Like' Ron. Well said. We find that kids are appreciative of any bike and we'd like to see more on them no matter where they are from. Riders who get free bikes many times start progressing toward better built bikes, because they find joy or utility in it. I think what we do here even in bike friendly Colorado as market expanding work. The big brands interested in just selling biles at $750+ could learn from this IMO. Scott Longmont, CO Recycle <recyclebikesforkids(a)gmail.com> wrote: >_______________________________________________ >Thethinktank mailing list >Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org >To manage your subscription, plase visit: >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance_for_youth_welding_programs_thr ough bikes
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 27 Jan '13

27 Jan '13

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Deal with the devil!
by Doug Franz 27 Jan '13

27 Jan '13

Ron, thanks for the apology, but you’re right. I shouldn’t be telling kids their bike is worth 10 cents a pound. After all, it’s their bike! In general, I’m more sensitive than that, but I can always be better. The goal is to help them see the difference between Wally’s bikes and “bike shop” bikes, but they won’t hear the message if I bully them into it. Thank you for keeping me straight. Doug Franz, President BikeWorks_3_wText <http://coatesvillebikeworks.org/> coatesvillebikeworks.org like us on facebook! <http://www.facebook.com/CoatesvilleBikeWorks> http://www.facebook.com/CoatesvilleBikeWorks <mailto:doug@coatesvillebikeworks.org> doug(a)coatesvillebikeworks.org 610-383-4349 From: Recycle [mailto:recyclebikesforkids@gmail.com] Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2013 10:02 PM To: doug(a)coatesvillebikeworks.org; The Think Tank Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Deal with the devil! Doug. Thank you for the response. I shouldn't have taken you to task publicly. For that I apologize I do think there is a place for WM bikes, mainly as a stage bike for kids who will outgrow them in a season, I too struggle with those who feel entitled but that is parents not kids. Ron Sent from my iPhone

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Deal with the devil!
by Doug Franz 26 Jan '13

26 Jan '13

The strangest thing happened last night. I was at an open house for another charity here in Coatesville, talking up our charity because it's my job, and I was introduced to the District Manager of Wal*Mart. I'm not a Wal*Mart fan. I understand they fill a need in society, and obviously lots of people don't subscribe to my point of view or else they wouldn't be as successful as they are. But for me, I would rather give up other luxuries to afford the more expensive products at my neighborhood store than buy them from the Wal*Mart in town. I actually feel some joy when one of our kids asks me what his Wal*Mart bike is worth, and I answer "10 cents a pound!" Anyhow, this woman explained to me that Wal*Mart doesn't have a system for handling the bicycles that get returned to them or that arrive with defects from the manufacturer. She asked me if they could be sent to us as a donation. I explained to her that we accept bicycle donations, but typically the Wal*Mart bikes get stripped for parts and recycled. She asked if they could send them to us anyhow. I pointed out that we incur some costs in the processing of this material, and if we decide to fix some of them up there is the costs of the parts. She asked if they could send a check along with the bikes. So, we made a deal. Wal*Mart stores in her district will send us bikes they can't use, along with $20 per bicycle. We have 35 bikes arriving next week. This will be interesting. . . . Doug Franz, President BikeWorks_3_wText coatesvillebikeworks.org <http://coatesvillebikeworks.org/> like us on facebook! http://www.facebook.com/CoatesvilleBikeWorks doug(a)coatesvillebikeworks.org 610-383-4349 I respect your right to manage the amount of email you receive. If you want to be removed from this email list, please reply to ONLY ME, with "unsubscribe" in the subject line.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 26 Jan '13

26 Jan '13

I've built a couple of simple bike trailers. Thanks for the photos. I really like your design. I would like to see your hitch and tow bar design. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: christopher(a)holisticcycles.com To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes Date: Fri, Jan 25, 2013 12:16 I build trailers without welding at all, some handle up to 1200 pound. I weld other trailers because I can. My thoughts are this, if I am teaching kids to think about designing, engineering, constructing things; I want them to be able to do it in the future with the tools they or their parents may all ready have at home or tool they can buy inexpensively. Some kids may have a welder at home, More kids will have a drill. I built my trailers with a drill and a conduit bender. I normally haul 350 to 400 pounds of gear with it. It can be made small to haul groceries or large to carry a sofa. We are currently making one to carry 12 bikes and the gear to teach a mobile bicycle safety course at schools. Christopher WallaceHolistic Cycles140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes From: Nozomi Ikuta <nozomi(a)affordablebikesrecyclery.com> Date: Wed, January 23, 2013 8:28 pm To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> That was my thought exactly -- this is where our thoughts headed when we thought about welding. Cargo trailers, that is! On Wed, Jan 23, 2013 at 5:20 PM, <christopher(a)holisticcycles.com> wrote: what about building trailers Christopher Wallace Holistic Cycles140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes From: "Bronwyn Potthoff" <bpotthoff(a)gwi.net> Date: Fri, January 18, 2013 8:55 am To: <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Hello, We’ve been unsuccessfully trying to secure insurance to initiate a welding/fabrication program through the Community Bicycle Center. Ideally, we’re helping youth develop technical job skills through creating low-rider and chopper bicycles --- but the point of the program is not about bikes, it’s about learning the welding and fabrication skills necessary to create a tricked-out ride. The major obstacle we hear from insurance companies is that we’re creating a high-risk “Frankenstein” product (or “functional art”) that is extremely hard to insure. As soon as we chop a bike, the manufacturer’s warranty is null and void (for good reason!) The actual welding with kids is not a huge issue – it’s what happens if a weld breaks or a kid injures him/herself going off jump with a bike that is not build to handle such stressors. Waivers and disclaimers will only go so far and are not bullet-proof. Because we’re a commercial entity, it’s obviously not covered under any homeowner’s insurance policy (which would be what covers you if you’re helping your nine year-old neighbor weld a sick mutant bike). Also, vocational school insurance functions differently – I checked that too. I may end up having to change the program so that our “product” is not a bike, but something less risky such as a static sculpture. Regardless, does anybody have any experience with securing insurance for commercial (aka nonprofit) welding work with kids during which a “product” gets fabricated? [Keep in mind, all programs are free AND the product created is also free --- no bill of sale is involved] I’ve touched base with other programs around the country that do similar work, but have not heard back. Thanks!! If it makes more sense to talk through this via phone, my number is 207 282 9700. Bronwyn Potthoff, Resource Development/Community Relations Director Community Bicycle Center(mailing) P.O. Box 783(shop) 284 Hill Street Biddeford, Maine 04005t: 207.282.9700 www.communitybike.net Providing Opportunities for Youth to Grow _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Bicycle Registry
by Cycle Re Cycle Cycle-Re-Cycle swm 26 Jan '13

26 Jan '13

Hello All, Our community, non-profit bike shop, Cycle-Re-Cycle, is looking into the logistics of starting a community bicycle registry. The local police department doesn't have anything like it and bicycle theft is pretty rampant in our community. We keep serial numbers and descriptions on all bikes we sell, so it seems that the next step is just to print stickers with a sequential number on it to adhere to all the bikes leaving the shop. Has anyone ever started a bicycle registry like this? Thoughts or tips? Thanks Cycle-Re-Cycle Benton Harbor, MI

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 26 Jan '13

26 Jan '13

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 23 Jan '13

23 Jan '13

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Bikes Not Bombs has some temporary jobs available
by Sarah Braker 23 Jan '13

23 Jan '13

Hi Everyone, Bikes Not Bombs in Boston is gearing up for our annual Bike-A-Thon, our biggest fundraising event of the year, and we're hiring two temporary/part-time jobs. One is a Phone Outreach Coordinator, the other is Route Coordinator. Specific job descriptions are here: https://bikesnotbombs.org/hiring-route-coordinator and https://bikesnotbombs.org/hiring-phone-outreach-coordinator Please apply if interested or pass along to folks you may know. Thanks! -- Sarah Braker Communications Manager Bikes Not Bombs 284 Amory St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 617-522-0222 ext. 104 www.bikesnotbombs.org <http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/youth> Donate online <http://bikesnotbombs.org/support> to support our work! Follow us on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/bikesnotbombs> and Twitter<http://twitter.com/bikesnotbombs> !

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Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes
by Bronwyn Potthoff 21 Jan '13

21 Jan '13

Hello, We've been unsuccessfully trying to secure insurance to initiate a welding/fabrication program through the Community Bicycle Center. Ideally, we're helping youth develop technical job skills through creating low-rider and chopper bicycles --- but the point of the program is not about bikes, it's about learning the welding and fabrication skills necessary to create a tricked-out ride. The major obstacle we hear from insurance companies is that we're creating a high-risk "Frankenstein" product (or "functional art") that is extremely hard to insure. As soon as we chop a bike, the manufacturer's warranty is null and void (for good reason!) The actual welding with kids is not a huge issue - it's what happens if a weld breaks or a kid injures him/herself going off jump with a bike that is not build to handle such stressors. Waivers and disclaimers will only go so far and are not bullet-proof. Because we're a commercial entity, it's obviously not covered under any homeowner's insurance policy (which would be what covers you if you're helping your nine year-old neighbor weld a sick mutant bike). Also, vocational school insurance functions differently - I checked that too. I may end up having to change the program so that our "product" is not a bike, but something less risky such as a static sculpture. Regardless, does anybody have any experience with securing insurance for commercial (aka nonprofit) welding work with kids during which a "product" gets fabricated? [Keep in mind, all programs are free AND the product created is also free --- no bill of sale is involved] I've touched base with other programs around the country that do similar work, but have not heard back. Thanks!! If it makes more sense to talk through this via phone, my number is 207 282 9700. Bronwyn Potthoff, Resource Development/Community Relations Director Community Bicycle Center (mailing) P.O. Box 783 (shop) 284 Hill Street Biddeford, Maine 04005 t: 207.282.9700 www.communitybike.net <http://www.facebook.com/CommunityBicycleCenter> Facebook Round Providing Opportunities for Youth to Grow

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Laminate flooring in your showroom?
by Rich Points 21 Jan '13

21 Jan '13

Hey All, We're going to be receiving a nice chunk of change for shop renovations this year. This will allow us to build a loft, upgrade the HVAC, install some windows and other cool projects. I'm considering using laminate flooring in the showroom. I've lived in houses with laminate flooring for many years and have found it to be quite durable. However I'm not sure how it would hold up in high traffic situations like the showroom. Do any of you have experience with this? How about alternative floor coverings? Thx -- -- 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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Opportunity for the mechanically inclined & community interested
by kelsey snelgrove 20 Jan '13

20 Jan '13

Interesting & enriching opportunity - bikes, community, farming! We are looking for a motivated, resourceful bicycle mechanic to run our shop this summer. We are offering a unique opportunity; live with us on our 30+ acre farm comprised of 5 adults + one child, a fluctuating number of farm interns and visitors, cows, goats, pigs, ducks & chickens. With the right person, we are happy to share our space, resources and home grown food. The bike shop is located right on the farm, in the Shushwap area of BC, near a small town (pop. 2000). There are no other bike repair services for 60 km in any direction. An influx of tourists in the summer as well as a diverse local population means all kinds of repairs, refurbishing projects, and sales. Our shop is fully tooled (including welder) and we have an extensive stock of bikes and parts. We are also interested in creating bicycle powered machines to make our farm more efficient. Our dream mechanic can: - work independently and creatively - determine a bike’s worth, has a good understanding of manufactures and eras - keep good records, run a til and deal with customers. - organize and run workshops for the general public - able to fix and build up bikes resourcefully - live and work with a varied group of people We are open to discussing the arrangement, possibly offering a small stipend or different possibilities for earning money while here. We’re very flexible, if intrigued please contact us to learn more about our farm and this opportunity. goldenearsfarm(a)gmail.com http://www.facebook.com/groups/38812009317/?fref=ts www.goldenearsfarm.com (in progress!) > From: thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > Subject: Thethinktank Digest, Vol 77, Issue 30 > To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > Date: Sat, 19 Jan 2013 13:12:50 -0800 > > 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. jobs & more jobs (Geoff Heath) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2013 19:30:01 -0600 > From: Geoff Heath <mech(a)thewrench.ca> > To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > Subject: [TheThinkTank] jobs & more jobs > Message-ID: > <CANeqvpCNJKXKrXEsK4U0AWOo2X33jak4cMQ3VF+8sa2uR97W6w(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > hey folks > The WRENCH community bike shop here in Winnipeg, MB is hiring for a > volunteer coordinator. Position is 28 hr/week @ $17/hr with benefits. > There's much more to the position than just coordinating (teaching in the > shop, admin, etc) so please check out the posting on our website here; > http://thewrench.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/WRENCH-Volunteer-C… > Closes Feb .11. > We'll gladly do interviews by skype if you're from outta town and can > likely help you find housing if you get the job. > yup. > > Also, Hub City Cycles Community Co-op in Nanaimo, BC is hiring for the > spring. > Contact them for details. > -- > 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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jobs & more jobs
by Geoff Heath 18 Jan '13

18 Jan '13

hey folks The WRENCH community bike shop here in Winnipeg, MB is hiring for a volunteer coordinator. Position is 28 hr/week @ $17/hr with benefits. There's much more to the position than just coordinating (teaching in the shop, admin, etc) so please check out the posting on our website here; http://thewrench.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/WRENCH-Volunteer-C… Closes Feb .11. We'll gladly do interviews by skype if you're from outta town and can likely help you find housing if you get the job. yup. Also, Hub City Cycles Community Co-op in Nanaimo, BC is hiring for the spring. Contact them for details. -- 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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Hiring a FT Experienced Mechanic in Minneapolis!
by Crystal Brinkman 17 Jan '13

17 Jan '13

Hello Everyone! We are excited to be a part of the Think Tank Community! Full Cycle is hiring a FT, experienced bike mechanic to help us out. Our programs and business keep growing! Please see the below links to the job description (applicants must apply online but are encouraged to stop by!) and to our website to learn more about Full Cycle: fullcyclebikeshop.org https://careers-macc.icims.com/jobs/1691/full-cycle-bicycle-mechanic/job Thanks! Crystal Brinkman Shop Manager/Instructor

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Food in classroom
by Patrick VDT 16 Jan '13

16 Jan '13

Do you feed your students during, before or after programs? Are you linking to any type of nutritional programing? If so how long is it per session? Is it a standard course or is it something you have come up with to fit your needs? Thanks Patrick

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Metrics
by Patrick VDT 16 Jan '13

16 Jan '13

Hello everyone, Below is a list of metrics we are tracking or starting to track. I would love any input everyone might have on what im missing. Im also looking for examples of groups who have worked with schools to track attendance and grades etc etc of graduates of programs we/you offer. How long do you track students? What level of support do you get from the schools in managing all this data? Thanks so much, Patrick Financial Percent of funds spent on non-program activities Total program expense Total administrative expense Total fundraising expense Fundraising efficiency Program cost per participant Social Enterprise/Environmental % of revenue coming from shop(s) Quantity of bikes donated to other programs Quantity of computers donated to other programs Quantity of bikes sold in year Pounds of materials recycled/upcycled Customer - Clients/Family/Community/Donors Quantity of program graduates Quantity of program alumni Program attrition rate Quantity of program participants related to program alumni Quantity of parents involved in programs Quantity of youth who participated in multiple programs Quantity of youth who later volunteer with us or another organization Quantity of functional desktop and laptop computers in the home prior to completion of EAC program Quantity of students who have never had their own bike prior to EAB Youth participation by census tract Distribution of participants by gender Distribution of participants by age Impact on attendance or engagement in classwork (For school based programs) Short term impact: perception of improvement in responsibility, teamwork, respect, leadership, positive outlook/attitude, etc.; interest in improving grades; increase in activity (or career interest) related to our subject areas Longer term impact: same, but add number of high school graduates, GPA, college pursuit/completion, career pursuit related to our subject areas, participant perception of the value of programs. Program registrations People - Staff/Volunteer/Board Total quantity of hours volunteered Percent of program instruction by volunteers Percent of total hours by volunteers Quantity of core volunteers Total hours of program instruction delivered

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bike swap
by Dave Ellis 16 Jan '13

16 Jan '13

I've recently taken on turning our local bike swap into a fundraiser here in Helena, MT. Previously it's been a low turnout, low publicity affair. I'm new to really any kind of organizing, but I like my ideas and hope to glean some info from some experienced voices here. Here goes: Commission/consignment: what percentage of a sale have folks found to be a number that doesn't turn people away? Also, a handling fee for those that don't sell their items, thinking about a per person charge, vs a per item charge i. e. bike, clothing, parts, etc. Mostly interested in bringing people in since this first year is intended more for exposure. Pickup time for unsold items: Has anyone experienced difficulties with people not meeting a stated pickup time for items, then demanding their items back. Is this an appropriate situation for a signed waiver or legal document of some kind since some of these items have some value? Thanks much, dave

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Successful youth bike programs + video
by Christine Bourgeois 14 Jan '13

14 Jan '13

Hi all, Just want to share an article about how our successful youth bike programs have positive impact on the community in Santa Barbara county. *http://tinyurl.com/bbxv9f6* Don't miss our NEW short video http://vimeo.com/55427786 Other exciting news: our community bike shop Bici Centro moved to a new location. http://www.noozhawk.com/article/santa_barbara_nonprofits-bici_centro/ All the best, -- Christine Bourgeois 805 699 6301 Education Director Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition (SBBC) * * *New location for SBBC/Bici Centro* 506 E. Haley St (next to Muddy Waters Coffee Shop) www.bicicentro.org

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AmeriCorps opportunity at the Iowa City Bike Library
by Brian Loring 11 Jan '13

11 Jan '13

Greetings, The Bike Library in Iowa City <http://www.bikelibrary.org/> has an opening for an AmeriCorps. The position is part shop director and part community organizer. This is an extraordinary opportunity to work with some fun people in a progressive university community. Thanks! Brian Loring [image: Inline image 3] <http://www.bikelibrary.org/>

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upcoming bike research/activism event
by Sarah McCullough 10 Jan '13

10 Jan '13

Hey all, I just wanted to share an upcoming event that I am organizing about the many cultures fostered around bicycling. Since bike collective often have some pretty rad cultural happening going on in their space, I thought I'd share this. If you have any questions, let me know. And feel free to share with more people doing great bike work, whether in the library or on the streets (or both!). * Bicicultures Roadshow: The Critical Bicycling Studies Tour de California Call for Participants April 16-17, 2013 in Davis, California What is it? The Bicicultures Roadshow will be a time for activists and researchers to talk, ride, eat, and play as we discuss and experience bicycling cultures. At this two-day conference, we will grapple with the shifting role of bicycle research and activism as it crosses lines between policy, recreation, and radical organizing. The event will take place in Davis, a Platinum Bicycle Friendly Community, home of the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame, and site of the first bike lanes in the U.S. This event is made possible through support from the University of California Transportation Center. Why Bicicultures? “Bicicultures” refers to the multiple social worlds of bicycling that co-exist, but may not overlap, in shared spaces. Rather than taking bicycling as a unitary object of analysis, we seek to investigate the construction of diverse meanings around the practice of cycling across time and space. What will happen at the event? Rather than following a traditional conference format of breakout sessions and individual papers, this event will emphasize ongoing discussion among all participants. Events may include keynote speakers, roundtable discussions, interactive panel presentations, workshops, field trips, and bicycle rides. We anticipate vibrant discussions about how diverse communities are using and thinking about bicycling as a tool to maintain and reinvent their worlds. Specific topics and formats will be formulated based on participant interest. We anticipate conversations around topics such as race, gender, class, ability, gentrification, activism, public space, embodiment, technology, design, recreation and sport, sustainability, mobilities, and more. How can I participate? We encourage participation from researchers and activists working in urban and transportation bicycling and in sport and recreational cycling, as well as those concerned with bicycling's social and cultural life. To participate, please submit a short piece (~500 words) explaining your interest in bicycling cultures, and what research, project, experience, or knowledge you would like to share at this event. Depending on your inclination, this may take the form of a research abstract, description of activist work, questions for discussion, workshop ideas, etc. Include your name, affiliation (if appropriate), and contact information. Group submissions welcome. Participation may be limited, so please submit by February 10th for full consideration. Submissions and inquiries can be sent to Sarah Rebolloso McCullough at smcc(a)ucdavis.edu and Adonia Lugo at lugoa(a)uci.edu. What makes it a roadshow? Prior to the Davis event, we will also participate in a field investigation of Los Angeles' bicycling worlds in tandem with the Association of American Geographers conference (April 9-14th). This event will include organized rides and a roundtable discussion about the history and future of the LA bike movement. Participants in the Davis event are welcome, though not expected, to participate in LA events. Those who are able to attend all events will enjoy vibrant conversations with people dedicated to the study and practice of bicycling from a multitude of perspectives—from sanctioned bicycle events to autonomous actions, from bicycling street fair to bike repair garages, from cities to countryside. Participants are encouraged to attend as much or as little of the Roadshow as desired, all nine days or just an afternoon. Contact the organizers for more information about the LA components.* -- Sarah Rebolloso McCullough Cultural Studies Ph.D. candidate University of California - Davis Provost Dissertation Fellow 530-601-1149 smcc(a)ucdavis.edu

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Cookbook Volume 3!
by Ainsley Naylor 08 Jan '13

08 Jan '13

Hey all, This is the official callout for the 3rd volume of *Meal To Wheels: Vegan Cooking to Turn Your Cranks*. M2W is a vegan recipe zine prepared for Bike Pirates, both as exposure for our food programming and as a way to encourage new cooks to discover the kitchen and try out new recipes. We encourage our friends and allies to contribute original or modified recipes *which can easily be prepared for large groups* (at least 15-20 people, if not 50!), which are vegan and do not require strange or expensive ingredients or apparatus. We also love recipes which could be a jumping off point for further experimentation in the kitchen. This volume will also have a special Bicycle Touring section (which may end up being a pull out zine format...) so we are also soliciting specific recipes for bike touring as well as prep/packing/nutrition tips for those requiring fuel for long days. Please submit recipes to lunch(a)bikepirates.com by February 15th, and we will have the book prepared some time in March. Every contributor will receive a free copy. Copies of the first two zines are available at BIKE PIRATES or via digital copy if you email me. Thanks! Keep the rubber side down. Ainsley.

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Recycle-A-Bicycle is hiring an Educator - NYC
by Pasqualina Azzarello 08 Jan '13

08 Jan '13

Greetings, Everyone! Recycle-A-Bicycle is hiring an educator to teach bike maintenance and youth ambassadors classes as part of our Greening Western Queens initiative. A job description is attached below. We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible. Please feel free to share! Best, Pasqualina -- Pasqualina Azzarello Executive Director Recycle-A-Bicycle Ph: 718-858-2972 Fax: 718-858-6201 http://www.recycleabicycle.org Follow us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/pages/Recycle-A-Bicycle/62453932286> Follow us on Twitter <https://twitter.com/#!/RAB_NYC>

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What has been the role of bikes after Sandy?
by Rich Points 07 Jan '13

07 Jan '13

Hey East coasters, Have you guys seen more people riding bikes after the hurricane? What has been the role of the bike after the storm? I hope it's getting people to ride to work for the first time and maybe create some new commuters. Curious in Boulder. -- -- 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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About working on E-bikes..
by Wendy Monroe 05 Jan '13

05 Jan '13

Hello Think Tankers.. I got so caught thinking about the 'bike is infected forever…' meme that I forgot to mention : E-bikes are problematic to work on. Every off-the-shelf complete E-bike that I have seen so far ( in Amsterdam) , has a proprietary electrical system that only the authorized dealer can get parts for. The Dutch brands Sparta and Batavus require a confidential computer code to be entered into the bike's charge controller by an authorized retailer, to even replace a battery. (Customers are typically not informed of this at point of purchase.. they find out a couple of years later that a battery replacement will cost them €500 ) It gets worse with conversion kits. Each kit has a proprietary motor controller, battery and charge control circuit, and each of these components are incompatible with those of other manufacturers. I have seen a few quality control problems on cheaper kits, that ( I've read that the Stoke Monkey kit has parts that can be bought off the shelf at an electrical supplier, but I have not seen one in person ) My partner is an electrical engineer who has built up ( and attempted to repair ) hub motors and several electrification kits on his own bikes, It appears that mixing and matching a working system from parts of E-bike kits, from different manufacturers, simply can't be done, at least in our experience. I agree that E-bike riders are cyclists too … but procuring parts for an e-bike is a very different experience than with a mechanical bike, and if you don't have parts from the original manufacturer, you might be avoiding some grief to have a policy against working on them in your shop. Does anyone out there have any experience with working on E-bikes they would like to share? Wendy Monroe

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'The bike has been infected forever'… with the electrification virus ( ? ! )
by Wendy Monroe 04 Jan '13

04 Jan '13

Hello think tankers, I'm seeing a lot of this sort of talk in the Netherlands… Is there a broad trend in the States moving this direction, as well? This Extra Energy organization is not thinking in terms of Cheap chinese made imports but rather of very pricey ( typically ) German products. Or perhaps German branded products, manufactured in China…. But I see e-bikes in general as somewhat of a threat to those of us who love non electrified bicycles. Any thoughts on this, fellow Americans? http://extraenergy.org/main.php?language=en&category=information&subcateg=9… Wendy

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Support women.
by Plan B 04 Jan '13

04 Jan '13

Hey Y'all, As you may be aware, one of the overriding characteristics of Plan B, The New Orleans Community Bike Project is our belief and constant practice of "practical radicalism". We believe that one of the most efficient and practicable ways to espouse culture shift is by performing outreach and enacting mutual social aid. We've learned this in a concise manner during our history. We made the original call for Bike!Bike! in 2004, a tradition that has progressed into an enormous gathering that crosses borders and causes global impact. We're proud to host Bike!Bike! X, the tenth gathering and conference and hope to introduce new traditions by expanding programming and offering more than ever before. The Chainbreaker book, written by Shelley Jackson and Ethan Clark is another one of Plan B's babies and it's publishing was a definite push for DIY culture. Due to the generosity of Working Bikes in Chicago, we have a regular supply of raw materials and used bikes that we use to teach classes and further our outreach. We have shared the bikes with new community bike projects in Mississippi and Alabama and are eager to distribute more regionally. We also use the sale of bikes to fund the space and special projects like our recent trip to present at 5^th Annual National Urban Cycling Congress in Oaxaca, Mexico. We co-presented with representatives from several other community bike initiatives from across the US in an attempt to espouse more like-minded initiatives as a force of economic and social justice throughout all of the Americas. Our presentation garnered a lot of interest and we are working with several new initiatives throughout Mexico in a support and advisory role. We know that outreach is working and we expect a strong presence of Mexican allies at Bike!Bike! X. One of the more exciting things that happened at Bike!Bike! 2012 was that race was /finally/a real topic. Contributing factors were a combination of workshops and the presence of more people of color at Bike!Bike! than ever before. The Ovarian Psychos ( http://ovarianpsycos.com/about/ ) were an impressive presence at the gathering and for the first time ever, an organized group by and for women with a strong base of people of color unified many within our group. These sisters don't mess around and they are now committed to launching their own community bike space. Plan B Ladies, Trans and Sissies night ( http://bikeproject.org/programs/ladies-trans-queer ) has committed to help them accomplish this[ and ]that's why we're asking for your support. Our latest initiative is a little different and for the first time ever, we're crowd-sourcing the funding. Our Ladies, Trans, and Sissies night coordinators, Tracey and Alisha, are going from LA to L.A. to support the OP's and bring them resources and materials. The reason I'm sending this out to the ThinkTank and distributing this appeal far and wide (and hoping you all do the same) is that I think for many of us this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a cause that is greater than any of us and something that's always been prevalent in our discussions of social equity within our milieu. Specifically, the topic is gender and gender oppression, and no matter how much we discuss it at a conference or try to resolve it, the bluntest truth is that the core of the hard work in achieving gender equity is done by women, for women and while males can certainly be allies and supporters, the best situation is to allow women to be self-determined and invest in their own communities devoid of patriarchy and male voices. Won't you join us in supporting gender equity and social justice within the realm of community bike projects? Even if it's $5, anything helps for this important work to be done. The goal of $1000 is on the low side. We'd love to be able to support them fiscally and provide several tools and plant the seeds for this very important space to flourish and cause real change. Here's the link to the indiegogo page where you can read more about it. http://www.indiegogo.com/LTS2OPB I'll be happy to answer any questions in this thread. Please support if you can and help spread the word. Can't wait to see you all in October, 2013! All the best, -- Victor Pizarro Project Organizer Plan B, The New Orleans Community Bike Project

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Drupal Aid?
by Andrew L 18 Dec '12

18 Dec '12

hi Thinktank, i went and f&%$#d up our website trying to upgrade drupal versions without fully knowing what i was doing. can anyone come to my aid? for a knowledgeable person, it would be very little time from your normal day. would love to find someone from the bike community to help... is that you?... read on. ---- urgency: somewhat high; our website is currently down and thats never good :( overall goal: upgrade from drupal 5 to drupal 7 so that we can experiment with CiviCRM what happened: i backed up our database using update/migrate module; and then performed the upgrade through out awesome hosts, mayfirst out of nyc. however, i went from 5 to 7 - which is wrong.... and I am bad with command line, so dont really fully understand the instructions that are being given me. also: we are running drupal pretty much 'out-of-the-box' so this should be really easy!! no theming, no extra modules... but of course we would like to keep the historical database!! pay: we can pay someone if that is useful/necessary and if they have some credentials to get it done quickly. if someone wants to volunteer to help us out, we will send you a few of our 'patchkits' - i would add a link, but HA! the site is down. it's a handmade (tube)pouch with a hand-printed patch, and and actual patchkit and tire levers... a great stocking stuffer for a diy-biker person. Thanks, Andrew Lynn Troy Bike Rescue Troy, NY -- ------__o ----_`\<,_ ---(_)/ (_) andrew lynn 518-573-7947

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Re: [TheThinkTank] What CRM are you using?
by breathingplanet＠gmail.com 12 Dec '12

12 Dec '12

Does anyone use giftworks? Andrew troy, ny -----Original Message----- From: Laurie Hanselmann Sent: 12/12/2012, 6:56 PM To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] What CRM are you using? We are using Volunteer Impact for our volunteers and have run into the same issue. It has great capacity for volunteer management, but can't do anything else. Right now our donors and program participants are in separate databases which is crazy unruly. I've looked around and haven't been able to find anything except a custom database (WAY too expensive) to fulfill all our needs. Please let us know if you find a better solution! -Laurie Laurie Hanselmann Managing Director The Bike Depot 2825 Fairfax St. Denver, CO 80207 Office: 303-393-1963 On Fri, Dec 7, 2012 at 11:15 AM, < 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: What CRM are you using? (Rich Points) > 2. Re: What CRM are you using? (Ryan Sharpe) > 3. Re: What CRM are you using? (Sean Madsen) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2012 09:58:55 -0700 > From: Rich Points <director(a)communitycycles.org> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] What CRM are you using? > Message-ID: > < > CAKAQTJmJE0AWqBoF7f1SrwjhO3S7XjDZLkE-fZbrKH5NORXASA(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Do you know if Gift Works has a scheduling feature for volunteers and > clients? This is a critical feature for us. > > Thx > Rich > > On Fri, Dec 7, 2012 at 9:44 AM, Ryan Sharpe <sharpe(a)sacbikekitchen.org > >wrote: > > > You might want to take a look at GiftWorks ( > > http://www.giftworksconnect.com/). Its pricing structure is > > application-based, rather than Volgistics' data-based, so it might come > out > > a bit cheaper for you. > > > > We don't use it at the Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen, but our local advocacy > > group's volunteer coordinator shat bricks when he saw the volunteer > > tracking features. > > > > --Ryan > > > > > > On Thu, Dec 6, 2012 at 7:56 PM, Reno Bikes <renobikeproject(a)gmail.com > >wrote: > > > >> I am integrating and learning Salesforce for non-profits right now. > >> Its free and pretty easy so far. > >> > >> I dont know a ton, but Its worth checking out, > >> > >> Noah > >> > >> > >> On Thu, Dec 6, 2012 at 6:27 PM, Rich Points < > director(a)communitycycles.org > >> > wrote: > >> > >>> Hey All, > >>> We're looking at changing our database and exploring various CRMs. > >>> We've been using Volgistics for a while but it's expensive and doesn't > >>> meet all of our needs. We're managing volunteers, clients and donors > >>> in our database. > >>> > >>> What are you guys using? > >>> > >>> 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 > >>> _______________________________________________ > >>> Thethinktank mailing list > >>> Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > >>> To unsubscribe, send a blank email to > >>> TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org > >>> To manage your subscription, plase visit: > >>> > >>> > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > >>> > >> > >> > >> > >> -- > >> > >> Wed-Fri 11am-6pm > >> Sat 10am-4pm > >> 541 E. 4th Street. > >> Reno, NV 89512 > >> 775.323.4488 > >> > >> donate via paypal: http://www.renobikeproject.com/index.php/donate/ > >> > >> Follow us on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/renobikeproject/ > >> > >> Please let us know if you would like to unsubscribe to our email list. > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> Thethinktank mailing list > >> Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > >> To unsubscribe, send a blank email to > >> TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org > >> To manage your subscription, plase visit: > >> > >> > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > >> > >> > > > > > > -- > > Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen > > http://sacbikekitchen.org/ > > 1915 I Street, Midtown Sacramento > > Open Tu 6-9p, We 6-9p, Th 6-9p, Fr 10a-2p (kids 6-8p), Sa 12-4p > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To unsubscribe, send a blank email to > > TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org > > To manage your subscription, plase visit: > > > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > > > > -- > -- > 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] What CRM are you using?
by Laurie Hanselmann 12 Dec '12

12 Dec '12

We are using Volunteer Impact for our volunteers and have run into the same issue. It has great capacity for volunteer management, but can't do anything else. Right now our donors and program participants are in separate databases which is crazy unruly. I've looked around and haven't been able to find anything except a custom database (WAY too expensive) to fulfill all our needs. Please let us know if you find a better solution! -Laurie Laurie Hanselmann Managing Director The Bike Depot 2825 Fairfax St. Denver, CO 80207 Office: 303-393-1963 On Fri, Dec 7, 2012 at 11:15 AM, < 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: What CRM are you using? (Rich Points) > 2. Re: What CRM are you using? (Ryan Sharpe) > 3. Re: What CRM are you using? (Sean Madsen) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2012 09:58:55 -0700 > From: Rich Points <director(a)communitycycles.org> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] What CRM are you using? > Message-ID: > < > CAKAQTJmJE0AWqBoF7f1SrwjhO3S7XjDZLkE-fZbrKH5NORXASA(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Do you know if Gift Works has a scheduling feature for volunteers and > clients? This is a critical feature for us. > > Thx > Rich > > On Fri, Dec 7, 2012 at 9:44 AM, Ryan Sharpe <sharpe(a)sacbikekitchen.org > >wrote: > > > You might want to take a look at GiftWorks ( > > http://www.giftworksconnect.com/). Its pricing structure is > > application-based, rather than Volgistics' data-based, so it might come > out > > a bit cheaper for you. > > > > We don't use it at the Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen, but our local advocacy > > group's volunteer coordinator shat bricks when he saw the volunteer > > tracking features. > > > > --Ryan > > > > > > On Thu, Dec 6, 2012 at 7:56 PM, Reno Bikes <renobikeproject(a)gmail.com > >wrote: > > > >> I am integrating and learning Salesforce for non-profits right now. > >> Its free and pretty easy so far. > >> > >> I dont know a ton, but Its worth checking out, > >> > >> Noah > >> > >> > >> On Thu, Dec 6, 2012 at 6:27 PM, Rich Points < > director(a)communitycycles.org > >> > wrote: > >> > >>> Hey All, > >>> We're looking at changing our database and exploring various CRMs. > >>> We've been using Volgistics for a while but it's expensive and doesn't > >>> meet all of our needs. We're managing volunteers, clients and donors > >>> in our database. > >>> > >>> What are you guys using? > >>> > >>> 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 > >>> _______________________________________________ > >>> Thethinktank mailing list > >>> Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > >>> To unsubscribe, send a blank email to > >>> TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org > >>> To manage your subscription, plase visit: > >>> > >>> > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > >>> > >> > >> > >> > >> -- > >> > >> Wed-Fri 11am-6pm > >> Sat 10am-4pm > >> 541 E. 4th Street. > >> Reno, NV 89512 > >> 775.323.4488 > >> > >> donate via paypal: http://www.renobikeproject.com/index.php/donate/ > >> > >> Follow us on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/renobikeproject/ > >> > >> Please let us know if you would like to unsubscribe to our email list. > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> Thethinktank mailing list > >> Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > >> To unsubscribe, send a blank email to > >> TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org > >> To manage your subscription, plase visit: > >> > >> > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > >> > >> > > > > > > -- > > Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen > > http://sacbikekitchen.org/ > > 1915 I Street, Midtown Sacramento > > Open Tu 6-9p, We 6-9p, Th 6-9p, Fr 10a-2p (kids 6-8p), Sa 12-4p > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To unsubscribe, send a blank email to > > TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org > > To manage your subscription, plase visit: > > > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > > > > -- > -- > 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] Floor plan/shop layout
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 12 Dec '12

12 Dec '12

Glad to see Sopo expand. I visited at the old location. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Bobby Brown" <bobby(a)sopobikes.org> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Floor plan/shop layout Date: Mon, Dec 10, 2012 13:38 Hey Jeff, Sopo bikes moved to a new space back in the Spring and attached is a layout one of our volunteers designed as a plan for our shop, each grid square is 1'x1'. Our old shop was 300-400sq ft internal with most repairs happening outside in a parking lot with bikes hanging from Park Tool mobile stands. The new location is ~1100sq ft just for us with a 300sq ft bike shop/boutique attached to the front. We share our location with a local boutique bike shop, Woodward Cyclery so the red space on the attached layout is where their display room is and our shop is set up around the back 3/4 of the space. For your purposes, you could consider their location to be about the size of a suitable lounge with office space. We are lacking a little in storage but have put programs in place to keep donation bikes moving in and out of our shop rather than stockpile and gather dust. 15-20 bikes is about the max that we can store without getting cramped. The new shop has 4 repair booths with 8 repair stands; each booth shares a set of common bike tools. We have a tube patching station so that those repairs will not take up an entire stand as well as a wall for hub maintenance with cone wrenches, freewheel tools, chain whips, axle vice, bench vice, etc. Having moved from a shop with a shared wall of tools and several repair stands farther away, the repair times are much quicker and easier with the new approach of having several shared walls of tools. You have the tools for 90% of repair jobs within 4-5ft of your bike so our volunteers and patrons are able to focus their time on fixing their bike rather than searching for tools. The truing stands are also on top of storage cabinets where we keep assorted construction materials, tools, event supplies, etc. Shortly after building out the new space we had a Google Tour created so you can click through the link below for a virtual tour of our new space. We were really lucky to have a couple local photographers come out and do this pro bono. http://bit.ly/SopoGoogleTour Hope this helps! Bobby On Sun, Dec 9, 2012 at 4:28 PM, Jeff Neven <j_neven(a)hotmail.com> wrote: Hi bike collectives, We are moving again into a larger and more unique space and we are trying to figure out layout. I am curious if others have floor plans or shop layout drawings. We are trying to figure out how to include display space, repair space (6 - 8 stands), lounge/hang-out space for building community, office, and the usual crazy amount of storage needed for donated bikes and new & used parts. I am really interested in ratios of how much space you allocate for each of these activities. If you have drawings, I would love to see them to get us dreaming. Anybody included a coffee shop, book store or other third space? If so, how is that working with a bike collective? Jeff NevenNew Hope Community BikesHamilton, Ontario _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… -- Bobby Brown Sopo Bicycle Cooperative Cell: 770 851 0965 bobby(a)sopobikes.org http://www.sopobikes.org Hours: Tuesday 7pm - 10pm Wednesday 7pm - 10pm Thursday 7pm - 10pm Saturday 2pm - 6pm

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short documentary video
by Andrew L 12 Dec '12

12 Dec '12

check out this new little video produced by our college student intern... http://tbr.mirocommunity.org/video/76/troy-bike-rescue-documentary -- ------__o ----_`\<,_ ---(_)/ (_) andrew lynn 518-573-7947

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Youth Bike Summit 2013
by Pasqualina Azzarello 10 Dec '12

10 Dec '12

Dear Activists, Mechanics, Cyclists, Educators, and Advocates, Please join us for the third annual Youth Bike Summit! WHEN: February 15-17, 2013 WHERE: The New School 66 W 12th Street New York, NY 10011 For more information, please visit our *website*<http://www.recycleabicycle.org/about-us/youth-bike-summit> . If you'd like to lead a workshop at the Youth Bike Summit, please fill out this *form*<http://cdn.e2ma.net/userdata/9608/assets/docs/ybs_request_for_workshops_201…> . For info on tickets and registration, please click this *link*<http://youthbikesummit3013.eventbrite.com/#> . For updates on Facebook: *Recycle-A-Bicycle*<https://www.facebook.com/pages/Recycle-A-Bicycle/62453932286#%21/pages/Recy…>/ *Youth Bike Summit*<https://www.facebook.com/pages/Recycle-A-Bicycle/62453932286#%21/pages/Yout…> Thank you all for the incredible work you do each day to help create a more inclusive movement and a better world for the activists, mechanics, cyclists, educators, and advocates to be! Please help us spread the word and please feel free to be in touch with any questions. Best regards, Pasqualina + the team at Recycle-A-Bicycle in NYC -- Pasqualina Azzarello Executive Director Recycle-A-Bicycle Ph: 718-858-2972 Fax: 718-858-6201 http://www.recycleabicycle.org Follow us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/pages/Recycle-A-Bicycle/62453932286> Follow us on Twitter <https://twitter.com/#%21/RAB_NYC>

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Removal from list
by GARRY ZIMMERMAN 08 Dec '12

08 Dec '12

? Sent from my Virgin Mobile Android-Powered Device Edward Patterson <ppatt(a)charter.net> wrote: >confirm 9900a670e5be33d8ad09ed3351c24b0ebda5677a > > >_______________________________________________ >Thethinktank mailing list >Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org >To manage your subscription, plase visit: >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Removal from list
by Edward Patterson 07 Dec '12

07 Dec '12

confirm 9900a670e5be33d8ad09ed3351c24b0ebda5677a

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What CRM are you using?
by Rich Points 07 Dec '12

07 Dec '12

Hey All, We're looking at changing our database and exploring various CRMs. We've been using Volgistics for a while but it's expensive and doesn't meet all of our needs. We're managing volunteers, clients and donors in our database. What are you guys using? 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] What CRM are you using?
by Sean Madsen 07 Dec '12

07 Dec '12

At Bikes Not Bombs <https://bikesnotbombs.org/>, we use *CiviCRM <http://civicrm.org/>* and are very happy with it. Overall I'd say it's a terrific solution for an organization with a little bit of tech resources, but probably not so well suited for smaller groups and collectives that don't have easy access to IT skill/infrastructure. Here are some more detailed thoughts: * Good o Free and open source o Integrates with Drupal, Joomla!, and WordPress (we're using Drupal) o Tons of great features! We use it to track all of our individual donors, grant applications, volunteers, special events, program participants, newsletter subscribers, and memberships. It's great at interfacing /directly/ without supporters though our website, allowing them to make donations, RSVP or buy tickets to events, set up their own personal fundraising pages, and sign up for our mailings -- all saving us a lot of data entry work! o Vibrant community of other users and developers o Upgrades released often with many new features always emerging * Challenging o You have to install it on a web server and keep it up to date which requires someone with a bit of advanced computer skills. You'll also need to create a good system for backing up your database. o The web server you use will have to have some substantial resources. We use a Linode VPS with the 1024 plan for $40 per month. You can run it on a shared hosting plan for way cheaper, but I wouldn't recommend it because it will be too slow. o Sending bulk email from CiviCRM requires that you either maintain your own mail server (not recommended unless you really know what you're doing), or pay additional costs for an external email service like CiviSMTP, SendGrid, or Constant Contact. -- Sean Madsen Bikes Not Bombs Information Technology Manager sean(a)bikesnotbombs.org 617-522-0222 x111 284 Amory Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

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How do you report "progress" to donors?
by Palmer Emily 06 Dec '12

06 Dec '12

I am curious how people report some of the more qualitative gains (soft skills like critical thinking, decision making, delayed gratification, etc.) in students of earn a bike programs to donors in a way that indicates that their money is well spent. I am especially interested in ways that this is communicated to donors through means other than anecdotes. Whether it is right or not to find ways to quantify a qualitative gain, I am still interested in hearing strategies and success stories.

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Is there a collective in New Orleans?
by Jonathan Morrison 06 Dec '12

06 Dec '12

Email me if you know of one. -- Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Project Coordinator Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective 2312 S. West Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84115 w: 801-328-2453 c: 801-688-0183 f: 801-466-3856 www.slcbikecollective.org

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Is your shop OSHA Compliant?
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 05 Dec '12

05 Dec '12

10 10

Re: [TheThinkTank] Is your shop OSHA Compliant?
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 05 Dec '12

05 Dec '12

3 2

Re: [TheThinkTank] Is your shop OSHA Compliant?
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 04 Dec '12

04 Dec '12

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Ride Somewhere Far
by Claire Bangser 04 Dec '12

04 Dec '12

Hi Think Tankers - I have recently co-written and published a book called *Ride Somewhere Far: The Adventurer's Guide to Mindful Bike Touring<http://www.lulu.com/shop/claire-bangser-and-brandon-hill/ride-somewhere-far…> *. It's a guidebook for new cyclists interested in using their bicycle as a vehicle for discovering, learning from, and creating the world they wish to live in. It combines personal narrative with practical touring advice and relevant resources for the aspiring two-wheeled traveler. Our project (called The Wise Routes Project<http://wiseroutes.wordpress.com>) leading into publishing this book has been super DIY. As recent college grads, we raised funds through a Kickstarter campaign<http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beehill/the-wise-routes-project>(and outside donations) last year that funded book planning/research during our 3 month bike tour down the Pacific coast. All of the time that has gone into creating the book has been completely volunteer, including the writing, illustrations, 12 young cyclist "journal" contributions, and the help of 4 excellent volunteer editors from the cycling and alternative education spheres. We've self-published the book on Lulu's online marketplace<http://www.lulu.com/shop/claire-bangser-and-brandon-hill/ride-somewhere-far…>and now we'd love your help spreading the word to anyone you think might be interested in checking it out. It is specifically written for a young audience, first time tourers with no assumed cycling experience who may want to use a tour to create cool projects or deepen their studies. If you'd like to pick up a copy (only $12!), you can find it online here<http://www.lulu.com/shop/claire-bangser-and-brandon-hill/ride-somewhere-far…> and if you'd like to buy a bulk order (for your bike shop!), send me an email and we can arrange a discount. Thanks in advance for helping us get our book into the right hands and for being the source of so much cool information during this research and writing process. Happy tailwinds, Claire PS- Sorry if this is a repeat message. I'm not sure if the first one went through! -- *Claire Bangser* cjbangser(a)gmail.com clairebangser.com wiseroutes.wordpress.com LIKE The Wise Routes Project on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheWiseRoutesProject

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Studies on adult personal & economic self-sufficiency
by jonny b 03 Dec '12

03 Dec '12

Does any have any leads on community bike shop impact studies on adult personal & economic self-sufficiency. Thanks! -- John Barrett The Good Life Community Bicycle Shop / Two Wheel View / The Organic Saskatoon & Iron Orchard jonny(a)goodlifebikes.ca 403.619.2648

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rewarding volunteers & members/discounts on bike parts
by carlvoss＠mac.com 30 Nov '12

30 Nov '12

At the Des Moines Bicycle Collective, we're reviewing our volunteer and member guidelines for special orders of parts and bike tools. Currently, we offer cost plus 30% on orders, which we believe matches what most cyclists could find on Internet sites. Typically, it's replacement bottom brackets, upgrades to fenders, handlebars or derailleurs. We get some Park tools ordered after completing maintenance classes. Our members ($40 annual membership) can quality for up to cost plus 10%. There is no threshold of volunteer hours for this discount, which is probably worth a second look. I see that at Community Cycles in Boulder, volunteers need to book 100 hours before earning an increased wholesale benefit (no hint of percent not noted on website). What's working for your nonprofit while maintaining good relationships with your local bike shops? Thanks. Carl Des Moines Bicycle Collective carlvoss(a)mac.com Mobile: 515-210-0237

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how to get on list
by Nancy Stimson 28 Nov '12

28 Nov '12

I thought I was on the list, since I get all the e-mails. How do I/we get on the list? (I have two staff members who I'd like to see the posts, too. Nancy Stimson, Executive Director Freewheelin' Community Bikes 3355 Central Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46205 http://www.freewheelinbikes.org Earn-a-Bike program: 317-431-7951 mailto:nancystimson@freewheelinbikes.org Retail shop: Phone: 926-5440 Hours: 10-6, Tuesday-Friday, 10-4 on Saturday CLOSED Sunday and Monday

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Our Coop Needs Your Help Today - Please Vote!
by Rich Points 27 Nov '12

27 Nov '12

Hey All, So we've spent the past three weeks encouraging people to vote in an online contest that will raise $2,000 for Community Cycles. Today is the last day of voting and we've lost our lead. Please help us keep strong and raise this money by taking 30 seconds and voting. http://apps.facebook.com/promohq/pages/d8b1faac60588d7c Thanks! -- -- 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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San Fransisco Bike Coalition knows how to do bike advocacy
by Rich Points 27 Nov '12

27 Nov '12

Hey Guys, There has been some questions about shops doing advocacy and running a shop. The San Fransisco Bicycle Coalition doesn't run a shop but they are one of the strongest advocacy groups in the country. If you're shop is thinking about doing advocacy the SF Bike Coalition is a great model. I recommend signing up for their newsletter. See their current newsletter pasted below. Ride On! Rich ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: SF Bicycle Coalition <membership(a)sfbike.org> Date: Tue, Nov 27, 2012 at 9:19 AM Subject: SFBC News: Winterfest is This Sunday! To: Rich Points <director(a)communitycycles.org> ** If you have trouble reading this e-mail, please click here<https://aws.predictiveresponse.net/view_as_a_page/index.php?org=451&lea=22-…> <http://www.sfbike.org/&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0&par=1> *Dear Rich, Your SF Bicycle Coalition membership is current through 5/23/2013. Thank you for being a member! <http://&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0&par=1>* November 27, 2012 Biker Bulletin News 1. This Week - Polk Street and 2nd Street Community Meetings<#13b42aa51eca3292_1> 2. Winterfest is This Sunday! Score Bikes, Art, & Vacations!<#13b42aa51eca3292_2> 3. The Fell Street Bikeway is Striped! <#13b42aa51eca3292_3> 4. Vote Today for Our Board of Directors <#13b42aa51eca3292_4> 5. Bike Parking Code Improvements <#13b42aa51eca3292_5> 6. Climate Ride Meet & Greet Wednesday <#13b42aa51eca3292_7> 7. Three Bicycle Safety Workshops in December <#13b42aa51eca3292_8> 8. Video: Bicycle Sounds <#13b42aa51eca3292_9> 9. Upcoming Events <#13b42aa51eca3292_10> ------------------------------ * This season, give the gift that gives back all year. Get a SF Bicycle Coalition gift membership<https://www.sfbike.org/join_renew&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0…>for your friends and loved ones. * ------------------------------ This Week - Polk Street and 2nd Street Community Meetings <http://www.sfbike.org/connectingthecity&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621…>The SF Bicycle Coalition has been working hard with our members and neighborhood partners to transform transportation on 2nd Street<http://www.sfbike.org/project_2nd&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0…>and Polk Street<http://www.sfbike.org/polk&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0&par=1>. Thanks to our members who have attended community meetings so far - your calls for protected bikeways, more greenery and safer crosswalks are being heard. - The city will be presenting details on the one-way protected bikeway option for 2nd Street this Wednesday<http://www.sfbike.org/project_2nd&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0…>- the final community meeting we’ll need you to attend. - On Saturday, the city will be presenting multiple options for a reconfigured Polk Street. Join the Open House<http://www.sfbike.org/polk&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0&par=1>if you want to see your trips on this critical north-south route improved! Winterfest is This Sunday! Score Bikes, Art, & Vacations! <http://www.sfbike.org/winterfest&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0&…>Winterfest -- the biggest bash we throw all year -- is finally here and we're excited to celebrate with you! Whether you are volunteering, bidding on auction items or just having a good time with your fellow bike-loving friends, Winterfest is the best way you can celebrate the holiday season with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. Your support keeps the SF Bicycle Coalition’s wheels turning to make sure our streets are safe and inviting for your daily travels. *Take a sneak peak at the great selection of Winterfest Bikes<http://www.sfbike.org/wf_auction_12&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr…> !* We’ve just posted the attractive new rides waiting for your bids in the auction! From city rides to road bikes —there’s a bike for any type of rider. - Looking for a unique ride created just for you? The *Custom Mission Bicycle Sutro* is an internally geared bike, uniquely designed for city riding. The winner will pick out every color and component on the bike. - Expand your horizons with the *Bike Friday Pocket Llama*. This bike quick-folds in seconds for easy storage and transport, so you can throw it in the trunk and head for the hills or commute with it on BART. - From centuries to after work spins, *Specialized's Secteur Sport Disc Compact*, does it all. Donated by Mike’s Bikes, it features a svelte A1 Premium aluminum frame, powerful Avid BB5 disc brakes and a hill-flattening Shimano 18-speed drivetrain. *Have you checked out the Winterfest Art Show yet<http://www.sfbike.org/wf_art_12&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0&p…> ?* We’re thrilled to bring you 50 great pieces generously donated by local artists who are using their talents to bring better biking to San Francisco! Many of the pieces this year are bike or San Francisco themed! *Need a vacation?* How about a week of biking or hiking followed by a soak in a hot tub with 180-degree views of Yosemite high country? The Winterfest Silent Auction has all sorts of great getaway adventures including a (5) day Yosemite retreat and a weekend in Inverness. *Toast to a year of great biking!* Back by popular demand: $20 bottomless beverage commemorative glass. Fill it with New Belgium beer, Velo Vino wine, or delicious nonalcoholic drinks. $5/drink without glass. <http://www.sfbike.org/winterfest&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0&…> *Final Promotions: 3 ways to snag $20 bottomless pint!* 1. Be a member! All members can use the $20 Early Bird Tickets 2. Be a friend of a member! Perk of being a friend, use promo code: “MemberFriend12” 3. Be a Biker Bulletin Reader! As thanks for reading, use promo code: "BikerBulletin" Online ticket sales ends on Friday, 11/30 at noon. Get them while they are hot! *Tickets at the door increase to $25 for members and $50 for non-members (includes membership!)* *Or Want to Get in Free?* Be a volunteer at the event and get in for free! We still need approximately 50 people to take us up on this sweet offer to make this party a success. There’s something for everyone! Volunteers get entry to the party and one free beverage ticket ($30 value) Sign up here to be a part of our 2012 Winterfest team! The Fell Street Bikeway is Striped! <http://www.sfbike.org/fell&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0&par=1>The SFMTA has begun work on the Oak and Fell Pedestrian and Bikeway project and has completed striping the Fell Street bikeway. The buffered bikeway is now in the ground on Fell Street between Scott and Baker streets - providing much more room for the thousands of daily bike commuters on this stretch. We hope this is already improving your ride. The SFMTA will continue work on the project making striping changes to Oak Street in the coming weeks and adding the physical buffers and pedestrian sidewalk extensions later in the Spring - visit sfbike.org/fell<http://www.sfbike.org/fell&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0&par=1>for more photos and information. Vote Today for Our Board of Directors <http://www.sfbike.org/board_election&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ct…>We need you to cast your vote today<http://www.sfbike.org/board_election&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ct…>in our annual Board of Directors election. This year's election is more competitive than ever. We rely on the voices of our members to decide who will be responsible for ensuring that the SF Bicycle Coalition achieves its mission of promoting the bicycle for everyday transportation by developing the strategic direction of the organization, overseeing management and our financial health, raising funds for our work, and representing us in San Francisco's many communities. Each year, half of the 15-member board is elected to a two-year term by our membership -- that's you. Your vote is an important signal of confidence in the Board. Please read the candidate statements and vote today<http://www.sfbike.org/board_election&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ct…>. *Voting ends Wednesday, December 12.* We are one of the few large, member-based organizations that elects our Board of Directors through a member vote. Do your part and vote today!<http://www.sfbike.org/board_election&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ct…>If you have trouble voting, please contact boardvoting(a)sfbike.org. Bike Parking Code Improvements Thanks to the advocacy of your SF Bicycle Coalition, the SF Planning Department is considering ways to strengthen the requirements for bike parking in new buildings. Right now, the law requires a few spots, but the Planning Department has been hard at work coming up with even stronger and more clear language to help make sure San Francisco is building for the growing number of people who bike to work and play. Do you have ideas on how the city could make bike parking even better? How many bike parking spots should be required for every new apartment built? Take a look at sfbike.org/planningcode<http://www.sfbike.org/planningcode&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=…>and let us know what you like and what could be better. Climate Ride Meet & Greet Wednesday <http://www.sfbike.org/redirector.html?redirect=http://www.climateride.org/&…>Join the SF Bicycle Coalition and Blake Holiday, Ride Director for the Climate Ride, on *Wednesday, November 28, from 6-8pm*, and hear from veteran riders and SF Bicycle Coalition members Jenny Shu and Susan Green. They’ll share their exciting stories on what it was like to pedal 320 miles for great causes like bike advocacy and climate change and how to easily fundraise for the cause. NEW this year -- Climate Ride CA in the spring from May 19-23. Get a head start on your fundraising, and bring your questions for Blake, Jenny and Susan. This meet and greet is hosted by the SF Bicycle Coalition and will be held at Dolan Law Firm, 1438 Market Street. RSVP today<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDU2RFRVY1NZTndUZEJ1ek…> ! Three Bicycle Safety Workshops in December <http://www.sfbike.org/edu-intro&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0&p…>It’s never too early to start planning your New Year’s Resolution -- and we’ve got you covered. Have you wanted to learn the Rules of the Road? How to “Take the Lane”? How to best communicate with people on foot, on bike and behind the drivers wheel? Whatever your familiarity with biking -- a daily rider or never been on a bike before -- we can help you better understand how to bike safely, easily, and confidently! Our free workshops, funded by the SFCTA, are open to anyone over the age of 14: - Intro: Sat, December 1 | 4-5pm | Potrero Hill Library (1616 20th St.) - Intro: Wed, December 12 | 6:30-7:30pm | Hamilton Condominiums (631 O'Farrell St.) - TS101-1: Thurs. December 13 | 5:30-9:30 | SF Bicycle Coalition Offices (833 Market Street) RSVP today for these fun, free classes and get rolling in 2013!<http://www.sfbike.org/edu-intro&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0&p…> Video: Bicycle Sounds <http://www.sfbike.org/redirector.html?redirect=http://vimeo.com/42930215/&o…>We’re busy here at SF Bicycle Coalition Headquarters, prepping all the awesome bike love you’ll experience at Winterfest this Sunday. So in honor of a week that will culminate in a giant celebration of bikes, we thought we’d bring you this super cool short bike film<http://www.sfbike.org/redirector.html?redirect=http://vimeo.com/42930215/&o…>that shows one of the many reasons bikes are great. Who knew a spoke card, some gears, and a chain could sound so pretty. Happy listening, and we’re looking to celebrating more bike awesomeness with you on Sunday! Upcoming Events Check out our online calendar of events<http://www.sfbike.org/chain&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0&par=1>. To add your bike event to our calendar, simply email the details to us<calendar(a)sfbike.org?subject=I%20have%20a%20Chain%20of%20Events%20entry> . *** Tuesday, November 27th *** *Light Up the Night Service Station* *5-7pm | Haight/Western Addition* With Daylight Savings comes a greater need for bicycle lights on our evening commute. With our amazing volunteers, we help to Light Up the Night by installing white front lights and red back lights on the bicycle of people who need them. If you're riding in the dark without lights, we hope you will use your Membership Discount<http://www.sfbike.org/discounts&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0&p…>to buy lights at one of our partner bike shops! If you’d like to be one of our light station hero’s, sign up here<http://www.sfbike.org/lights&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0&par=1>. The locations are being kept under wraps in an effort to light up riders who truly need lights. *SF Bicycle Coalition Board Meeting* *6:30-8:30pm | SF Bicycle Coalition HQ, 833 Market St, 10th Floor* SF Bicycle Coalition Board meetings are open to all. Contact Leah at 431-BIKE x306 or leah(a)sfbike.org for agenda and details. *Bicycle Ambassador Training* *7:30-8:30pm | SF Bicycle Coalition HQ, 833 Market St, 10th Floor* Interested in volunteering at service stations or other events? Then this training is a must! Learn ways to engage people, how to sign up new members, and more! Contact volunteer(a)sfbike.org to RSVP. You must be a current SF Bicycle Coalition member to become a Bicycle Ambassador. *** Wednesday, November 28th *** *SF Bicycle Coalition Volunteer Night* *5-8pm | SF Bicycle Coalition HQ, 833 Market St, 10th Floor* This twice-monthly SF Bicycle Coalition tradition has been happening for as long as we can remember and newcomers are always welcome. So stop by, snack on tasty treats, chat with fellow members, and help us keep our organization rolling. Dinner is provided. Bring a friend-the more the merrier! Don't forget to bring up your bike to the office! Special thanks to Rainbow Grocery<http://www.sfbike.org/redirector.html?redirect=http://www.rainbow.coop/&org…>for generously providing snacks for our volunteers. Email Margaret <margaret(a)sfbike.org> to Volunteer. *Climate Ride Meet & Greet* *6-8pm | Dolan Law Firm, 1438 Market St* Have you thought about signing up for the Climate Ride, but held back because of the fundraising requirement or the distance? Come to our meet & greet and hear from past Climate Riders Jenny Shu and Susan Green, and find out how they did it! We'll also hear from Blake Holiday, Ride Director for the Climate Ride, who can answer your questions about the ride. Don't miss out on this incredible experience with other avid cyclists and leaders in environmental causes and sustainability. Be a part of the California ride on May 19-23, 2013<http://www.sfbike.org/redirector.html?redirect=http://bike.climateride.org/…> *2nd Street Improvement Project Community Meeting * * *6-8pm | CBS Interactive, 235 2nd Street, Enter via Tehama Street* If you live, work, or travel on 2nd Street from Market Street to King Street, you won't want to miss this final community meeting. The city is looking to make biking and walking safer on 2nd Street and make it a more attractive place to spend time in. City staff will be presenting detailed information on the one-way cycletrack option and this is a great opportunity for you to ask design questions and show your support for the bike and pedestrian safety improvements included in this option. See sfbike.org/2ndstreet<http://www.sfbike.org/2ndstreet&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0&p…>for more information. *SF Bicycle Coalition New Member Meet & Greet* *6:30-7:15pm | SF Bicycle Coalition HQ, 833 Market St, 10th Floor* Been an SF Bicycle Coalition member less than a year? New members are invited to join us to learn about SF Bicycle Coalition advocacy, education and community programs that will make SF a model cycling city, and how you can get involved. This is a great opportunity to learn more about your friendly SF bike advocacy organization. Bring your bike up with you! RSVP to volunteer(a)sfbike.org *** Thursday, November 29th *** *Community Meeting – Parking Management for the Northeast Mission ** *6:30–8pm | John O’Connell High School Auditorium, 2355 Folsom Street* Whether you groove to Joni Mitchell or Talking Heads, you've got to love a story about a parking lot that becomes a park, especially in a neighborhood without enough open space. But the happy transformation of the PUC parking lot on 17th Street and Shotwell into a new park and gardens for the community isn't without a measure of stress -- the Northeast Mission is already parked-up much of the time, and the neighborhood's largely unmanaged parking is likely to get even more congested and challenging, with distracted circling and double-parking and traffic turbulence slowing transit and making streets more hazardous for bicycling and walking (among the many headaches). As part of the approval process for the new park, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) was asked to develop a proposal to better manage parking in the Northeast Mission. The SFMTA invites you to get involved to shape the best plan possible -- they will be re-introducing the planning process at a community meeting this week: Join your neighbors at this meeting to learn more about the project and how you can be involved. And visit the NE Mission project web page<http://www.sfbike.org/redirector.html?redirect=http://www.sfmta.com/cms/pne…>to sign up to the project email list and learn other ways to get connected, or email parkingplanning(a)sfmta.com, or call 415-701-4213. *** Saturday, December 1st *** *Family Biking: Bike to School Practice Training* *TBD* Learn how to ride to school with your children with our on-road course. Our instructors will teach you and your children how to prepare and ride to school, including practice on a car-free space and on regular city streets with biking facilities. Parents with children of all ages are welcome, including children riding independently. All people under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring your own bikes and helmets. RSVP<http://www.sfbike.org/family_class&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=…> *7th Annual Supermarket Street Sweep ** *11am-8pm | San Francisco Food Bank, 900 Pennsylvania Ave * The Supermarket Street Sweep is an annual bike race that benefits the San Francisco Food Bank! For the past six years, hundreds of participants have zipped around the city to local supermarkets and brought back thousands of pounds of food to donate to this wonderful charity. Get more info on our blog<http://www.sfbike.org/redirector.html?redirect=http://supermarketstreetswee…> *Urban Bicycling Workshop: Intro to Safe Biking* *4-5pm | Potrero Hill Library (1616 20th St.)* The SF Bicycle Coalition will be hosting a one-hour workshop on safe bicycling for everyone. Come learn about types of bikes, the rules of the road, and how to make your bike comfortable for everyday riding, including grocery shopping. All skill levels welcome and no bike necessary. This course is funded in part by SFMTA. RSVP at http://www.sfbike.org/edu-intro<http://www.sfbike.org/edu-intro&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0&p…> *** Sunday, December 2nd *** *17th Annual Winterfest Member Party, Auction & Art Show* *6-10:30pm | City View, Metreon Rooftop* Don't miss the hottest bike party of the year at the 17th Annual Winterfest<http://www.sfbike.org/winterfest&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0&…>Member Party, Auction, & Art Show. Join over a thousand of your bike buddies in an evening of festivities, food, music, and bottomless New Belgium beer. Enjoy an evening of a fabulous 60 piece local art auction, get an unbeatable deal on 25 new bikes and bid on the chance to win over 200 silent auction items including tickets to the arts, local get-a-ways and tours and gift certificates for all your favorite restaurants and establishments. Grab your friends and come celebrate at the best party of the year benefiting your local bicycle advocacy organization. Free Valet Bike Parking provided of course. Join the 150+ volunteers that help to put on Winterfest! Sign up online<http://www.sfbike.org/wf_volunteers&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr…> *Big Ride to Winterfest ** *3pm | meet at Fulton St & Larkin St* December is a busy month. Instead of our usual sponsored ride we are going to mix it up with a bigger ride to SF Bicycle Coalition's Winterfest. 18 mile ride looping around the city. Event Details<http://www.sfbike.org/redirector.html?redirect=http://www.meetup.com/Startu…> *** Tuesday, December 4th *** *SF Bicycle Coalition Phone Bank* *5-8pm | SF Bicycle Coalition HQ, 833 Market St, 10th Floor* Accept the challenge to chat up your fellow SF Bicycle Coalition members! Join the volunteers who keep the SF Bicycle Coalition membership strong. No cold-calling, just calls to friendly lapsed members offering an easy way to renew. Plan to stay for the thank-you dinner afterward and get to know your fellow volunteers. You must be a current or former member to volunteer. Contact juli(a)sfbike.org *(Events not sponsored by the SF Bicycle Coalition are marked with an *)* ------------------------------ *Join the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and make San Francisco great for bicycling* Become a member<http://www.sfbike.org/?membership&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0…>and join a diverse group of 12,000 people who are committed to making San Francisco an easier and safer place to ride a bicycle. When you add your voice<http://www.sfbike.org/?membership&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0…>you'll keep bike improvements moving forward in San Francisco! ------------------------------ <http://www.sfbike.org/redirector.html?redirect=http://www.twitter.com/sfbik…><http://www.sfbike.org/redirector.html?redirect=http://www.facebook.com/sfbi…> San Francisco Bicycle Coalition 833 Market Street, 10th floor San Francisco, CA 94103 Contact SF Bicycle Coalition staff<http://www.sfbike.org/?staff&org=451&lvl=100&ite=1659&lea=670621&ctr=0&par=1> San Francisco Bicycle Coalition - 833 Market Street, 10th Floor - San Francisco, CA 94103 To review our Privacy Policy. <http://www.sfbike.org/?privacy> The email address for you is director(a)communitycycles.org If you no longer wish to receive email communication from San Francisco Bicycle Coalition you may unsubscribe<https://aws.predictiveresponse.net/unsubscribe.htm?org=451&first_name=Rich&…> <http://predictiveresponse.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=…> Report Abuse<http://www.predictiveresponse.com/wraps/abuselink.html?org=451&first_name=R…> -- -- 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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Please Vote for Community Cycles so we can win $2000
by Sue Prant 26 Nov '12

26 Nov '12

One of our volunteers, Ryan, is in a contest against another film crew. Ryan & his partner Asha have pledged $2000 to Community Cycles if they win. They will donate this to our Kids' Holiday Bike Giveaway - where we give bikes to 300 low income kids- if they win. Please vote today AND tomorrow before the contest ends Tuesday evening at midnight Pacific time. Thank you!!! *Vote here* https://apps.facebook.com/promohq/pages/d8b1faac60588d7c<http://communitycycles.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=dfb03be0fd75758573…> for Ryan & Asha Thanks!!!! -- Sue Prant Advocacy, Development and Walk & Bike Month Director Community Cycles 3172 29th Street Boulder, CO 80301 Phone: 303-564-9681 e-mail: sue(a)communitycycles.org www.CommunityCycles.org <http://www.communitycycles.org/> Join the movement! Become a Community Cycles member <http://communitycycles.org/get-involved/membership-form.html> <http://www.communitycycles.org/get-involved/membership-form.html>

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adaptive bikes for special needs kids
by Leslie Peteya 26 Nov '12

26 Nov '12

Hi all, I remember a while ago someone posted an email about adaptive bikes for children and adults with disabilities. Do any organizations specialize in building or acquiring bikes for these kids, and if so, how can I get in contact with them? I recently had a request for an adaptive bike at our co-op, and we're not really set up to custom-make one. Best, Leslie Durham Bike Co-op

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Ride Somewhere Far - new book for aspiring touring cyclists
by Claire Bangser 25 Nov '12

25 Nov '12

Hi Think Tankers - I have recently co-written and published a book called *Ride Somewhere Far: The Adventurer's Guide to Mindful Bike Touring<http://www.lulu.com/shop/claire-bangser-and-brandon-hill/ride-somewhere-far…> *. It's a guidebook for new cyclists interested in using their bicycle as a vehicle for discovering, learning from, and creating the world they wish to live in. It combines personal narrative with practical touring advice and relevant resources for the aspiring two-wheeled traveler. Our project (called The Wise Routes Project<http://wiseroutes.wordpress.com>) leading into publishing this book has been super DIY. As recent college grads, we raised funds through a Kickstarter campaign<http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beehill/the-wise-routes-project>(and outside donations) last year that funded book planning/research during our 3 month bike tour down the Pacific coast. All of the time that has gone into creating the book has been completely volunteer, including the writing, illustrations, 12 young cyclist "journal" contributions, and the help of 4 excellent volunteer editors from the cycling and alternative education spheres. We've self-published the book on Lulu's online marketplace<http://www.lulu.com/shop/claire-bangser-and-brandon-hill/ride-somewhere-far…>and now we'd love your help spreading the word to anyone you think might be interested in checking it out. It is specifically written for a young-ish audience, first time tourers with no assumed cycling experience who simply which to more deeply engage in the world around them via bicycle. If you'd like to pick up a copy (it's only $12!), you can find it online here<http://www.lulu.com/shop/claire-bangser-and-brandon-hill/ride-somewhere-far…> and if you'd like to buy a bulk order (for your bike shop!), send me an email and we can arrange a discount. Thanks in advance for helping us get our book into the right hands and for being the source of so much cool information during this research and writing process. [image: Inline image 2] <http://www.facebook.com/TheWiseRoutesProject> (One of my illustrations from the book that I thought you might like) Happy tailwinds, Claire -- *Claire Bangser* cjbangser(a)gmail.com clairebangser.com wiseroutes.wordpress.com LIKE The Wise Routes Project on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheWiseRoutesProject

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Becoming Self-Sufficient
by Matthew VanSlyke 23 Nov '12

23 Nov '12

I have been exploring the feasibility of opening a community bike shop in my small-ish Northeast city. It looks like there's some opportunity here. As I search for start-up funding I want to be able to confidently tell funders that we'll become self-sustaining in a reasonable amount of time. My most promising lead likes to let go of the leash in 24 months. I'm anticipating most revenue to come from the sale of repurposed bikes out of the storefront, with some other special events, fundraisers, donations and memberships. What can you tell me about your experience? Is this realistic? Thanks, Matt

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B!KE is Hiring
by Tegan Moss 22 Nov '12

22 Nov '12

B!KE, a non-profit shop in Peterborough Ontario is looking for a part time staff to assist in the development and delivery of various cycling programs. Strong potential for seasonal increase in hours. The cost of living in Peterborough is low, and we are real close to Toronto. If you love bikes and want a change from the big city this could be great! Please see the attached job description. We look forward to hearing from talented folks. Cheers, Tegan -- -- B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop 336 Rubidge St, Peterborough ON (705) 775-7227 communitybikeshop.org

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Help Community Cycles Win $2,000
by Rich Points 21 Nov '12

21 Nov '12

Bike Coop Friends, World travelers Ryan Van Duzer and Asha Mevlana are in a contest to win $10,000 if they win they will donate $2K to Community Cycles. This contest is hosted on facebook and ends on November 27. You can vote once a day until then and help us raise $2K in support of our grassroots bicycle advocacy and outreach programs. Please show your support for Community Cycles and vote each day until the 27th. *http://tinyurl.com/as7lgqh* -- -- 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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TBR patch kits available now!
by Andrew L 20 Nov '12

20 Nov '12

Hi Thinktank... we are trying a new mini-fundraiser idea this fall, and thought you all might appreciate it... maybe some of you might want one also? -- Troy Bike Rescue has a limited supply of our new "patch kits" available. We are encouraging our support base of bikers and bike enthusiasts (hey thats you!) to consider reserving one of them for a donation that will help us make it through the low-traffic winter months. Consider it the latest addition to our line of un-consumer products. A TBR patch kit includes: -a hand-made recycled rubber pouch -a tube patching kit (duh!) -two Park brand tire levers -three unique TBR stickers -a hand-printed canvas patch (one of three unique designs) Click here to learn more or reserve yours now: http://troybikerescue.org/patchkit Click here to check out the available patch designs: http://troybikerescue.org/node/178 If youre not interested please forward or share this info with someone who might be. Thanks, and happy cold-weather riding!! Andrew & the TBR crew

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The Community Spoke in Boston robbed?!
by Kylie Walzak 20 Nov '12

20 Nov '12

Hi Think Tankers - A friend alerted me to this story: http://bostinno.com/2012/11/14/community-spoke-robbed-boston/ Anyone know any more details? More importantly, can we come together as a community and crowd source some financial support to help get this group back on their feet? Who has contact with The Community Spoke? -Kylie Walzak love, peace, and bicycle grease~ your friends at BICAS http://www.bicas.org

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La Bikery Co-operative needs your help (vote)!
by La Bikery 17 Nov '12

17 Nov '12

Hello Bicycle enthusiasts! We are *La Bikery*, a new bicycle co-op that just recently opened its doors in Moncton, New Brunswick (Canada)! We are very grateful for this network resource and for all of the useful information that is shared on through the think tank. La Bikery Co-operative has been selected as one of six finalists from the Atlantic region (Canada) in The Co-operators National Co-op Contest. It is now up to the public to vote through Facebook to determine the winners – and La Bikery is looking to engage the international bicycle community to help it earn a a grant to help with great new projects in sight to help support cycling in our community. A prize for the National Co-op Challenge would help La Bikery offer a series of workshops on bicycle mechanics know-how and safe cycling practices and a bursary program to help future facilitators receive qualified training. The co-op would also like to create a Recycle-a-Bike program to give a second life to used bicycles so more people from the community can gain access to bikes. Please visit our facebook page to learn all about what we'be been up to in Moncton! https://www.facebook.com/LaBikery The social media-based contest is designed to support small and expanding co-ops during 2012, The International Year of Co-operatives. Each finalist has produced a short video making their pitch, and voting is open to anyone with a Facebook account, through The Co-operators Facebook page. The three co-ops in each region with the most votes on their video will receive prizes of $30,000, $15,000 and $10,000 from The Co-operators to help them grow their co-op. If you are on facebook, PLEASE watch our video and vote for us! Here is how: 1. Log into your facebook account. 2. Click on this link: https://apps.facebook.com/contestshq/contests/291687 3. Click anywhere on the image. 4. Click on "watch videos + VOTE!" ***You may need to grant the app permission in order to proceed further. If you do not grant permission, your vote will not count. Also, it is not possible to vote from a mobile device. The app will only work from a computer. 5. Share the link on your facebook wall and Invite all of your friends to this event! https://www.facebook.com/events/216186701848610/ Contest ends November 21st, so please vote by then. THANKS YOU! *Coopérative La Bikery Co-operative * *Centre de vélo communautaire /Community Bicycle Centre* *120 boul. Assomption blvd, Moncton NB* * * *Jeudis: 15 h à 20 h/**Thursdays 3pm-8pm* *Samedis 11 h à 16 h/**Saturdays 11am-4pm* *www.facebook.com/labikery* * *

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Job opening at the League
by Carolyn Szczepanski 16 Nov '12

16 Nov '12

Hey folks- We have an opening here at the League for a Communications Manager. Just wanted to spread the word! If you have any questions, please let me know! http://www.idealist.org/view/job/Zp6x5mk2p4FP/ Carolyn Szczepanski Director of Communications League of American Bicyclists carolyn(a)bikeleague.org (202) 621-5452 Bicycling Means Business at the 2013 National Bike Summit. Sign up today<http://www.bikeleague.org/summit13>!

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AccountingCoach.com
by Jonathan Morrison 15 Nov '12

15 Nov '12

I thought I would share a great free resource for learning how to do your own accounting, or for keeping tabs on who is doing it. http://www.accountingcoach.com/ Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Executive Director Bicycle Collective 2312 S. West Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84115 w: 801-328-2453 c: 801-688-0183 f: 801-466-3856 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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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 75, Issue 14
by arik grier 15 Nov '12

15 Nov '12

Hello Kylie, BICAS, Brian, and hello again Sam! I talked with Dustin from Community Spoke yesterday. Fortunately they didn't lose all their tools as the media portrayed it, lost their box wrenches but most of the specialty bike tools still there, did lose two very important cargo bikes. Maybe donations would still be helpful. Great to see the national network taking notice and trying to help, and you should check out their website at http://thecommunityspoke.org/ and you can contact Alex or others there at thecommunityspoke(a)gmail.com I'll cc them too, I don't know if they are on the ThinkTank list and would be great for them to get connected if they aren't already.The Community Spoke is a really cool resource here in Boston! -Arik Bikes Not Bombs From: Brian K <slobrian(a)gmail.com> Date: November 15, 2012 11:47:43 AM EST To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] The Community Spoke in Boston robbed?! Reply-To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> This is so horrible. Talk about stealing directly from your community. I have extra tools which I could send their way. If you're already talking to them, perhaps you can send info back to the list concerning whether they are ready to accept shipments and where to send? On Thu, Nov 15, 2012 at 8:02 AM, Samantha Herr <samanthazherr(a)gmail.com> wrote: That's an awesome idea, Kylie! I've contacted Community Spoke! about your sentiments. On Wed, Nov 14, 2012 at 11:52 PM, Kylie Walzak <bicas(a)bicas.org> wrote: Hi Think Tankers - A friend alerted me to this story: http://bostinno.com/2012/11/14/community-spoke-robbed-boston/ Anyone know any more details? More importantly, can we come together as a community and crowd source some financial support to help get this group back on their feet? Who has contact with The Community Spoke? -Kylie Walzak love, peace, and bicycle grease~ your friends at BICAS http://www.bicas.org _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… ------------- Arik Grier Operations & Outreach Director Bikes Not Bombs www.bikesnotbombs.org 617-522-0222 x100

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Lots of Bikes on this weeks Living On Earth
by Rich Points 14 Nov '12

14 Nov '12

http://www.loe.org/shows/shows.html?programID=12-P13-00045 -- -- 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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Hurricane Sandy and Bike Relief
by Helen 08 Nov '12

08 Nov '12

Dear Community Bike Shops, Thank you so much to everyone from near and far who is helping to support efforts in the clean up and recovery of Hurricane Sandy and keeping us in your thoughts. In New York City, Recycle-A-Bicycle's own warehouse and job training center received 3 feet of water in the storm surge that came with the hurricane and caused an electrical fire in the building. Though we still have no heat at any of our locations, we are keeping our fingers warm by fixing up bikes for our partners and friends helping with <http://btaoregon.org/2012/11/support-relief-efforts-in-new-york/>hurricane relief <http://btaoregon.org/2012/11/support-relief-efforts-in-new-york/>. Here are some short videos from Staten Island<https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Wr9594oKZNQ>and the Rockaways <http://youtu.be/olForyqALZ4> that give you some idea of the devastating impact of Sandy. The recovery effort will take months if not years, and Recycle-A-Bicycle is actively helping in the recovery. Even now, most impacted locations have no heat, water, power and very little cell phone service. There is a severe gas shortage and bicycles can play an important role in delivering food, supplies, transportation and information. In Red Hook, Brooklyn right now bike messengers travelling from building to building are the primary way residents in the neighborhood are receiving information about where hot food and supplies are being distributed on a day to day basis. In our own way we are trying to make a contribution to our neighbors recover. This week we've delivered 8 bikes, racks and baskets to 2 neighborhoods for food and supply distribution. This Saturday, we'll be setting up a mobile bike shop in Red Hook. We've been actively talking to our partners about how to help and will continue to donate and repair bikes for organizations that need it. Our friends in Oregon reached out and very generously set this page up for us <http://btaoregon.org/2012/11/support-relief-efforts-in-new-york/>so that we can work overtime to put together more bikes to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Please help us spread the word and help us support relief efforts if you can. Thanks so much. http://btaoregon.org/2012/11/support-relief-efforts-in-new-york/ All my best, Helen -- Helen Ho Development Director Recycle-A-Bicycle 718.858.2972 recycleabicycle.org FB <https://www.facebook.com/pages/Recycle-A-Bicycle/62453932286> @RAB_NYC

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Bike share program
by Mike Stefanuk 07 Nov '12

07 Nov '12

Hello, We are in the process of developing a bike share program on campus at Trent University for next spring. I was wondering if anyone has any insight, words of wisdom or suggestions for running such a program, especially on a university campus. Are there other similar programs that I can borrow ideas from? Links to resources on the subject would also be helpful. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Cheers, -- ----- Mike Stefanuk Workshop Facilitator B!KE @ TRENT trent(a)communitybikeshop.org 705-775-7227

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Is your shop OSHA Compliant?
by Rich Points 05 Nov '12

05 Nov '12

Hey All, I just went to a day long seminar on Human Resources where they spent some time talking about OSHA. From what they said at the seminar OSHA can come in at any time and audit your shop. Apparently if they find violations they can fine the shit out of you. Here are some things I learned and remember this was 20mins of a day long seminar, there are week long classes on this stuff. This is a very short list. - All chemicals and solvents should have warning labels on them clearly stating what's in them in *multiple languages* - You should not keep aspirin, ibuprofen, neosporin or any other pharmaceuticals that someone could potentially have a reaction to in your medicine cabinet* * - Exit signs should be on all doors. - There should be no trip hazards. - Your staff needs to go through trainings on such things as how to use a ladder. This list is nowhere close to comprehensive but I'm going to be looking into this more in the coming weeks and months. We've been around for almost seven years now never had a serious accident and I want to keep it that way. What are you guys doing to keep your shops safe and maybe even OSHA compliant? 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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Bike Bike WInter in Feb 15...Toronto?
by Geoffrey Bercarich 03 Nov '12

03 Nov '12

I would like to ask a formal question ? Would anyone be interested in attending a bike conference in Feb 15th in Toronto Canada that consists of educational workshops, forums, and discussions on topics ranging from wheel building, consensus decision-making, gender dynamics, and of course, how to make a community bike space and cyclists survive through winter. All workshops will be presented and facilitated by attendees. *Please reply with interest so we can gauge interest.*

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Assembling List of Student/University Bike Collectives and Advocacy Groups
by Ryan Feller 03 Nov '12

03 Nov '12

Hello Think Tank, I am assembling a list of student/university bike collectives and advocacy groups, hoping that by organizing and learning from each other and from outside experts, we can multiply our efforts to increase bicycle use. Does anyone know of any bicycling-related student groups, or individual students with an interest in bicycle advocacy? I am also interested in environmental and public transit-related groups. -- Ryan Feller Transit and Bicycle Coordinator New College of Florida '15 (941) 894-4333

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Storing Bikes near a Pipe Organ
by wormsign＠gmail.com 02 Nov '12

02 Nov '12

Does crossed spokes dampen resonance? mfen651(a)aol.com wrote: >Odd, but a real concern! > >I come at this from the perspective of a very involved and serious cyclist, and a long time Director of Touring technical/logistics. > >The answer is a resounding yes; placed in close proximity to a musical instrument or other source that is producing a substantial sound (sound wave), the bikes will indeed produce a (corresponding) response. > >There are a number of ways to terminate or prevent that response from occurring. (1) Don't put the bikes near the source of sound. (2) Don't put the source of sound near the bikes. (3) (on a more serious note) Insulate/isolate the bikes from the sound source. Padding is one good way to do this. Even wrapping the bikes in a blanket will have this effect. Putting cardboard (folded or broken down boxes) between the bikes and the sound source will also accomplish this. (4) Laying the bikes down so they are slicing through the sound, rather than in the path of the sound will also lessen but not extinguish the response. > >Be aware, depending on the bicycles characteristics, and size, more than just the spokes will respond. Most materials have a response to sound, though we often don't hear it, its there. If you put multiple bikes in the path of a focused sound wave, you will hear its response I promise. > >Hope this helps. > >Matt >A very interested cyclist and reader. > > > > > > > >-----Original Message----- >From: Campus Bike Project <campusbikeproject(a)gmail.com> >To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> >Sent: Fri, Nov 2, 2012 11:11 am >Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Storing Bikes near a Pipe Organ > > >When the Schwinntonation performed at they made almost all the bicycle parts sing, but the sound probably depends heavily on the bike. > > >On Wed, Oct 24, 2012 at 8:28 AM, Harold Schreckengost <mewshi(a)mewshi.com> wrote: > >I would imagine that, if it does make the spokes or anything vibrate, it would only be harmonic/sympathetic vibration (the spokes would only vibrate near the frequency they would ring at if plucked). > >I would just give it a try. The padding idea isn't bad, either, just to ensure silence from them. > > > >On Wed, Oct 24, 2012 at 8:24 AM, Henry Dunbar <henry(a)phoenixbikes.org> wrote: > > > >Okay, this is an odd one, but I'll ask it anyway: Anyone have experience storing bikes near a pipe organ and if so, do the bikes make any noise due to the vibration? > > >I ask b/c we're considering working with a local church to give away a bunch of little kid bikes around the holidays. The pastor says I can store them in the choir loft until the event in December, but the choir director has concerns that they'll make noise (i.e. vibrating spokes) because they'll literally be right next to the huge pipe organ. I suppose it's possible, but told them I honestly didn't know and would check in with this astute body to see if anyone has first hand knowledge of a situation like this. > > >My guess is we won't know until we get them in there. > > >Anybody? > > >Henry >Phoenix Bikes >Arlington, VA > > > >_______________________________________________ >Thethinktank mailing list >Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org >To manage your subscription, plase visit: >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > > > >_______________________________________________ >Thethinktank mailing list >Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org >To manage your subscription, plase visit: >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > > >_______________________________________________ >Thethinktank mailing list >Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org >To manage your subscription, plase visit: >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > >_______________________________________________ >Thethinktank mailing list >Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org >To manage your subscription, plase visit: >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Storing Bikes near a Pipe Organ
by Henry Dunbar 02 Nov '12

02 Nov '12

Okay, this is an odd one, but I'll ask it anyway: Anyone have experience storing bikes near a pipe organ and if so, do the bikes make any noise due to the vibration? I ask b/c we're considering working with a local church to give away a bunch of little kid bikes around the holidays. The pastor says I can store them in the choir loft until the event in December, but the choir director has concerns that they'll make noise (i.e. vibrating spokes) because they'll literally be right next to the huge pipe organ. I suppose it's possible, but told them I honestly didn't know and would check in with this astute body to see if anyone has first hand knowledge of a situation like this. My guess is we won't know until we get them in there. Anybody? Henry Phoenix Bikes Arlington, VA

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Private Bike Repair Lessons?
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 31 Oct '12

31 Oct '12

I'm available for one on one instruction. Members can exchange work credits for tutelage or they can pay cash. I also teach a free basic bike repair class. Later, there will be an advanced class; for that there will be a tuition fee Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Rich Points" <director(a)communitycycles.org> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Private Bike Repair Lessons? Date: Wed, Oct 31, 2012 13:31 Hey All, We're playing with the idea of offering private bike repair sessions. This would be for folks who already have a bike and don't qualify EAB and would like more guidance/instruction working on their bikes. We have a membership which gives you access to the shop and tools but not necessarily and instructor. Private lessons would help us fill this gap. Are any of you guys doing this? Would love to hear your experience. Questions 2hrs? - 3hrs? Scheduling? Cost to participants? Staffing/Volunteering Promoting 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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Private Bike Repair Lessons?
by Rich Points 31 Oct '12

31 Oct '12

Hey All, We're playing with the idea of offering private bike repair sessions. This would be for folks who already have a bike and don't qualify EAB and would like more guidance/instruction working on their bikes. We have a membership which gives you access to the shop and tools but not necessarily and instructor. Private lessons would help us fill this gap. Are any of you guys doing this? Would love to hear your experience. Questions - 2hrs? - 3hrs? - Scheduling? - Cost to participants? - Staffing/Volunteering - Promoting 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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Getting started
by Harold Schreckengost 27 Oct '12

27 Oct '12

Hey, everyone! For next spring, the owners of the LBS and I are hoping to have a co-op together. Preferably by late March or early April. What, as far as tools, fixtures, etc, will we need? And what will we need for paperwork, record-keeping, etc? (We're in Pennsylvania, by the way, if that matters much) The more detailed you can be, the better, and the more I will owe you. Any help I can get from you guys would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Harold Schreckengost

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Bike WInter in Feb 15...Toron to?
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 26 Oct '12

26 Oct '12

Ohio does not issue enhanced driver licenses Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "summitcyclingcenter(a)yahoo.com" <summitcyclingcenter(a)yahoo.com> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bike Bike WInter in Feb 15...Toron to? Date: Fri, Oct 26, 2012 07:54 Interesting! I'll check Ohio BMV. THANKS Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Matt Brittenham" <mattface(a)gmail.com> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bike Bike WInter in Feb 15...Toronto? Date: Thu, Oct 25, 2012 08:20 If your state offers an enhanced drivers license, that is a slightly less expensive, and quicker alternative to a passport for crossing the canada border. In VT it took less than 10 days to get an enhanced ID, and costs $25 on top of the regular drivers license fee. They also do Non-Driver ID. On Oct 25, 2012, at 8:16 AM, summitcyclingcenter(a)yahoo.com wrote:I would attend but for two limitations-the passport requirement and February is at the bottom of the income cycle. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Geoffrey Bercarich" <geoff.bercarich(a)gmail.com> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bike Bike WInter in Feb 15...Toronto? Date: Wed, Oct 24, 2012 22:39 I would like to ask a formal question ? Would anyone be interested in attending a bike conference in Feb 15th in Toronto Canada that consists of educational workshops, forums, and discussions on topics ranging from wheel building, consensus decision-making, gender dynamics, and of course, how to make a community bike space and cyclists survive through winter. All workshops will be presented and facilitated by attendees. Please reply with interest so we can gauge interest. _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Bike WInter in Feb 15...Toronto?
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 26 Oct '12

26 Oct '12

Interesting! I'll check Ohio BMV. THANKS Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Matt Brittenham" <mattface(a)gmail.com> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bike Bike WInter in Feb 15...Toronto? Date: Thu, Oct 25, 2012 08:20 If your state offers an enhanced drivers license, that is a slightly less expensive, and quicker alternative to a passport for crossing the canada border. In VT it took less than 10 days to get an enhanced ID, and costs $25 on top of the regular drivers license fee. They also do Non-Driver ID. On Oct 25, 2012, at 8:16 AM, summitcyclingcenter(a)yahoo.com wrote:I would attend but for two limitations-the passport requirement and February is at the bottom of the income cycle. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Geoffrey Bercarich" <geoff.bercarich(a)gmail.com> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bike Bike WInter in Feb 15...Toronto? Date: Wed, Oct 24, 2012 22:39 I would like to ask a formal question ? Would anyone be interested in attending a bike conference in Feb 15th in Toronto Canada that consists of educational workshops, forums, and discussions on topics ranging from wheel building, consensus decision-making, gender dynamics, and of course, how to make a community bike space and cyclists survive through winter. All workshops will be presented and facilitated by attendees. Please reply with interest so we can gauge interest. _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Bike WInter in Feb 15...Toronto?
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 25 Oct '12

25 Oct '12

I would attend but for two limitations-the passport requirement and February is at the bottom of the income cycle. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Geoffrey Bercarich" <geoff.bercarich(a)gmail.com> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bike Bike WInter in Feb 15...Toronto? Date: Wed, Oct 24, 2012 22:39 I would like to ask a formal question ? Would anyone be interested in attending a bike conference in Feb 15th in Toronto Canada that consists of educational workshops, forums, and discussions on topics ranging from wheel building, consensus decision-making, gender dynamics, and of course, how to make a community bike space and cyclists survive through winter. All workshops will be presented and facilitated by attendees. Please reply with interest so we can gauge interest.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Tricks of the Trade- unbending an axle
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 24 Oct '12

24 Oct '12

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Tricks of the Trade- Hub Adjustments
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 24 Oct '12

24 Oct '12

2 1

unbending an axle?
by Bob Giordano 24 Oct '12

24 Oct '12

Points well-taken Josh. I've been looking on-line and found this from Park: ---------- "If inspecting axle, roll axle on flat surface... Bent axles cannot be re-bent. A new axle is required" http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/hub-overhaul-and-adjustment ---------- Other axle thoughts? veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com wrote: > hammering an axle straight while it's still in the hub? not trying to stir > up an argument, but i think you're just as likely to damage the cones as you are to straighten the axle this way. to say nothing of making the bearings out of round in a quick manner. if the axle is bent enough to matter, chances are the inside guts, bearings, cones, cups are going to need inspection anyway. > On Tue, Oct 23, 2012 at 2:12 PM, Bob Giordano <mist(a)strans.org> wrote: >> When you hear a hammer in a community shop it is worth a quick look to ensure there is a real need for that type of tool. >> One good use of a hammer is to get an axle 90% straighter, by rolling the >> axle back and forth with one hand and delivering a moderate blow to the bent side with your other hand (hold the rim against your chest, perpendicular), when it is obvious the bent part of the axle is in the 'up' position. >> Deliver the blow to the axle nut- which must be on the bent side- so you >> do not damage threads. Not the best method, as slight damage can be done >> to the cone and/or bearing, yet for many bikes it is good enough and sure >> beats full axle replacement. >> Bent axles almost always occur on the drive side of a rear wheel (where the most torque is applied during riding probably). >> -Bob Giordano >> -- >> Free Cycles Missoula >> Shop: 732 S. 1st St. West, 541.7284 >> 12PM-6PM Mon-Sat >> Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation >> www.strans.org, mist(a)strans.org, 406-880-6834

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Liability waiver
by wormsign＠gmail.com 23 Oct '12

23 Oct '12

ill copy paste it when i get to an actual computer. We believe it to be bullet proof but it hasnt been legally challenged. It is based on a liability waiver used by disney world for teaching swimming to 8 year olds and has additions that reflect our space and policy. Its efficacy would be dependent on your local regulations as well. I'll send it as a guideline though, you can fill in your own details and use it of you wish but ideally youd have a local lawyer and your insurer review it. Geoffrey Bercarich <geoff.bercarich(a)gmail.com> wrote: >Can I get to see the bike o wave waiver. I heard it was bullet proof. >Anyone? >On Oct 23, 2012 11:51 AM, "Jonathan Morrison" <jonathan.morrison(a)gmail.com> >wrote: > >> Each insurance company may require specific language to transform a piece >> of paper into something of legal significance. In other words, this is a >> question for your insurance company. >> >> On Tuesday, October 23, 2012, Froilan Landeros wrote: >> >>> Heys, >>> >>> Last week, someone that visited our shop during Open Shop got into an >>> accident because their wheel came loose. Turns out they were working on >>> said wheel during our shop time. >>> >>> They are okay now but were seriously injured from the accident. >>> We started talking about training volunteers better to do 'checks' before >>> peopel leave the shop. We are also considering having liability waivers. >>> Does anyone have an example of a waiver that we could build off of? Does >>> it need to be very details or can it just be..."By signing below I accept >>> the responsibility..."etc etc. >>> >>> Thanks. >>> >> >> >> -- >> Sincerely, >> >> Jonathan Morrison >> c: 801-688-0183 >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >> To unsubscribe, send a blank email to >> TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org >> To manage your subscription, plase visit: >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >> >> > >_______________________________________________ >Thethinktank mailing list >Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org >To manage your subscription, plase visit: >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Tricks of the Trade
by Andrew Burnell 23 Oct '12

23 Oct '12

Good morning, Lately, many of our kids have been coming in and requesting that we share a "trick of the trade" with them to help them in their bike repair/learning. Many of them have spent time on YouTube and searching the web for pro mechanics tricks and creative bike repair tricks. Could you add your tricks of the trade to our list? Here is what we have thus far: 1. Use WD-40 with steel wool to remove rust from your bike. Be careful when using this method on rims- or be sure to clean your bike very well before riding it after using this method. Oily breaking surface = no breaks! 2. For rust removal, rub the part with aluminum foil dipped in vinegar. 3. When you put the seat back on, pull a piece of string taught from the center rear of the seat to the center of your steer tube. This is much more precise than "eyeballing" it. 4. Use old spoke nipples as cable ends, just slide the nipple over the cable end, shank end first, squeeze the nipple shank with the wire cutting jaws of a pair of pliers (gently) to fix to the cable then nip off the head of the nipple with the wire cutters. 5. If you have a bent derailleur hanger, find an old, worthless hub axle with the same thread pitch, thread it into the hanger, and use as a lever to bend it back. Be careful not to strip threads or snap the hanger. 6. When you are attaching your cleats to your shoes, especially with MTB shoes, fill the hex holes with melted wax (just drip it off a candle). Then, when it's time to tighten/adjust/replace your cleats all you have to do is melt the wax out with a lighter rather than spend 10mins chipping out 2 years' worth of well packed clay. 7. When trying to remove a stripped hex bolt try gently tapping your hex wrench into the bolt and then loosening the stripped bolt-call it Andy's trick. You may also try using a rubber band at the end of the hex wrench. 8. When installing pedals, just remember that the right pedal goes in the "right way" and the left pedal is not "right". 9. Use a pair of spanners to hold grip tape in place when taping your bars. 10. Use fourth hand tool to tighten zip ties. 11. Use steel file on the ends of brake housing to give your work a nice professional touch. Andrew Andrew Burnell, Volunteer and Program Director Community Bicycle Center Shop: 284 Hill Street, Biddeford, ME 04005 Mail: P.O. Box 783, Biddeford, ME 04005 207-282-9700 (shop) <http://www.communitybike.net> www.communitybike.net

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Youth Metrics Data Management
by Henry Dunbar 23 Oct '12

23 Oct '12

I'm a new (6 months) director of Phoenix Bikes, the youth shop in Arlington, VA. Was wondering how other shops track and measure youth time and progress as they go through your programs. I'm specifically interested in what software you use that can generate decent reports and spreadsheets. I looked in the Wiki but didn't see this topic addressed. Henry Dunbar Phoenix Bikes

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Liability waiver
by Froilan Landeros 23 Oct '12

23 Oct '12

Heys, Last week, someone that visited our shop during Open Shop got into an accident because their wheel came loose. Turns out they were working on said wheel during our shop time. They are okay now but were seriously injured from the accident. We started talking about training volunteers better to do 'checks' before peopel leave the shop. We are also considering having liability waivers. Does anyone have an example of a waiver that we could build off of? Does it need to be very details or can it just be..."By signing below I accept the responsibility..."etc etc. Thanks.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] TigreBici
by Mariposa.obsidiana 20 Oct '12

20 Oct '12

Hola desde San Antonio Tejas Hemos empezado aqui en San Antonio con la BiciCocina, trabajando con ninos en un barrio de bajos recursos reparando a sus bicicletas. Estamos en el proceso de convencer al distrito escolar urbano tomar nuestra programa para que este en la escuelas secundarias. Nos gustaría intercambiar ideas con ustedes porque queremos promover la cultura saludable por parte de la bicicocina pero tambien la comida saludable en una zona cultural muy similar a ustedes. Hello from San Antonio Texas We have started a bicycle kitchen, BiciCocina, here working with low income kids learning how to repair their bikes. We are in the process of trying to convince the Urban school district here to take it on so that we can spread to different schools. We would like to exchange ideas with you all because we want to promote a healthy culture through the bicicocina and also a healthy diet in a cultural regional very similar to yours. Thanks! Judit Vega Enviado de Samsung Mobile -------- Original message -------- Subject: [TheThinkTank] TigreBici From: Tigre Bici <bici.uanl(a)gmail.com> To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org CC: ¡Hola a todos! Solo queremos presentarnos ya que por fin hemos decidido suscribirnos a esta herramienta que nos parece maravillosa. Somos TigreBici una plataforma universitaria que busca la inclusión de métodos alternos de transporte dentro de los diferentes campus de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) y eventualmente queremos contar con nuestro taller comunitario ciclista donde no solo la comunidad universitaria, si no la comunidad en general tenga un espacio para aprender a arreglar si bici, la pueda arreglar y se pueda crear comunidad, universitaria como en general, alrededor de la bici. Aún estamos digiriendo toda la información que encontramos en la página, que por cierto es muy buena, y una vez que se discuta si tenemos dudas estaremos poniendo en contacto con ustedes. Quedamos a sus ordenes para cualquier duda, comentario o lo que sea. Un gusto saludarlos y a seguir pedaleando! Raquel Treviño -TigreBici. Hi everyone, we just want to introduce ourselves to this amazing tool we just suscribe to. We are TigreBici a university platafform that looks to implement alternative transportation methods inside all campuses of Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) and hopefully a community bicycle workshop that allows every student and people in general to learn how to fix a bike, fix it and create community around the university and general public using the bicycle. We are still digesting all the information available on te page and once we have read and discuss all the new information we have if we have questions we will emailing you again. If you have questions, comments or anything we are at your service. A pleasure to greet you all and keep pedaling! Raquel Treviño -TigreBici

3 3

TigreBici
by Tigre Bici 19 Oct '12

19 Oct '12

¡Hola a todos! Solo queremos presentarnos ya que por fin hemos decidido suscribirnos a esta herramienta que nos parece maravillosa. Somos TigreBici una plataforma universitaria que busca la inclusión de métodos alternos de transporte dentro de los diferentes campus de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) y eventualmente queremos contar con nuestro taller comunitario ciclista donde no solo la comunidad universitaria, si no la comunidad en general tenga un espacio para aprender a arreglar si bici, la pueda arreglar y se pueda crear comunidad, universitaria como en general, alrededor de la bici. Aún estamos digiriendo toda la información que encontramos en la página, que por cierto es muy buena, y una vez que se discuta si tenemos dudas estaremos poniendo en contacto con ustedes. Quedamos a sus ordenes para cualquier duda, comentario o lo que sea. Un gusto saludarlos y a seguir pedaleando! Raquel Treviño -TigreBici. Hi everyone, we just want to introduce ourselves to this amazing tool we just suscribe to. We are TigreBici a university platafform that looks to implement alternative transportation methods inside all campuses of Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) and hopefully a community bicycle workshop that allows every student and people in general to learn how to fix a bike, fix it and create community around the university and general public using the bicycle. We are still digesting all the information available on te page and once we have read and discuss all the new information we have if we have questions we will emailing you again. If you have questions, comments or anything we are at your service. A pleasure to greet you all and keep pedaling! Raquel Treviño -TigreBici

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Re: [TheThinkTank] New community cycleworks need top tips!
by Mattbc 19 Oct '12

19 Oct '12

Thanks. Life Cycles - for all your cycling needs. Tel: 07966366762. -------- Original message -------- Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] New community cycleworks need top tips! From: veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> CC: Matt, the Community Bike Shop Directory is a list of about 200 organizations who have submitted their info, including some who have posted their mission statements. you can view this document here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0Ar4uqyu2es-YdEVvMWFNVDlyRm8wQ2… you'll want to scroll to the right, all the way to column AC to see the mission statements, but hopefully the ones which are posted will help. On Fri, Oct 19, 2012 at 8:14 AM, Matt Beale-Collins <mattbc(a)hotmail.com> wrote: Hi can someone point me to a really good mission statement please for a community cycleworks. We are a newly funded project in South London with a view to becoming a social enterprise with a five year business plan. Very excited and a bit daunted. Recycling, training, Dr Bike, group rides etc. Thanks Matt BC From: vanslyke.matthew(a)gmail.com Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2012 07:30:20 -0400 To: garethpritchard(a)shaw.ca; thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org CC: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] New community cycleworks need top tips! Thank you all so much for your insight and advice, it is very encouraging. Keep it coming! Matt V. On Oct 17, 2012, at 3:33 PM, <garethpritchard(a)shaw.ca> wrote: Regarding the comment regarding the seasonality of bike sales, we find that the winter is the time when we have the time to train our group, and build up our inventory of prepared bikes for the spring. We are not a true bike collective in as much as our main thrust is tend mountain bikes to Africa, but the refurbishing and sales (inexpensively!) of donated 10 speeds and roadsters (not suitable for use in rural Africa) are an important source of funding for us. We also donate some of the refurbished bikes to needy locals on occasion. Gareth Pritchard, Chair, Bicycles for Humanity Thunder Bay. ----- Original Message ----- From: Jonathan Morrison To: The Think Tank Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 3:21 PM Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] New community cycleworks need top tips! 1) Start with the right founders that BELIEVE in your mission statement. Make sure you have people interested in the harder / boring stuff like accounting and legal work. Other nice to haves would be people with graphic design, technology and business skills. Mechanical skills seem like a logical one too, but realistically mechanics trained by for-profits either don't know how or have trouble working on less expensive bikes and not turning the people away that right them as they would in a for-profit. In Utah our best mechanics have started out as volunteers (believers) before they worked in a for-profit, some of our worst experiences were with "frustrated" for-profit trained mechanics. 2) Don't reinvent the wheel. You are a business. You are a bike shop. You are a non-profit/social enterprise. Accept those facts earlier and you will be able to help more people sooner (per your mission statement). If anything you just add a special twist to those models, which means there are plenty of tried and true systems and methods you should just adopt/steal from the start. Get an accounting system (quickbooks online), get a point of sale system (quickbooks pos), get a volunteer hour system, PAY for a shop space, hire staff to make sure the harder / boring stuff gets done and done on-time, get insurance, file all the necessary legal paperwork, keep money in a safe when it doesn't need to be out. THEN focus on fixing bikes. AKA eat your dinner before your dessert. 3) The mission statement is your guiding light. Make sure it is a good one. It should give you an easy way to say "NO" to energy detracting ideas, that while they may be bike related, are not central to your mission. As you grow, so will your capacity to entertain those ideas, but for starters, pick a few programs/projects close to your mission and do them really well. Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Executive Director Bicycle Collective 2312 S. West Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84115 w: 801-328-2453 c: 801-688-0183 f: 801-466-3856 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. On Wed, Oct 17, 2012 at 12:41 PM, Anibal Davila <info(a)bikesauce.org> wrote: Josh's number 3 point is essential. Especially if your open hours are going to divide your core members. If you can afford to, start with fewer hours and then ramp up. Just so all your early members are working together and its easy to work things out as they happen, rather than at a weekly, or monthly meeting. and... (this is an odd one) eat together. have a weekly dinner, or lunch, for everyone at the shop. spending time together without an immediate bicycle-purpose is huge. You will retain volunteers better, they will work better together, and little grievances will get worked out without even trying. Anibal. BikeSauce, Toronto. On Wed, Oct 17, 2012 at 2:27 PM, Matt VanSlyke <vanslyke.matthew(a)gmail.com> wrote: These are great tips, particularly since I'm in the "exploratory phase" of starting a community shop here in New York state. We have a few good models, obviously one of them being Troy/Albany. Bicycling and bicycle retail in NY is somewhat seasonal, but I wonder if the work of community bike shops is too. I assume the answer I'll hear is "I wish I could take a break in the winter..." But maybe not. Is this a seasonal operation for those of you in the snow belt? Matt V. On Oct 17, 2012, at 12:57 PM, Nancy Stimson <freewheelinbikes(a)gmail.com> wrote: I would make funding a director a really, really high priority. Nancy Stimson, Executive Director Freewheelin' Community Bikes 3355 Central Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46205 http://www.freewheelinbikes.org Earn-a-Bike program: 317-431-7951 mailto:nancystimson@freewheelinbikes.org Retail shop: Phone: 926-5440 Hours: 10-6, Tuesday-Friday, 10-4 on Saturday CLOSED Sunday and Monday On Oct 17, 2012, at 7:24 AM, Stewart Vanns <stewartvanns(a)gmail.com> wrote: Hi, We are in the process of setting up a community cycle project in south east London, Uk. I just wondered if you guys & gals could pop down 3 top tips you learnt in your set up phase to help us avoid the common pitfalls. We are planning to build a not for profit enterprise, with a 5 year business plan, focusing on recycling donated bikes, repairing bikes and doing this with young people and young adults. The bikes will be given to trainees or sold very cheaply to local residents of low income. We also plan to do outreach work at local schools to educate children in basic cycle maintenance. We have funding, a venue and a steady flow of interested people. Thanks in advance, Stewart Burgess community cycleworks. _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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New community cycleworks need top tips!
by Stewart Vanns 19 Oct '12

19 Oct '12

Hi, We are in the process of setting up a community cycle project in south east London, Uk. I just wondered if you guys & gals could pop down 3 top tips you learnt in your set up phase to help us avoid the common pitfalls. We are planning to build a not for profit enterprise, with a 5 year business plan, focusing on recycling donated bikes, repairing bikes and doing this with young people and young adults. The bikes will be given to trainees or sold very cheaply to local residents of low income. We also plan to do outreach work at local schools to educate children in basic cycle maintenance. We have funding, a venue and a steady flow of interested people. Thanks in advance, Stewart Burgess community cycleworks.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Waivers - English and French
by scott＠gknightride.org 18 Oct '12

18 Oct '12

1 0

Re: [TheThinkTank] Waivers - English and French
by scott＠gknightride.org 18 Oct '12

18 Oct '12

3 2

Re: [TheThinkTank] New community cycleworks need top tips!
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 17 Oct '12

17 Oct '12

Good point. We have a "NO BUY" policy too Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Affordable Bikes Re-Cyclery" <affordablebikesrecyclery(a)gmail.com> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] New community cycleworks need top tips! Date: Wed, Oct 17, 2012 09:29 Our (new, similar) project is located in a low-income neighborhood. We opened in the late summer -- so, after the heavy sales season -- but we find that we receive far more requests from people for us to buy bikes from them than for them to buy bikes from us. We could go broke buying bikes. This has fortified our "no buying bikes" policy, toward which we were already leaning. It also keeps us from strengthening the stolen bikes business, and protects us from the ire of stolen bikes victims. On Wed, Oct 17, 2012 at 7:24 AM, Stewart Vanns <stewartvanns(a)gmail.com> wrote: Hi, We are in the process of setting up a community cycle project in south east London, Uk. I just wondered if you guys & gals could pop down 3 top tips you learnt in your set up phase to help us avoid the common pitfalls. We are planning to build a not for profit enterprise, with a 5 year business plan, focusing on recycling donated bikes, repairing bikes and doing this with young people and young adults. The bikes will be given to trainees or sold very cheaply to local residents of low income. We also plan to do outreach work at local schools to educate children in basic cycle maintenance. We have funding, a venue and a steady flow of interested people. Thanks in advance, Stewart Burgess community cycleworks. _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bicycle Donation Fee?
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 17 Oct '12

17 Oct '12

Right on. Use; re-use; re-purpose; last resort, recycle. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Dylan Thies" <dylan.thies(a)lostorienteerer.net> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bicycle Donation Fee? Date: Tue, Oct 16, 2012 12:44 At Troy Bike Rescue we take what ever comes in. We stripp what we can reuse from the bikes and use the bikes as teaching tools for new volunteers and people looking to earn a bike. Then with scraps and trashed bikes we have a symbiotic relationship with some scrappers in the area, we give them scrap they give us bikes instead of scrapping them. On 16 October 2012 12:38, wormsign(a)gmail.com <wormsign(a)gmail.com> wrote: How about getting some business cards for a metal scrapper and handing it to the person giving the donation if it's not usable for you. Our shop kinda takes everything, some parts go to a local artist, some to a local freak bike gang, and the rest is picked up regularly by a guy with a truck who makes a living on scrap metal. Enzo Michael Young <michael(a)westtownbikes.org> wrote: >We talk to the person about the donation. If its scrap maybe there is >someone in your area that will recycle the metal. > >Michael Young >West Town Bikes >Chicago > >_______________________________________________ >Thethinktank mailing list >Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org >To manage your subscription, plase visit: >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… -- Dylan Thies Come on I dare you Derive me crazy Don't be charitable because you need to bebut because you want to be

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Bicycle Donation Fee?
by Andrew Burnell 17 Oct '12

17 Oct '12

Hi All, We have been inundated with bicycle donations lately and looking for some guidance: Does your shop require/ask that a cash donation be made with each bicycle donation? We have never asked for cash donations on top of bike donations, but we’ve noticed that often times people are using us as a city dump instead of a shop. On another note, here are links to our volunteer blog and SlideShare account. I hope they are of assistance to your respected programs. Feel free to comment or make recommendations… http://communitybicyclecenter.blogspot.com/ http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/documents Andrew Andrew Burnell, Volunteer and Program Director Community Bicycle Center Shop: 284 Hill Street, Biddeford, ME 04005 Mail: P.O. Box 783, Biddeford, ME 04005 207-282-9700 (shop) <http://www.communitybike.net> www.communitybike.net

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bicycle Donation Fee?
by wormsign＠gmail.com 16 Oct '12

16 Oct '12

How about getting some business cards for a metal scrapper and handing it to the person giving the donation if it's not usable for you. Our shop kinda takes everything, some parts go to a local artist, some to a local freak bike gang, and the rest is picked up regularly by a guy with a truck who makes a living on scrap metal. Enzo Michael Young <michael(a)westtownbikes.org> wrote: >We talk to the person about the donation. If its scrap maybe there is >someone in your area that will recycle the metal. > >Michael Young >West Town Bikes >Chicago > >_______________________________________________ >Thethinktank mailing list >Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org >To manage your subscription, plase visit: >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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