- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 171, Issue 7
by Tegan Moss [B!KE] 16 Dec '20

16 Dec '20

We have a tool library. It has had very limited uptake but we have had low case counts and people have been using our workshop for DIY since July 7th. I am curious if we end up using it for things like bike trailers and cargo bikes... We set it up using a software platform called MyTurn. The developer Gene is super lovely to work with and they understand the organic nature of organizations like ours. Features offered include things like sliding scale payments which are unheard of in more traditional platforms. Check it out here: https://communitybikeshop.myturn.com/library/ Cheers, Tegan On Wed, Dec 16, 2020 at 4:04 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. Lending Library for Bike Tools? (Aaron Shaw) > 2. Re: Postcard Exchange - put your shop on the list (Tigre Bici) > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Aaron Shaw <atshaw(a)ucdavis.edu> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2020 16:00:24 -0800 > Subject: [TheThinkTank] Lending Library for Bike Tools? > Hey all! > Has anyone set-up a lending library for bike tools pre-or-post covid? > There is a non-profit in the Sacramento region lending music recording > equipment that i was inspired by - Musiclandria > <https://www.musiclandria.com/lending-program>. Applying this lending > library concept to bike tools could be a good way to promote diy repair > from a covid-safe distance...something we are all trying to do these days. > I'm wondering if anyone has done this at their community bike shop, and if > there may be learnings that could be shared with the group. > > Thanks! > Aaron > Davis Bike Collective, "Bike Forth" > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Tigre Bici <bici.uanl(a)gmail.com> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Wed, 16 Dec 2020 14:48:05 -0600 > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Postcard Exchange - put your shop on the list > yeeeiii amazing > > On Mon, Dec 14, 2020 at 1:25 PM peter(a)BikeClarkCounty.org < > peter(a)bikeclarkcounty.org> wrote: > >> Early pandemic I was thinking of starting up a shop-to-shop tee-shirt >> exchange…I’m size Small. haha >> >> >> >> >> On Dec 13, 2020, at 10:51 AM, Thomas Butler <thomas.unavailable(a)gmail.com> >> wrote: >> >> yaaaay!! this is so great >> >> Suggestion to add a column for receiving shops to tally where their cards >> came from (so we can see who the big senders are?) I'm willing to do this >> with permission. >> >> thanks for organizing. >> >> On Sun, Dec 13, 2020 at 12:03 PM Andrew Yee <andrew(a)bikex.org> wrote: >> >>> Fun idea Nik! Added. >>> >>> I have to remember how stamps work! >>> >>> On Sat, Dec 12, 2020, 5:46 PM Bike Church Santa Cruz < >>> thebikechurch(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>> >>>> Hi friends! >>>> We're doing a postcard/letter exchange because it'll be fun and cute. >>>> All you need to do is put your community bike shop on the list or send >>>> postcards to shops on the list, or both! (I'm gonna start sending cards in >>>> a month or so once the list has grown a bit.) The idea is nothing more than >>>> growing connections between fellow weirdos doing a similar thing. I mean, >>>> we're doing something amazing, no? To thrive in opposition to capitalism is >>>> no small task and I want us to support each other and know one another. I'm >>>> sad to not have Bike!Bike! this year (I was really looking forward to >>>> attending for the first time in Ciudad de Mexico of all places) and perhaps >>>> it can serve to fill the gap a bit. Anyhow please feel free to add other >>>> shops and then we can surprise them! If you have any suggestions or >>>> questions about it email me at thebikechurch(a)gmail.com >>>> Here's the link >>>> >>>> https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bnhLT_mj5Ym6uBDGoCVFVz2bsixWbOtEama… >>>> In love and struggle, >>>> Nik >>>> The Bike Church >>>> occupied Ohlone land >>>> "Santa Cruz, CA" >>>> ____________________________________ >>>> >>>> The ThinkTank mailing List >>>> >>>> Unsubscribe from this list here: >>>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… >>>> >>>> ____________________________________ >>> >>> The ThinkTank mailing List >>> >>> Unsubscribe from this list here: >>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… >>> >>> ____________________________________ >> >> The ThinkTank mailing List >> >> Unsubscribe from this list here: >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… >> >> >> ____________________________________ >> >> The ThinkTank mailing List >> >> Unsubscribe from this list here: >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… >> >> _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > -- Executive Director B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop 293 George St, Peterborough ON (705) 775-7227 communitybikeshop.org she/her

1 0

Lending Library for Bike Tools?
by Aaron Shaw 15 Dec '20

15 Dec '20

Hey all! Has anyone set-up a lending library for bike tools pre-or-post covid? There is a non-profit in the Sacramento region lending music recording equipment that i was inspired by - Musiclandria <https://www.musiclandria.com/lending-program>. Applying this lending library concept to bike tools could be a good way to promote diy repair from a covid-safe distance...something we are all trying to do these days. I'm wondering if anyone has done this at their community bike shop, and if there may be learnings that could be shared with the group. Thanks! Aaron Davis Bike Collective, "Bike Forth"

1 0

How Were Your Organizational Transitions?
by Thomas Butler 14 Dec '20

14 Dec '20

I’m interested to hear from people whose organizations made transitions from: volunteer-centric to staff-centric all-donation to grant-(or retail-)funded consensus-run to exclusive/majoritarian board (or something else) In particular what were peoples’ objections to the transition? What problems or pitfalls were there? Did the shop lose its independence? What net-negatives were there (even if overwhelmingly outweighed by all the positives?) Please feel free to reply to my personal email here if there’s something you don’t want to put on blast: thomas.unavailable(a)gmail.com My interest is not regarding articles of incorporation or how to fill out 501c3 paperwork. (there are threads on those topics in TheThinkTank archives <http://lists.bikecollectives.org/pipermail/thethinktank-bikecollectives.org/> if anyone is curious). Your testimonial is likely more relevant if your organization's incorporation is far in the past relative to its transition(s). Thank you all so much for the work you do in your own communities and for the work you do in this community of ours. Thomas Butler he | they Austin’s Yellow Bike Project

9 10

Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 171, Issue 4
by Tegan Moss [B!KE] 13 Dec '20

13 Dec '20

Thanks for the input on how folks compensate bike builders. Some good leads places to follow up. Cheers, Tegan On Sat, Dec 12, 2020 at 4:03 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: Paying People who Refurbish Bikes (Aaron Shaw) > 2. Re: Paying People who Refurbish Bikes (Bike Church Santa Cruz) > 3. Re: Online bicycle education offerings (Kim Schaffer) > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Aaron Shaw <atshaw(a)ucdavis.edu> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2020 14:06:53 -0800 > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Paying People who Refurbish Bikes > Hey Nik! > I used to work at Pedex and volunteer at the church from time to time. > It’s nice to hear from you! > > I was wondering how the bike church pays their workers. Are they on > payroll? I’m volunteering at the davis bike collective and I enjoy the > freedom of not having payroll but also could appreciate the extra work paid > staff could accomplish. Do you have payroll? Is it as much work as I think > or am I wrong? > > Aaron > He/they > > On Thu, Dec 10, 2020 at 9:28 PM Bike Church Santa Cruz < > thebikechurch(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> Here at Bike Church we started a new system where each bike build is >> worth $30 (two paid hours) no matter which bike. Some donated bikes need a >> quick check, pump, dust-off and test ride and are ready. Some need a full >> rebuild. It is up to mechanics to choose which bikes to fix and the idea is >> that it'll all even out in the end to fair pay while still ensuring a >> profit from each bike (except for the $30 bikes, but it still benefits the >> shop to have super cheap bikes available for our community). Everyone is >> strongly encouraged to go for the quick and easy bikes first, which >> benefits both the individual in terms of hourly rate, and the shop because >> we end up with more ready to go bikes. In the end people tend to go for the >> sexy but way-more-work bike projects anyways. >> >> Each mechanic or apprentice can only have one shop project going at a >> time and when they're done it needs to be checked off by a core mechanic, >> who will then add it to the builder's timesheet (for a core mechanic who >> builds it they get a different core to check it off). This way we have >> consistent quality control and by limiting everyone to one project at a >> time we don't end up with a dozen half-done (or 99% done) bikes that aren't >> ready to ride or ready to sell. It's a new system so I can't guarantee you >> that it works but so far it's promising. >> >> Nik - she/they >> Bike Church core mechanic >> "Santa Cruz, California" >> >> On Fri, Nov 27, 2020 at 8:32 PM Kevin Dwyer <kevidwyer(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> Hi Tegan, All- >>> >>> The Salt Lake Bicycle Collective has, for years, employed mechanic staff >>> (in addition to program staff, some of which is contracted, others >>> employees). Last I checked, the pay scale is pretty flat with most >>> mechanics earning about $15/hr. With a vibrant bike community in Utah and 4 >>> locations, the Bicycle Collective has acted as a training grounds for >>> future commercial bike shop employment, with several former employees in >>> key/leading roles at local for-profit bike retailers, where wages are in >>> the $18-24/hr for skilled mechanics. Donna McAleer is the executive >>> director and somewhat new to the job, I don't think she's on this list. >>> >>> In my experience, many community bike shops in larger, bike popular >>> towns operate with paid staff: Portland-Community Cycling Center, City >>> Bikes, North Portland Bike Works; Boulder-Community Cycles; Seattle- Bike >>> Works; San Francisco- Freewheel; Boise-Boise Bicycle Project. I'm not sure >>> if any of those orgs are on the list, but you may be able to contact them >>> for insights. Bikes are getting increasingly complex and diverse so it's >>> nice to see that someone could make a decent wage while promoting this >>> great activity. >>> >>> Kevin >>> >>> >>> On Fri, Nov 27, 2020 at 4:30 PM Thomas Butler < >>> thomas.unavailable(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>> >>>> In 2013 we at Austin's Yellow Bike Project started a staff program, >>>> mostly because our big new-at-the-time shop seemed underutilized. It seemed >>>> fine until the last few years. The staff feels there is a lack in >>>> accountability from the board, which is a loosely organized group of >>>> volunteers. So when the staff has problems, they seem not to get solved and >>>> people quit. We're down to 2 employees (one of whom is part time) from a >>>> peak of 7 a year ago. Almost all staff were board members before their hire >>>> date, so the arrangement has had the added detriment of gutting the board >>>> of (often its most) capable members. >>>> >>>> To answer your questions: >>>> We pay them hourly, and all the same hourly (which was their choice). >>>> But that may be about to change as there's talk of re-organizing from a >>>> collective to a manager-and-staff. They set the bike prices. >>>> >>>> Thomas Butler >>>> he | they >>>> Austin's Yellow Bike Project >>>> austinyellowbike.org >>>> >>>> On Thu, Nov 26, 2020 at 5:39 PM Tegan Moss [B!KE] < >>>> director(a)communitybikeshop.org> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Hi Folks, >>>>> >>>>> B!KE does not currently pay anyone to fix bikes. We do not have any >>>>> staff members who do repairs for clients or refurbish bicycles to sell. Our >>>>> hundreds of refurb that get completed each year are currently done by >>>>> volunteers. >>>>> >>>>> We have occasionally talked about how to compensate volunteers who are >>>>> particularly prolific bike builders. What do other shops do? Do you pay >>>>> people to refurbish bikes? Is it per bike or per hour? Are all bikes worth >>>>> the same amount? Are all bike builders compensated equally? >>>>> >>>>> If you have a system that is working well for your shop I would be >>>>> very interested in talking to you about what you do. Please send me an >>>>> email if this is something you'd be open to talking about. >>>>> >>>>> Thanks, >>>>> Tegan >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> Executive Director >>>>> B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop >>>>> 293 George St, Peterborough ON >>>>> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/293+George+St,+Peterborough+ON?entry=gma…> >>>>> (705) 775-7227 >>>>> communitybikeshop.org >>>>> she/her >>>>> >>>>> ____________________________________ >>>>> >>>>> The ThinkTank mailing List >>>>> >>>>> Unsubscribe from this list here: >>>>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… >>>>> >>>>> ____________________________________ >>>> >>>> The ThinkTank mailing List >>>> >>>> Unsubscribe from this list here: >>>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… >>>> >>>> >>> >>> -- >>> >>> ____________________________________ >>> >>> The ThinkTank mailing List >>> >>> Unsubscribe from this list here: >>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… >>> >>> ____________________________________ >> >> The ThinkTank mailing List >> >> Unsubscribe from this list here: >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… >> >> > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Bike Church Santa Cruz <thebikechurch(a)gmail.com> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2020 15:42:50 -0800 > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Paying People who Refurbish Bikes > Hi Aaron, > We do payroll and it's not a ton of work but I imagine it was a lot to > set-up. It means W-2s and all that, but on the other side it means there's > unemployment insurance if we need it. Filing payroll is done twice a week > and is one of our administrative clerkships. We make sure that at least two > people know how to do it in case someone isn't available for some reason. > Ps. PedX is still going strong and is currently hiring! > Nik > > > On Fri, Dec 11, 2020 at 2:07 PM Aaron Shaw <atshaw(a)ucdavis.edu> wrote: > >> Hey Nik! >> I used to work at Pedex and volunteer at the church from time to time. >> It’s nice to hear from you! >> >> I was wondering how the bike church pays their workers. Are they on >> payroll? I’m volunteering at the davis bike collective and I enjoy the >> freedom of not having payroll but also could appreciate the extra work paid >> staff could accomplish. Do you have payroll? Is it as much work as I think >> or am I wrong? >> >> Aaron >> He/they >> >> On Thu, Dec 10, 2020 at 9:28 PM Bike Church Santa Cruz < >> thebikechurch(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> Here at Bike Church we started a new system where each bike build is >>> worth $30 (two paid hours) no matter which bike. Some donated bikes need a >>> quick check, pump, dust-off and test ride and are ready. Some need a full >>> rebuild. It is up to mechanics to choose which bikes to fix and the idea is >>> that it'll all even out in the end to fair pay while still ensuring a >>> profit from each bike (except for the $30 bikes, but it still benefits the >>> shop to have super cheap bikes available for our community). Everyone is >>> strongly encouraged to go for the quick and easy bikes first, which >>> benefits both the individual in terms of hourly rate, and the shop because >>> we end up with more ready to go bikes. In the end people tend to go for the >>> sexy but way-more-work bike projects anyways. >>> >>> Each mechanic or apprentice can only have one shop project going at a >>> time and when they're done it needs to be checked off by a core mechanic, >>> who will then add it to the builder's timesheet (for a core mechanic who >>> builds it they get a different core to check it off). This way we have >>> consistent quality control and by limiting everyone to one project at a >>> time we don't end up with a dozen half-done (or 99% done) bikes that aren't >>> ready to ride or ready to sell. It's a new system so I can't guarantee you >>> that it works but so far it's promising. >>> >>> Nik - she/they >>> Bike Church core mechanic >>> "Santa Cruz, California" >>> >>> On Fri, Nov 27, 2020 at 8:32 PM Kevin Dwyer <kevidwyer(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>> >>>> Hi Tegan, All- >>>> >>>> The Salt Lake Bicycle Collective has, for years, employed mechanic >>>> staff (in addition to program staff, some of which is contracted, others >>>> employees). Last I checked, the pay scale is pretty flat with most >>>> mechanics earning about $15/hr. With a vibrant bike community in Utah and 4 >>>> locations, the Bicycle Collective has acted as a training grounds for >>>> future commercial bike shop employment, with several former employees in >>>> key/leading roles at local for-profit bike retailers, where wages are in >>>> the $18-24/hr for skilled mechanics. Donna McAleer is the executive >>>> director and somewhat new to the job, I don't think she's on this list. >>>> >>>> In my experience, many community bike shops in larger, bike popular >>>> towns operate with paid staff: Portland-Community Cycling Center, City >>>> Bikes, North Portland Bike Works; Boulder-Community Cycles; Seattle- Bike >>>> Works; San Francisco- Freewheel; Boise-Boise Bicycle Project. I'm not sure >>>> if any of those orgs are on the list, but you may be able to contact them >>>> for insights. Bikes are getting increasingly complex and diverse so it's >>>> nice to see that someone could make a decent wage while promoting this >>>> great activity. >>>> >>>> Kevin >>>> >>>> >>>> On Fri, Nov 27, 2020 at 4:30 PM Thomas Butler < >>>> thomas.unavailable(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>>> >>>>> In 2013 we at Austin's Yellow Bike Project started a staff program, >>>>> mostly because our big new-at-the-time shop seemed underutilized. It seemed >>>>> fine until the last few years. The staff feels there is a lack in >>>>> accountability from the board, which is a loosely organized group of >>>>> volunteers. So when the staff has problems, they seem not to get solved and >>>>> people quit. We're down to 2 employees (one of whom is part time) from a >>>>> peak of 7 a year ago. Almost all staff were board members before their hire >>>>> date, so the arrangement has had the added detriment of gutting the board >>>>> of (often its most) capable members. >>>>> >>>>> To answer your questions: >>>>> We pay them hourly, and all the same hourly (which was their choice). >>>>> But that may be about to change as there's talk of re-organizing from a >>>>> collective to a manager-and-staff. They set the bike prices. >>>>> >>>>> Thomas Butler >>>>> he | they >>>>> Austin's Yellow Bike Project >>>>> austinyellowbike.org >>>>> >>>>> On Thu, Nov 26, 2020 at 5:39 PM Tegan Moss [B!KE] < >>>>> director(a)communitybikeshop.org> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Hi Folks, >>>>>> >>>>>> B!KE does not currently pay anyone to fix bikes. We do not have any >>>>>> staff members who do repairs for clients or refurbish bicycles to sell. Our >>>>>> hundreds of refurb that get completed each year are currently done by >>>>>> volunteers. >>>>>> >>>>>> We have occasionally talked about how to compensate volunteers who >>>>>> are particularly prolific bike builders. What do other shops do? Do you pay >>>>>> people to refurbish bikes? Is it per bike or per hour? Are all bikes worth >>>>>> the same amount? Are all bike builders compensated equally? >>>>>> >>>>>> If you have a system that is working well for your shop I would be >>>>>> very interested in talking to you about what you do. Please send me an >>>>>> email if this is something you'd be open to talking about. >>>>>> >>>>>> Thanks, >>>>>> Tegan >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> Executive Director >>>>>> B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop >>>>>> 293 George St, Peterborough ON >>>>>> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/293+George+St,+Peterborough+ON?entry=gma…> >>>>>> (705) 775-7227 >>>>>> communitybikeshop.org >>>>>> she/her >>>>>> >>>>>> ____________________________________ >>>>>> >>>>>> The ThinkTank mailing List >>>>>> >>>>>> Unsubscribe from this list here: >>>>>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… >>>>>> >>>>>> ____________________________________ >>>>> >>>>> The ThinkTank mailing List >>>>> >>>>> Unsubscribe from this list here: >>>>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… >>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> >>>> ____________________________________ >>>> >>>> The ThinkTank mailing List >>>> >>>> Unsubscribe from this list here: >>>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… >>>> >>>> ____________________________________ >>> >>> The ThinkTank mailing List >>> >>> Unsubscribe from this list here: >>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… >>> >>> ____________________________________ >> >> The ThinkTank mailing List >> >> Unsubscribe from this list here: >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… >> >> > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Kim Schaffer <kim(a)communitybikeworks.org> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Sat, 12 Dec 2020 17:12:46 +0000 > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Online bicycle education offerings > > Hi Erik and all, > > > > We at Community Bike Works in Allentown PA have been offering online Earn > a Bike for students (ages 9-18) for a few months now. Would be interested > in involving our program staff this discussion if others are up for a more > in-depth conversation. > > > > One takeaway I can state confidently is that staff found it really > worthwhile to have kids stop by our bike shop at least twice (to pick out a > bike, and then pick it up after they’ve earned it in their online classes), > and ideally a third time (for a bike rodeo). We focus on mentoring in > addition to bike mechanics and safety, so coming by the bike shop for these > appointments allows them to meet staff and get a sense of being a part of > our bike shop. These visits are by appointment, so it’s all controlled for > health/safety. > > > > Would love to hear from others as well! > > > > ******************************* > > Kim Schaffer, Executive Director *(she/her)* > > Community Bike Works > > www.communitybikeworks.org > > cell: 484.554.8971 > > > > Celebrating 25 Years of Earn a Bike! > > > > [image: A close up of a sign Description automatically generated] > > > > > > > > *From:* Thethinktank <thethinktank-bounces(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> *On > Behalf Of *Erik Anderson > *Sent:* Tuesday, December 1, 2020 3:14 PM > *To:* The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > *Subject:* [TheThinkTank] Online bicycle education offerings > > > > Hey all, > > Sorry if this was discussed already and I missed it, but we are wondering > if any of you have made a foray into offering bicycle education online, and > what your triumphs and challenges have been. We use google workspace for > many things, so we have plenty of presentation tools (meet, slides, > classroom) but would love to hear about this community's exploration here. > > Always, > > Erik Anderson > > Staff coordinator > > Ohio City Bicycle Co-op > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > -- Executive Director B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop 293 George St, Peterborough ON (705) 775-7227 communitybikeshop.org she/her

1 0

Online bicycle education offerings
by Erik Anderson 12 Dec '20

12 Dec '20

Hey all, Sorry if this was discussed already and I missed it, but we are wondering if any of you have made a foray into offering bicycle education online, and what your triumphs and challenges have been. We use google workspace for many things, so we have plenty of presentation tools (meet, slides, classroom) but would love to hear about this community's exploration here. Always, Erik Anderson Staff coordinator Ohio City Bicycle Co-op

2 1

Paying People who Refurbish Bikes
by Tegan Moss [B!KE] 11 Dec '20

11 Dec '20

Hi Folks, B!KE does not currently pay anyone to fix bikes. We do not have any staff members who do repairs for clients or refurbish bicycles to sell. Our hundreds of refurb that get completed each year are currently done by volunteers. We have occasionally talked about how to compensate volunteers who are particularly prolific bike builders. What do other shops do? Do you pay people to refurbish bikes? Is it per bike or per hour? Are all bikes worth the same amount? Are all bike builders compensated equally? If you have a system that is working well for your shop I would be very interested in talking to you about what you do. Please send me an email if this is something you'd be open to talking about. Thanks, Tegan -- Executive Director B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop 293 George St, Peterborough ON (705) 775-7227 communitybikeshop.org she/her

6 6

T'Tank friends; please help OCBC win a security system by voting online until Fri.!
by Jim Sheehan 08 Dec '20

08 Dec '20

Friends, Our co-op is a finalist in an online voting contest for a $10,000 security camera system, and we could really use your help to get the votes we need to win. The whole story is here <https://ohiocitycycles.org/2020/12/03/vote-daily-for-ocbc-in-the-security-1…>, but all you need to do is go to this link <https://www.security101.com/cleveland/gift-of-security> and vote for us once a day until midnight Friday! (Note you do NOT have to enter your email to vote, or see the results (just click "Skip"), or to share the poll on your social media (click SKIP another couple times). Thanks everybody, and stay safe! Appreciatively, Jim Sheehan Executive Director Ohio City Bicycle Co-op 1840 Columbus Rd Cleveland, Ohio 44113 216 830 2667 OhioCityCycles.org jim(a)ohiocitycycles.org

1 0

Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 170, Issue 9
by Lawrence Mohammed 27 Nov '20

27 Nov '20

Hi Tegan, almost everything we do operates within a gift economy * Servicing has a labour 'value' attached as a guide of what this would be in a conventional workshop, people choose to pay what they feel/what they can - some pay the full amount, some overpay, some underpay, some simply receive. We service bikes ranging from £50 to £10,000 (Bosch e-bike certified, etc) * We are often gifted old bikes (many that would be rejected by other non-profits and refused at a normal workshop but very occasionally, some that are worth a few hundred pounds). We full service these, sometimes just keeping the frame and building up everything. The money for parts (if not using good 2nd hand parts) is paid for by profits from servicing. Volunteers learn lots. * No one takes a salary, everyone gets lunch and coffees and travel (if they want) paid for. Any personal bike servicing has no labour cost attached and free learning from a senior qualified mechanic. * I'm currently taking a training fee from a schools programme I designed and run once a week during term time. * We are training mechanics up to Cytech 2 and senior mechanics up to and beyond the level of Cytech 3 (though not certifying them due to cost at the moment). We managed to get a community fund for training so far, but are building up a wiki resource for our own training programme which will become and remain open source....I've written programmes (and certified modular programmes) for a few organisations. I've also been a teacher and trainer for about 25years in various subjects. * w.r.t Refurbished bikes - these are valued at a going market rate - and since Covid, people pay what they can for them. I used to draw an income from this (this was the only income I drew) but after the pandemic, and with the training which I can live on (the rent of the flat I live in is currently gifted), I do not need any more money to get by with comfort. The deep trust encourages others to share and deeply support the team - including for example during the pandemic when one volunteer became very ill and one of our community stepped up and gifted three months of therapy, twice per week (usually £100+ per session). * The model we work in is making sure the team are well looked after so they can look after the community - it feeds back ;) * I'm exploring how to support future Workshop Managers at the moment as I'm still the Workshop Manager as well as the CEO & Head Mechanic (Accountant, lead trainer, etc etc) - not sure whether anyone else will step up to cover someone's rent but...who knows?! ;) In service, *Lawrence Mohammed* CEO and Founder Pro Bike Service C.I.C. *+44 (0)77 222 58587* *probikeservice.co.uk <https://probikeservice.co.uk>* /::Olympic Park Site:: Pro Bike Service C.I.C. Multi-Storey Car Park, Lesney Avenue Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park London E20 3BS *map location <https://what3words.com/upset.habit.funds>* / On 27/11/2020 21:03, 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. Paying People who Refurbish Bikes (Tegan Moss [B!KE]) > 2. Re: Paying People who Refurbish Bikes (Cyclista Nicholas) > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

1 0

Shop Operations During Covid
by momoko saunders 24 Nov '20

24 Nov '20

Hey all, I'd love to get a quick update on what shops are doing for shop operations during covid. There was an awesome virtual workshop put on a few months ago. What are shops up to now? At Bike Farm, we're still far from being open in our usual way. We have a parts selling shift for one day of the week. We meet people outside and get a list of items they want to purchase, then volunteers rummage around and find the parts and bring them out for the patron to choose from. We do not allow use of tools which is really hard but most people understand. We do have a selection of tools which we have available for sale for real cheap. This includes random loose allen wrenches, other wrenches, multi tools. Here are the guidelines for this shift <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xu3qCapSPopoQ7VbiqyG1VJdroA6WiJwBSPleTN…> . We also have a shift where volunteers work on bikes in the shop for sale or for our community partnerships. We limit all volunteer groups to 5 people at a time, and we try to keep people in germ bubbles so that if someone does get sick, we've limited the exposure. Everyone wears masks at all times and keeps distant. We have a 3rd night which we just added called our infrastructure night. On this night we work on cleaning the shop and making it more functional. We have a document outlining <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EthWNOhjeo4sOQZobhrvykb_gTB4aGRKeMdiL0T…> our covid protocols. I've made a copy of it for the thinktank to view. Everyone in the shop must read and agree to these guidelines before being able to volunteer. --- With a vaccine looking like it will not be here and widely available till summer or even fall of 2021, we're looking for more creative ways to provide resources to the community, stay safe, and maybe make some money to pay rent. I'd love to hear if others have come up with creative ways to continue operations during this time. Hope you all are well, -Momoko

6 5

Artbook / Calendar / Zine - Kickstarter Project - Last 6 days.
by Skills-of-Bike Bookata 23 Nov '20

23 Nov '20

Think-tankers, I am sure you want our calendar on your wall, but just forgot about the deadline. You can have it all - Art book, zine, calendar, and a future deck of cards. All can be pre-ordered here: http://kck.st/3jC58as> <https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fkck.st%2F3jC58as%3Ffbclid%3DIwA…> Merci beaucoup from snowy Montreal Andrei + Dario (Bookata - BICI) 2020 *Skills of bike - Grip of life* <http://kck.st/3jC58as> <http://kck.st/3jC58as>skillsofbike(a)gmail.com https://dariocarta.com/home http://www.bookata.com/ m.me/skillsofbike https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1522759383/skills-of-bike-grip-of-life…

1 0