- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

latest news
by bike talk 06 Apr '09

06 Apr '09

Hi, We have 3,875 listeners on kpfk.org in March. That means we're growing! And we haven't been put on itunes yet, which is expected to happen. Thanks for listening, and let us know what you want to hear. Nick -- please let me know if you want to be taken off this list. Hear Bike Talk! on kpfk: http://www.kpfk.org/programs/170-bike-talk.html or see what's new with us at biketalk.us

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Cargo bike framebuilding school in Eugene, OR
by Oregon Cycling 06 Apr '09

06 Apr '09

The Center for Appropriate Transport (CAT) and Human Powered Machines (HPM) are accepting applications for placement in the first cargo bike framebuilding school <http://hpm.catoregon.org/?page_id=329> in the States. Started in 1990, Human Powered Machines led the current revival of cargo bikes, trikes and trailers in the USA. This program will provide three apprentices per session with the skills necessary to replicate all or portions of the original CAT Oregon (www.catoregon.org <http://www.catoregon.org>) Some of what apprentices get: * A Long Haul cargo bike <http://hpm.catoregon.org/?page_id=7> frameset (self-made). * What it takes to run a cargo courier business. * Skills to manufacture and assemble HPM products <http://hpm.catoregon.org/>. Apprentices will be invited to be part of a federation of decentralized fabricators (a microfranchise). * Experience with youth programs such as Mobile School Presentations, Trips for Kids and Valet Bike Parking. * Training in how to run a workspace rental shop. Instructors: The primary instructor, Jan VanderTuin, has a broad background in cargo vehicles. In the early 80's he traveled throughout Western Europe researching the subject. He put together an extensive collection of information from around the world and became convinced that cargo bikes would do well in the USA. Since 1982, Jan has designed over a hundred unique vehicles for fun, for the alter-abled, and for cargo needs. He disagrees with the shipping of bikes around the world and has taught frame building classes to hundreds of students in Eugene. His favorite quote: "give a person a fish and they eat for a day. Teach a person to fish and you feed them for a lifetime." Other instructors include staff proficient at fabrication, sewing, business, distribution, retail and publishing. * When? *July 15th 2009 -- December 15th 2009 * How much? * Apprentices will pay for training, fixtures, and usage of designs, depending on their individual plan. CAT offers on-site housing to apprentices. Basic tuition is $5000 (Room and board is not included). For more information, contact us at (541) 344-1197 or email cat(a)catoregon.org <mailto:cat@catoregon.org> More information is available at our website: hpm.catoregon.org <http://hpm.catoregon.org>

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today's bike talk
by bike talk 04 Apr '09

04 Apr '09

Sorry we didn't get our show up on kpfk.org due to technical difficulties last week. Today we're recording three different ways just to be sure, but we don't have two out of four hosts! I wonder how this is going to work out. Dorothy Wong on the Long Beach Bike Festival Josh of Community Cycles in Boulder, Co. on Women's Night there Nemo, bike messenger, if we can get him And your call-? Nick (213) 252-0998 Bike Talk! on killradio.org 10am-noon today, Saturday, April the 4th -- please let me know if you want to be taken off this list. Hear Bike Talk! on kpfk: http://www.kpfk.org/programs/170-bike-talk.html or see what's new with us at biketalk.us

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expo bikeway meeting today
by bike talk 02 Apr '09

02 Apr '09

[image: Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition]<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102535482970&s=9406&e=001YwOe2HkeGAchdw3mnJr83W7Y…> Attention Cyclists: We have an important opportunity to demand that the Expo Bikeway is built! WHAT: Expo Board of Directors meeting WHEN: Thursday, April 2, 2:30pm WHERE: Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration , 500 W. Temple Street, Third Floor, Board of Supervisors' Hearing Room 381 B The Expo Board will vote on a design alternative for Phase 2 (Culver City to Santa Monica) and they must address outstanding bikeway issues. At this meeting, we need to get a commitment that they will build the bikeway. Please attend this meeting and speak in support of the Expo Bikeway project! You don't need a polished presentation; just let them know we need this and it needs to be done right. Here are some key points: - The bikeway must be built with the Expo project. Since it was not included in the Draft-EIR, we need a commitment and a plan from Expo on how that will happen. - Some intersections where Expo proposes the bikeway go have serious problems with road crossings: Venice & Robertson, Pico @ Gateway, Olympic @ Stewart. Expo needs to work with LA and Santa Monica to find safe and convenient solutions. - Expo, Metro and the cities need to find funding for the bikeway so that it can be built at the same time as the rail line. - If the Expo Bikeway is not built at the same time as the rail line, costs will increase dramatically and construction difficulties could be created - The goal of the Expo project is to reduce auto use. The bikeway is a critical component because it can deliver transit users to stations without car trips and provides a much-needed crosstown commuter bikeway. We need as many cyclists' voices as possible to ensure the building of the Expo Bikeway!

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Hi moderator!
by shanny1＠telus.net 01 Apr '09

01 Apr '09

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Earn-A-Bike Curriculum
by shanny1＠telus.net 01 Apr '09

01 Apr '09

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bikebike.org updated...
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 31 Mar '09

31 Mar '09

hey all, was just checking in, and www.bikebike.org has been updated by the folks at the greasepit, including dates. see you all soon!!! josh.

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Calling all artists! - Helmet Design Competition for a good cause
by adam schwartz 31 Mar '09

31 Mar '09

The Renaissance Youth Bike Shop and The Engaged University are proud to announce this special design competition. Please see attachment for details, registration deadline April 24th. Please help us spread the word by sharing this with anyone who may be interested. Thanks. -- Adam Schwartz Program Coordinator, Renaissance Youth Bike Shop The Engaged University 6200 Sheridan Street, Riverdale, MD adamgs(a)umd.edu (301) 405-3213 * *P.S. (Text only version below.) * HEADS UP! ReDefine the Helmet Competition* *Calling all artists of all ages, backgrounds and descriptions to showcase your talents. Your charge is to Re-invent, Re-define and Re-brand the bike helmet to save lives. Design is the extra sizzle and awesomesauce that can change minds and shift actions. We are reaching out to others with ideas and imaginative design skills. Can you help to redefine bike helmets as an essential fashion statement?* *To Submit: *Contact Adam or Noma @ The Renaissance Youth Bike Shop to register, submit designs and receive special prototype helmet canvas. *Concept Designs due April 24th, 2009 Completed helmets due May 22nd, 2009 ** Award & Exhibition Opportunities: *You could be eligible for a 25% creator’s commission on a custom line of helmets offered for sale at local shops. Selected entries will also be featured in Art-O-Matic 2009, on our University-linked website and in many other broadcast and print media. *Eligibility:* Any resident of Washington, D.C. metro area, Maryland, Virginia *Judging criteria: *Youth appeal, humor, and audacity rule. Vibrant colors, powerful letterforms and character renderings welcome. Creative pastiche, sampling o.k. Please, no copywrite or trademark violations. Collaborations encouraged. A fully realized, completed helmet is a necessary part of the final entry. *Jurors: *Youth and staff at The Engaged University ( http://www.engagedu.umd.edu) * Who we are: *The Renaissance Youth Bike Shop (a project of The Engaged University @ UMCP). We are a youth-based, bike recycling shop and afterschool program that uses the bicycle as a catalyst to enhance the lives of young people through educational, recreational and entrepreneurial hands-on learning opportunities. *Contact us! * • Adam Schwartz, 301-405-3213, adamgs(a)umd.edu • Noma Mpofu, 301-405-2285, nmpofu(a)umd.edu

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hey fargo, moorhead, you all ok?
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 29 Mar '09

29 Mar '09

is there anything any of us in dryer country can do? is everything alright up there? hope you're all doing ok... josh.

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501-c-3 "adoption"
by Blackbird Bicycle Co-op 28 Mar '09

28 Mar '09

Word of mouth is a budding non-profit (our bike coop) can become a 501-c-3 by "adoption" by another established 501-c-3. Has anybody done this, can anyone give me the logistics or point me in the right direction? Thanks!

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This Saturday's Bike Talk!
by bike talk 27 Mar '09

27 Mar '09

Hazel, a messenger, painter and mechanic from Portland, Or. and Jimmy Lazama, founder of Bicycle Kitchen are taking bike questions --Calling In: Krista Bowers, of the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective-on Bike Valet Parking Josef, of Flying Pigeon Bikes ...as always, our hosts will knowledgeably answer all questions on bikes and biking in L.A. and beyond on Bike Talk! 10am-noon, Saturday on Killradio call in! (213) 252-0998 -- please let me know if you want to be taken off this list. Hear Bike Talk! on kpfk: http://www.kpfk.org/programs/170-bike-talk.html or see what's new with us at biketalk.us

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Re: [TheThinkTank] babies (up front) and bikes
by BovineOaks＠aol.com 26 Mar '09

26 Mar '09

In a message dated 3/26/2009 12:41:05 P.M. Central Daylight Time, mark(a)drumbent.com writes: With the kid up front between your arms you can talk to it, and even protect it if the bike goes down. When a kid is in a trailer and you fall down they do not fall at all. Falling on a kid is like landing on a soft little squishy pillow that crys. It is worth it to have a kid safely strapped in their own little roll cage trailer. **************Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? Make meals for Under $10. (http://food.aol.com/frugal-feasts?ncid=emlcntusfood00000002)

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babies (up front) and bikes
by Bob Giordano 26 Mar '09

26 Mar '09

Not sure if this was discussed, but more and more i'm a fan of having the child up front, in a seat on the top tube. Asians and Europeans use this method more often- almost non-existant in U.S. Seems you have a more intimate experience with your child. http://www.amazon.com/WeeRide-Kangaroo-Child-Bike-Seat/dp/B000FIH0EG ...has some reviews of one model- and it lacks a few features but people seem to like it. Anyone have experience with this type of child seat? -- Bob Giordano Free Cycles Missoula Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation www.strans.org, mist(a)strans.org, 406.880.6834

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hey everyone
by the816bikecollective Kansascity 26 Mar '09

26 Mar '09

this is Idris with the 816 bicycle collective. We are currently in the process of putting together the celebration of our year anniversary!!! The celebration will be *at the collective*, and will start around *4pm* and end whenever on *Saturday April 25th*. the 816 bicycle collective is located at 3109 Troost behind the CCMAC/ Crossroads Info shop. This is a big day for us because this will not mark the year of our conception but the year we have been open to the community. In light of our joyous occasion we still need everyones help to make sure that we will be ready for summer time volume. WE ARE IN NEED OF BIKE STANDS, currently we only have 3 that work very well. WE would like to get as many as we can so that we can have stands to bring outside during the hot summer months. If you can help out or direct attention to our request it would be greatly appreciated. feel free to email us or contact me with any leads. the816bike(a)gmail.com (816) 349-8113 (Idris)

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Website and wiki hijacked?
by Drew Gatlin 26 Mar '09

26 Mar '09

Anyone tried to visit www.bikecollectives.org or its wiki today? Mozilla is reporting it as an "attack site" as of 10:19am CST. They were both functioning fine as of 12:00pm CST yesterday. On a related note, is there someone whom should we contact directly (versus the entire list) when we encounter problems with the website or wiki? Jonathan in SLC, would that be you? - Drew Gatlin

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Youth Programs - Fees & Contracts
by krisha 26 Mar '09

26 Mar '09

I'm currently making decisions on our youth program fees & contracts - any help is appreciated! Lets share.. :D What do you charge for each of your different youth programs? What do your contracts with agencies consist of? What are your cancellation fees? If you don't have any fees and/or contracts why? Please feel free to e-mail actual exmples of the forms you use. Thanks! Krisha Pessa Youth Director Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective 2312 S. West Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84115 w: 801-328-2453 c: 801-931-0895 f: 801-466-3856 krisha(a)slcbikecollective.org www.slcbikecollective.org

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Bike parking contracts
by Krista Bowers 23 Mar '09

23 Mar '09

Howdy all of you out there in bicycle land~ We find ourselves in the wonderful position of high demand for our bicycle valet parking services (no complaints), but we have been burned a coupla times by some of the folks who have engaged us. Because of this, we have decided to draw up a contract that will (hopefully) prevent this unfortunate situation from happening again, or give us some recourse if it does. For those of you who do bike parking, would you let us know of your experience with it, such as what has worked, what hasn't, what you might do differently, etc.? If you have a contract, could you send a copy to me to give me an ideas as to how ours should be drawn up? Much obliged! -- Sincerely, Krista Bowers Volunteer Coordinator Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective 2312 S. West Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84115 w: 801-328-2453 c: 801-688-9379 f: 801-466-3856 krista(a)slcbikecollective.org www.slcbikecollective.org Get Addicted to Crank! http://www.slcbikecollective.org/crank/

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Latest show now up
by bike talk 23 Mar '09

23 Mar '09

Women on Bikes biketalk.us or kpfk.org -- please let me know if you want to be taken off this list. Hear Bike Talk! on kpfk: http://www.kpfk.org/programs/170-bike-talk.html or see what's new with us at biketalk.us

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Policy or Process for Removing Collective Members
by ecos 21 Mar '09

21 Mar '09

unsubscribe -----Original Message----- From: Sam Santos <lalato(a)gmail.com> To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2009 08:47:21 -0500 Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Policy or Process for Removing Collective Members One thing we do is we post all of the things we need volunteers for on our wiki. We then advertise that via an e-mail list (kinda like this ThinkThank list) to our membership. We make sure that it's understood that no job is just for one person. Anyone can do any job, and, in fact, the more people that help out (even on the simplest tasks) the better. This promotes a volunteer culture and it helps build connections between members. We don't take those volunteer duties off the wiki list. We do put the list of names of folks that have volunteered to do it there. If someone slacks off, we will try to hold them accountable by pointing out that they committed to it. If the person (or persons) continue to slack off, we remove their name from that task on the wiki. And then we advertise again that we need volunteers for that task. It doesn't have to involve a lot of drama. It's just a list of tasks that need to get done. If someone gets hurt feelings because they're slacking off. That's a personal issue outside of the volunteer tasks. I hate to say it, but there isn't always a way to give people this kind of information in a way that won't make them upset. That doesn't mean the person gets kicked out of the collective. It just means that they aren't assigned that task anymore. If you need a more formal process... you could always bring task reassignments to a vote at your regular meetings. Might make for a much longer meeting, but it would give your group a chance to air things out in a more public forum. The trick there is to not let things go crazy about something that might only be a minor grievance. Another way to do it is how I've done it at another organization (community radio station) where I volunteer. I'm currently sort of a co-chair of the rock/pop genre (basically every flavor of rock from bonnie prince billy to bon jovi). I've only ever been to one meeting, but my co-chair goes to most of the meetings. I do some of the work (cateloging music, making sure all the new stuff is available to DJs, and my co-chair does some of the other stuff). Honestly, the station would be better served with one person that could handle everything and go to all the meetings. But, we're making it work as best we can with our available volunteer time. Maybe that's a model you guys can shoot for. Maybe instead of trying to replace the slackers... just add people that will help with the tasks. If the slackers can do a small part, the other helpers can handle the rest. Between the group, you'll get the task completed. One downside I've noticed to this approach is that if I can't volunteer one week... all of the things I normally will definitely not get done. It's not like my co-volunteer is picking up the slack (pardon the pun). ;-) --sam On Sat, Mar 21, 2009 at 12:12 AM, Macho Philipovich <macho(a)resist.ca> wrote: > > maybe i'm misunderstanding the situation, but if people aren't following > through on the tasks they commit to, couldn't they just be approached to see > why, and to see if something could be arranged that works better for them? > you could also let them know in as non-guilt-tripping a way as possible > that the collective is really counting on them, and that if they're too busy > or just feel like shirking it would really benefit the shop for them to let > someone else step in who's able to commit. > > the only rule we have that gets you an immediate boot at our shop is > physically violent behaviour. even for stuff like fucked up > racist/classist/sexist shit, we try our best to work it out by > communicating, so i'm not sure i see the need for booting someone just for > being a flake. > > macho > > > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)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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Women on Bikes!!!
by bike talk 21 Mar '09

21 Mar '09

Hi, I forgot to mention Kelly Martin!!! of Bicycle Kitchen! 10am-noon on killradio.org, biketalk.us -- please let me know if you want to be taken off this list. Hear Bike Talk! on kpfk: http://www.kpfk.org/programs/170-bike-talk.html or see what's new with us at biketalk.us

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Policy or Process for Removing Collective Members
by james blesdoe 21 Mar '09

21 Mar '09

Do you have a situation where the dead wood is in the way, taking up space and committing to do jobs that are not getting done? Or is that they actively obstruct others? Jim --- On Fri, 3/20/09, Urban Bike Project Wilmington, DE <urbanbikeproject(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: Urban Bike Project Wilmington, DE <urbanbikeproject(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Policy or Process for Removing Collective Members To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> Date: Friday, March 20, 2009, 10:06 AM We recently defined "Core Volunteer" as someone who attends a volunteer orientation class and volunteers for 3 full shifts every month. Core Volunteers are the only people who have a say in making decisions, though that is still a fairly informal process as of now. Since it's so recent we haven't removed anyone from Core Volunteer status (and with that, decision making), but will do so if a person is not fulfilling their obligations. I would suggest setting strict (i.e. no wiggle room for excuses) guidelines as far as what is required of an individual to participate in meetings and have voting power. Don't rock the boat right away but instead set a timeline or cutoff date for the new rules to take effect. Constantly remind people what the new requirements are and inform those on the edge of eligibility that, when the cutoff date comes, they will not be allowed to participate unless they've fulfilled the new obligations. The "old guard" is given a chance to fall in line if they want to, and can't be upset (though they probably still will be) when they no longer have the same say. Brian Urban Bike Project of Wilmington -a 501(c)3 non-profit bike shop- 1908 N. Market Street (entrance is in the parking lot behind the building) Wilmington, DE 19802 Hours: Thursday 6:30-9:00 Saturday 1:00-4:00 Visit us online at http://urbanbikeproject.org On Fri, Mar 20, 2009 at 10:44 AM, Maggie Burrus-Granger <mburrus-granger(a)recycleabike.org> wrote: Hi Everyone, I am wondering if anyone has a specific policy or process for removing individuals from the collective, or council however you define it, the inner group of people with voting power. We are restructuring our organization and do not have a system for this. In the process of trying to build capacity, we've had some problems with people not pulling their weight, but also have no process for removing them, while the rest of the collective doesn't particularly want to rock the boat with long-standing volunteers, so as a whole there are a lot of excuses for people so most likely a simple majority vote won't work. Any advice? Thanks -- Maggie Burrus-Granger Recycle-a-Bike Program Coordinator 27 Sims Ave. Providence, RI 02909 401.273.7101 www.recycleabike.org _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)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.… -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)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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zines
by Derek Dunham 21 Mar '09

21 Mar '09

SO I have space that has been more of a bike collection than a bike collective at this point. See I live in the sticks and although there are many cyclists, few commuters. I am hoping to bring cycling to my community as well as a social forum. The idea is called Spoke 'n Words and I want to have a zine library available as well. What I am asking for from all of you is copies or extras you might have. I have a few from Boston when I lived up there but I am starting from scratch. -- Derek Dunham

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Re: [TheThinkTank] non-bike people in the shop/org/events?
by james blesdoe 21 Mar '09

21 Mar '09

Hi, group rides that snarl traffic you are riding having fun cars are stopped the drivers and passengers want to know what is going on you say we're just out having fun we do this every month leave from that place at this time next month they show up the ride is not sponsored or part of your shop but they find out about it the above is a basic description of what happened in los angeles between http://midnightridazz.com/ and the bicycle kitchen. Jim --- On Fri, 3/20/09, veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com <veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com <veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com> Subject: [TheThinkTank] non-bike people in the shop/org/events? To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> Date: Friday, March 20, 2009, 10:01 PM howdy all. wondering if any of you have had conversations in your shops and organizations about bringing non-already-bike people into the fold? of course, holding special events in the shop is easy when they're things like fixie nights, or alley cats or roller races. but those types of things tend to pull in people who are already riding bikes, even if they're not familiar with your organization or shop. how do you all work to expand your presence and expose people who don't commute or ride or even own a bike at all to what you're about? do any of you have a specific policy about this? would love to hear some ideas and experiences. josh. community cycles -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)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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Sat 3/21 Women On Bikes Talk
by bike talk 21 Mar '09

21 Mar '09

10am-noon with: Ellen Hall from Cateye; Sheila Moon, the ladies' clothing manufacturer from SF; Aurisha Smolarski of the LACBC; rider Donna Cassyd; Ashira, bike artist; Bonnie Georges, who's done the Blessing of the Bikes for 17 years; Michelle Mowery of the LA BAC; L.A. Rider Justine. Dorothy Wong from SOCAL cross will be a moderator. Let us know what you think! call in at (213) 252-0998 -- please let me know if you want to be taken off this list. Hear Bike Talk! on kpfk: http://www.kpfk.org/programs/170-bike-talk.html or see what's new with us at biketalk.us

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non-bike people in the shop/org/events?
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 21 Mar '09

21 Mar '09

howdy all. wondering if any of you have had conversations in your shops and organizations about bringing non-already-bike people into the fold? of course, holding special events in the shop is easy when they're things like fixie nights, or alley cats or roller races. but those types of things tend to pull in people who are already riding bikes, even if they're not familiar with your organization or shop. how do you all work to expand your presence and expose people who don't commute or ride or even own a bike at all to what you're about? do any of you have a specific policy about this? would love to hear some ideas and experiences. josh. community cycles

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