- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Portland Gear Hub (Maine) Hiring FT Bicycle Mechanic & Sales
by Ainsley Judge 29 Jan '21

29 Jan '21

Hi all, The Portland Gear Hub is hiring for a full-time Bicycle Mechanic and Sales position. *You can learn more about us and the position here.* <https://portlandgearhub.org/careers/> Based in Portland, Maine, we're a nonprofit outdoor gear and bike shop powered by a youth outdoor education center, Ketcha Outdoors. The Gear Hub is a full service shop with a large retail floor selling a mix of refurbished bicycles, new and used bike components, camping equipment, and nordic ski gear. We use our retail sales to sustain our programs, which largely take place out of a dedicated educational space known as the Gear Hub Bike School. We also rent XC Skis and Snowshoes at a nordic trail network in Oxford, Maine in the winters. Our mission is to get more youth and adults outside and active by increasing access to affordable, reliable gear. We're looking for someone who has experience as a mechanic and is mission-driven. *Follow this link to read more about the position and who we are. * <https://portlandgearhub.org/careers/> Thanks!! Ainsley -- Ainsley Judge She/her/hers Director of the Portland Gear Hub A program of Camp Ketcha portlandgearhub.org

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Pedal is hiring a Youth & Education Facilitator
by Sophia Suderman 22 Jan '21

22 Jan '21

Hi everyone! Just wanted to let you know that Pedal and Our Community Bikes is looking to hire a Youth & Education Facilitator in Vancouver, BC. More info can be found here. <http://pedalpower.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Youth-and-Education-Facili…> Cheers, Sophia -- Sophia Suderman Executive Director PEDAL - Pedal Energy Development Alternatives 2429 Main Street Unceded Coast Salish Territories www.pedalpower.org | (604) 879-2453

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Successful interventions for interrupting sexism
by Dennis Wollersheim 20 Jan '21

20 Jan '21

Hi everyone We ran a volunteer induction working bee today (photo attached), and despite our best intentions, sexism was a constant companion. It wasn't over the top, just the everyday: Woman: "how do I...?" Man: "let me show you..." 10 minute later, man still holding the spanner. Many times, multiple circumstances. Unrequested advice is another common form. The problem is that it is baked into the cultural dynamics. It is tricky to interrupt without making everyone feel bad. I've got a personal policy that I try to follow: - don't touch bike unless requested, - don't offer information unless questioned, or someone about to hurt themselves, - watch, listen But that takes much patience, and comes after 20 years of anti sexism work. It is a bit of a stretch for our 75 year old volunteer mechanic with a heart of gold. I'm looking for something pragmatic that we can implement, to interrupt the worst of it, to make some space. Does anyone have advice? Success stories? Much love from Melbourne bike shed Dennis Secretary

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 172, Issue 2
by Lawrence Mohammed 18 Jan '21

18 Jan '21

Attended some great D&I workshops last year, the best one which was provided by this organisation (for free): https://www.serenityinleadership.com/about Harvard bias tests also good...worth noting - these should be uncomfortable! if exploring with your team work, within a strong container and space: https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html We had a team meeting focused on Diversity and Inclusion as well as many private chats last year to support team members suffering from the results of Covid, Brexit and uprisings related to injustice and inequality - not only limited to the notion of race. I wanted to explore how best to steward and model the behaviours and values needed to co-create a unified, compassionate, kind, empowered, meritocratic and resilient team and thus community. If I had more time and resources, I'd like to have team days exploring things like this. A heart of gold can only be expanded, understanding and resonance is the key 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 17/01/2021 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. Successful interventions for interrupting sexism > (Dennis Wollersheim) > 2. Re: Successful interventions for interrupting sexism > (momoko saunders) > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Playing Cards, Bike-Centric, Kickstarter project
by Skills-of-Bike Bookata 06 Jan '21

06 Jan '21

Think-tankers, hello again from Montreal, The deck features original graphic work inspired by vintage Art Deco posters of women cyclists and their early bikes. It is a continuation of our just finished and successfully closed KS project. The collective wisdom and goodwill hosted on this forum is amazing. We would love to receive any feedback, suggestions, corrections. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1522759383/1735898345?ref=7vq3kx&token… The original SKILLS OF BIKE / GRIP OF LIFE Kickstarter offered a calendar, a book and a zine, all centered on the women emancipation movement. (*h**ttp://kck.st/3jC58as <http://kck.st/3jC58as>*) Any kind of support from you would work- fund$ or a post on Facebook, Twitter, email to your personal or community networks. Merci beaucoup andrei+Dario

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Quick info request from Bicycling magazine
by Matt VanSlyke 18 Dec '20

18 Dec '20

Hey all, I was contacted by a writer from Bicycling magazine who is doing a quick turnaround story on Earn-a-Bike programs. The author is looking to gather some basic info about earn-a-bike efforts and put together a very brief survey to do so. If you have a few minutes BEFORE THE WEEKEND the link is below. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VTSJTL7 All the best, Matt, UBR -- -- Matt VanSlyke 315.525.9554 (voice or txt)

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Postcard Exchange - put your shop on the list
by Bike Church Santa Cruz 16 Dec '20

16 Dec '20

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"

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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

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Lending Library for Bike Tools?
by Aaron Shaw 16 Dec '20

16 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"

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.…

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Shop Operations During Covid
by momoko saunders 25 Nov '20

25 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

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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…

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Bike and Ped Job Postings
by Areli Morales 23 Nov '20

23 Nov '20

Hello All, My current job CalWalks <https://www.calwalks.org/> is hiring California-based Mobility Justice individuals. Volunteering at and running Bike CO-Ops definitely qualifies as experience. I for one would like to see more creative and meaningful community work translated into this state-wide work. Reach out if you have any questions. https://www.calwalks.org/work-with-us <https://www.calwalks.org/work-with-us?emci=a3612c83-5a2b-eb11-9fb4-00155d43…> Join our team of dedicated mobility justice advocates! We are currently hiring for energetic and detail-oriented Community Programs Managers or Coordinators! We're seeking Community Program Managers with strong experience in program development and management and a strong commitment to anti-racist work. The Community Programs Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the day-to-day operations of one of the organization’s walking and biking safety programs. We're looking for Community Programs Coordinators to support community capacity building and engagement work to create safer, healthier, and more equitable communities across California. Candidates must have a strong commitment to anti-racist work. -- *Areli Morales* LEED Green Associate LCI #6323

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Our Community Bikes Job Posting - Service Manager
by Sophia Suderman 23 Nov '20

23 Nov '20

Hello! Just putting the word out that we are hiring for a Service Manager at Our Community Bikes in Vancouver, BC. The job posting is attached. Please spread the word and share as you see fit. Thanks! Sophia -- Sophia Suderman Executive Director PEDAL - Pedal Energy Development Alternatives 2429 Main Street Unceded Coast Salish Territories www.pedalpower.org | (604) 879-2453

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looking for scrap wheels in Ft. Lauderdale
by Christopher Clark 17 Nov '20

17 Nov '20

I have a board member who is a sculpture artist. He's building an installation in Ft. Lauderdale using old wheels. We scrounged up a couple hundred for him to take with him but he's looking for about 30 more this week. Anyone have a line on scrap bike wheels in the Davie, FL, USA area? Non-functional preferred. Attached a pic of what he's got so far. He needs them this week.Best, Chris <http://www.scbikes.org>

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 170, Issue 3
by Tegan Moss [B!KE] 09 Nov '20

09 Nov '20

B!KE began using MyTurn.com in April and we are very happy with it. We started a small bicycle tool library <https://communitybikeshop.myturn.com/library/> and are also using my turn to very successfully manage our membership database. We chose MyTurn over other platforms because it is a company that is deeply invested in the sharing economy. It has flexibility (like sliding scale fees) that really reflects the needs of a more grass roots organizational approach. I think it could easily be configured to have check-out fees and partial refunds with a return. The lead developer Gene is great. I would suggest folks take a look at it if you are looking for either a library system or need affordable support with member management. Cheers, Tegan On Sun, Nov 8, 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: 6 month Bike "Checkout" System w/ the option to buy > (Bill Leddy) > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Bill Leddy <bill(a)williesworkshop.net> > To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2020 10:39:07 -0800 > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] 6 month Bike "Checkout" System w/ the option > to buy > Hi All, > > Before I begin, I apologize in advance for the length of this post… > > I’m new to this list. I’ve been a volunteer with Sacramento Area Bicycle > Advocates (SABA) for a number of years. As part of my work at SABA I’ve > created a few on-line systems that we have been using. > > Commenting on Jonathan’s post, though I’m not fluent in PHP, assuming the > source code is available (very likely) that sounds like a good way to get > your system back on line quickly. As a next step, finding someone to > upgrade the code to a modern version of PHP would surly be quicker and > easier than starting from scratch. On the other hand, sometimes with > experience gained, a substantial re-write may make the app a lot better. > > As a kinda-sorta response to Audrey’s question about other systems, I’d > like to share something I’m currently working on for SABA which I hope may > be relevant. > > When “the thing” started in March, a number of bike organizations began > “Bike Match” programs with a focus on getting under used bikes into the > hands of essential workers who were having trouble commuting to their jobs > etc. It stated in NY and DC, I believe, as a one on one match making scheme > where the donor and recipient would make their own arrangements to meet and > hand off the bike. SABA tried setting up a similar program but in a > smaller, far less dense city, the logistics simply did not work. The > distances between the donors and recipients are too great. There was a lot > of bike schlepping on our part so it just didn’t scale. > > We are on the verge of relaunching SABA BikeMatch with a very different > approach which, after viewing the Bike Library site, sounds an awful lot > like what Audrey’s organization is doing but with a bit of an on-line > shopping element. Rather than scheduling people to come in and find a bike, > we plan to post the available bikes on line. Bikes are reserved for a very > limited time with a specific appointment date and time. At the appointed > time, the recipient comes to pickup their bike. If they don’t show, the > bike automatically becomes available for someone else. > > You can play around with the development site here: > https://bikematch.williesworkshop.net Feel free to “reserve” a bike and > check it out. > > The site is still in development but should all work, as far as it goes. I > would love to hear feed back and any suggestions or questions you have. > > Getting back to Audrey’s question, I could imagine this system expanding > to include a Library functionality. I think all the major pieces are there. > I look forward to hearing your comments. > > In case there is anyone still reading this, I have another system which > I’ve created that other organizations may be interested in... > > What with “the thing” this year SABA has not been doing too many public > events but we used to do a lot of Valet Bike Parking and a community bike > repair program we call Bike MD. After using another system for years, I was > finally fed up enough with what I thought were short comings and created a > system for publicizing events and allowing volunteers and staff to schedule > themselves for shifts. You can check it out here: > > https://events.sacbike.org > > For those of a technical frame of mind, it’s open source written in Python > and is available at: http://github.com/wleddy/staffing > The site is not entirely customizable at this time, but if anyone is > interested in making use of it, it might be just the push I need to clean > it up. > > Regards, > Bill Leddy > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > > From: Jonathan Rosenbaum <gnuser(a)gmail.com> > > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > > Cc: > > Bcc: > > Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2020 23:05:04 -0500 > > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] 6 month Bike "Checkout" System w/ the option > to buy > > Hi Audrey, > > > > Is the code for the Bike Library Checkout App available anywhere? > > > > Regardless, I should be able to provide a resolution for this issue. The > easiest solution would be to run the app in a virtualized container that > has the correct libraries. Exactly like with the reuse of bikes, you can > reuse code. > > > > -Jonathan > > > > > > On Fri, Nov 6, 2020 at 11:17 AM Audrey Wiedemeier < > audrey(a)bikelibrary.org> wrote: > > Hello Friends: > > > > Yesterday the Bike Library Checkout App that is custom built html failed > to load. It won't be an easy fix as the Bike Lib. app was running on a > really old version of php; a version that is no longer supported. The code > is at least ten years old and likely will need to be completely rewritten. > That being said, we need to decide to rewrite the code or query other > operations out there. > > > > The order of operation for the Checkout System is: > > - find a bike, put down a deposit of $100-$300, sign the liability > waiver, patron takes bike > > - on our end each bike has a 4-digit number that gets entered into our > system with bike specs and the 6 month "due date" is recorded with that > number > > - six months go by and the patron can return the bike for a refund of > their deposit minus $50 OR they simply keep the bike and we keep their > deposit $. > > - if they return it we make sure we have an updated mailing address, and > the app lets us know how much we need to write the check out for to send > via snail mail > > > > My questions to y'all are: > > > > 1 Do other shops operate in a similar fashion? If so, what POS system > are you using? > > > > 2 Are there other shops out there who would want to replicate this > checkout system? We have always wanted to make it easier to share and now > would be the time to do it. > > > > 3 Have you heard of any new tech solutions that we should research? I've > heard it's easier than ever to build your own app and I've fallen behind so > maybe is a simple solution. > > > > > > > > Peace & grease, > > > > Audrey Wiedemeier (She/her/hers) > > Iowa City Bike Library, Director > > > > 700 S. Dubuque St, Iowa City > > COVID Hours: Tues. - Thurs. 10 AM - 5 PM; Sat. 10 - 3 PM > > Need something? Set up an appointment by email. > > Want to donate? Drop off anytime during these hours. Thank you! > > > > BikeLibrary.org > > C: (515) 450-1651 > > _______________________________________________ > 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

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Re: [TheThinkTank] 6 month Bike "Checkout" System w/ the option to buy
by Bill Leddy 08 Nov '20

08 Nov '20

Hi All, Before I begin, I apologize in advance for the length of this post… I’m new to this list. I’ve been a volunteer with Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates (SABA) for a number of years. As part of my work at SABA I’ve created a few on-line systems that we have been using. Commenting on Jonathan’s post, though I’m not fluent in PHP, assuming the source code is available (very likely) that sounds like a good way to get your system back on line quickly. As a next step, finding someone to upgrade the code to a modern version of PHP would surly be quicker and easier than starting from scratch. On the other hand, sometimes with experience gained, a substantial re-write may make the app a lot better. As a kinda-sorta response to Audrey’s question about other systems, I’d like to share something I’m currently working on for SABA which I hope may be relevant. When “the thing” started in March, a number of bike organizations began “Bike Match” programs with a focus on getting under used bikes into the hands of essential workers who were having trouble commuting to their jobs etc. It stated in NY and DC, I believe, as a one on one match making scheme where the donor and recipient would make their own arrangements to meet and hand off the bike. SABA tried setting up a similar program but in a smaller, far less dense city, the logistics simply did not work. The distances between the donors and recipients are too great. There was a lot of bike schlepping on our part so it just didn’t scale. We are on the verge of relaunching SABA BikeMatch with a very different approach which, after viewing the Bike Library site, sounds an awful lot like what Audrey’s organization is doing but with a bit of an on-line shopping element. Rather than scheduling people to come in and find a bike, we plan to post the available bikes on line. Bikes are reserved for a very limited time with a specific appointment date and time. At the appointed time, the recipient comes to pickup their bike. If they don’t show, the bike automatically becomes available for someone else. You can play around with the development site here: https://bikematch.williesworkshop.net Feel free to “reserve” a bike and check it out. The site is still in development but should all work, as far as it goes. I would love to hear feed back and any suggestions or questions you have. Getting back to Audrey’s question, I could imagine this system expanding to include a Library functionality. I think all the major pieces are there. I look forward to hearing your comments. In case there is anyone still reading this, I have another system which I’ve created that other organizations may be interested in... What with “the thing” this year SABA has not been doing too many public events but we used to do a lot of Valet Bike Parking and a community bike repair program we call Bike MD. After using another system for years, I was finally fed up enough with what I thought were short comings and created a system for publicizing events and allowing volunteers and staff to schedule themselves for shifts. You can check it out here: https://events.sacbike.org For those of a technical frame of mind, it’s open source written in Python and is available at: http://github.com/wleddy/staffing The site is not entirely customizable at this time, but if anyone is interested in making use of it, it might be just the push I need to clean it up. Regards, Bill Leddy > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Jonathan Rosenbaum <gnuser(a)gmail.com> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2020 23:05:04 -0500 > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] 6 month Bike "Checkout" System w/ the option to buy > Hi Audrey, > > Is the code for the Bike Library Checkout App available anywhere? > > Regardless, I should be able to provide a resolution for this issue. The easiest solution would be to run the app in a virtualized container that has the correct libraries. Exactly like with the reuse of bikes, you can reuse code. > > -Jonathan > > > On Fri, Nov 6, 2020 at 11:17 AM Audrey Wiedemeier <audrey(a)bikelibrary.org> wrote: > Hello Friends: > > Yesterday the Bike Library Checkout App that is custom built html failed to load. It won't be an easy fix as the Bike Lib. app was running on a really old version of php; a version that is no longer supported. The code is at least ten years old and likely will need to be completely rewritten. That being said, we need to decide to rewrite the code or query other operations out there. > > The order of operation for the Checkout System is: > - find a bike, put down a deposit of $100-$300, sign the liability waiver, patron takes bike > - on our end each bike has a 4-digit number that gets entered into our system with bike specs and the 6 month "due date" is recorded with that number > - six months go by and the patron can return the bike for a refund of their deposit minus $50 OR they simply keep the bike and we keep their deposit $. > - if they return it we make sure we have an updated mailing address, and the app lets us know how much we need to write the check out for to send via snail mail > > My questions to y'all are: > > 1 Do other shops operate in a similar fashion? If so, what POS system are you using? > > 2 Are there other shops out there who would want to replicate this checkout system? We have always wanted to make it easier to share and now would be the time to do it. > > 3 Have you heard of any new tech solutions that we should research? I've heard it's easier than ever to build your own app and I've fallen behind so maybe is a simple solution. > > > > Peace & grease, > > Audrey Wiedemeier (She/her/hers) > Iowa City Bike Library, Director > > 700 S. Dubuque St, Iowa City > COVID Hours: Tues. - Thurs. 10 AM - 5 PM; Sat. 10 - 3 PM > Need something? Set up an appointment by email. > Want to donate? Drop off anytime during these hours. Thank you! > > BikeLibrary.org > C: (515) 450-1651

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6 month Bike "Checkout" System w/ the option to buy
by Audrey Wiedemeier 07 Nov '20

07 Nov '20

Hello Friends: Yesterday the Bike Library Checkout App that is custom built html failed to load. It won't be an easy fix as the Bike Lib. app was running on a really old version of php; a version that is no longer supported. The code is at least ten years old and likely will need to be completely rewritten. That being said, we need to decide to rewrite the code or query other operations out there. The order of operation for the Checkout System is: - find a bike, put down a deposit of $100-$300, sign the liability waiver, patron takes bike - on our end each bike has a 4-digit number that gets entered into our system with bike specs and the 6 month "due date" is recorded with that number - six months go by and the patron can return the bike for a refund of their deposit minus $50 OR they simply keep the bike and we keep their deposit $. - if they return it we make sure we have an updated mailing address, and the app lets us know how much we need to write the check out for to send via snail mail My questions to y'all are: 1 Do other shops operate in a similar fashion? If so, what POS system are you using? 2 Are there other shops out there who would want to replicate this checkout system? We have always wanted to make it easier to share and now would be the time to do it. 3 Have you heard of any new tech solutions that we should research? I've heard it's easier than ever to build your own app and I've fallen behind so maybe is a simple solution. Peace & grease, *Audrey Wiedemeier* (She/her/hers) Iowa City Bike Library, Director 700 S. Dubuque St, Iowa City *COVID Hours: *Tues. - Thurs. 10 AM - 5 PM; Sat. 10 - 3 PM Need something? Set up an appointment by email. Want to donate? Drop off anytime during these hours. Thank you! BikeLibrary.org C: (515) 450-1651

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bike-centric kickstarter project
by Skills-of-Bike Bookata 06 Nov '20

06 Nov '20

Think-tankers, bonjour from Montreal, A shameless plug for our Kickstarter campaign - an art book, zine, calendar, and a future deck of cards can be pre-ordered here: http://kck.st/3jC58as> <https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fkck.st%2F3jC58as%3Ffbclid%3DIwA…> Annie "Londonderry", mother of two, was the first woman in history to travel solo, on her bicycle, around the globe. On her 150th birthday anniversary we couldn't resist putting together unusual and forgotten bicycle-themed visuals: posters, newspapers photographs, classic paintings and contemporary urban murals. Any kind of support from you would work- fund$ or a post on Facebook, Twitter, email to your personal or community networks. Merci beaucoup andrei

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unsubscribe
by Re-bicycle Lenawee 28 Oct '20

28 Oct '20

-- Re-bicycle Lenawee 313 E. Maumee St. Adrian, Mi 49221 A local non-profit organization dedicated to providing refurbished bicycles to members of Lenawee county.

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