- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Future-Proofing Your Shop's Operational Plans Workshop
by Robert Grossman 20 Aug '20

20 Aug '20

Hello Thinktank, Is your shop's plan for how to continue operating considering different futures? Would you like to work with other shops to determine what the future may look like? Join us for a two-hour collaborative workshop to help future-proof your shop's operational plans. When: Friday, August 28, 2020 Time: 11am - 1pm CST Cost $30 *If your shop would like to attend but cannot afford to due to finances and the current state of the world then email me directly and we can work something out. Click the link below to sign-up. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/future-proofing-your-shops-ideas-for-how-to-op… In this workshop, you will come together with other community bicycle workshops to put together four possible future scenarios to better inform your ideas of how your business model needs to shift. Working around the issue of how to continue to effectively operate and provide services to the community, we will break off into small groups to identify social, political, economic, and technological driving forces. From there we will determine which of these are stable and which are uncertain. The most important of these will be used as we describe what four possible futures may look like. Each of you will then consider how your organization’s plans for continuing to provide services to your communities will need to adjust to meet these futures and what potential unintended consequences may arise. It’s important to note that the future will not be one of these, but more likely a blend of aspects from each. This workshop will require participation. There will be no other applications involved beyond Zoom and a note-taking app of your choice (Notes, Word, Google Docs, etc.) Excited to see you all there! -- Robert Grossman www.robertgrossmandesign.com https://twitter.com/rgrossmandesign https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertgrossman7 <https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgrossman7> https://www.flickr.com/photos/robkeebler/albums

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Conflict due to COVID
by Aaron Shaw 14 Aug '20

14 Aug '20

Hey all, My name is Aaron. I volunteer at the Davis Bike Church in Davis, CA. I was wondering if there are any other collectives experiencing intensely conflicting views on how to respond to the pandemic. I am looking for suggestions on how to present a safe new operating model so that those who are more at risk can agree to the shop being open (in some capacity). My experience is that there is a spectrum of approaches to operating under COVID and it is difficult to find a middle ground where a consensus can be made among collective members. It’s true, people’s lives are at risk. But also there are needs in the community that can outweigh the risk associated with (safe) operation. It just depends on how you look at it. The stakes are definitely high and it is a touchy, if not politicized topic. I would love to hear other people’s experiences, and if they are stuck like us or if they have figured out a new operating model that works for them. Also interested to hear about what it took, from a people/core member perspective, to get to the other side of the COVID lockdown. Thanks a ton. Aaron

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Ghost Bike in Vancouver - looking for help
by Gabrielle Anctil 10 Aug '20

10 Aug '20

TW - Death . . . . Hello, My boyfriend's best friend was just killed as she was starting a bike trip across the country. I'd like to get in touch with people who could help in setting up a ghost bike for her. More info: https://bc.ctvnews.ca/cyclist-killed-in-maple-ridge-was-beginning-cross-cou… Thank you in advance <3 Gabrielle -- Gabrielle Anctil +1 514 746-0054 @_ganctil

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Bike Shop patch trade
by BikeConcord 09 Aug '20

09 Aug '20

I am interested in trading patches.

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How to order low priced bike supplies through a distributor?
by Leslie Fisher 07 Aug '20

07 Aug '20

Hi, I volunteer with Bikes del Pueblo, a volunteer-run non-profit bike collective in San Diego, CA. We teach bike mechanics and offer very low priced, free, or donation based used bikes and parts. We want to find a bike supply distributor (such as JBI, QBP, etc) to work with to start ordering bike supplies, tubes, and parts at their wholesale prices. I've been finding that these companies ask for an application to be completed first with required documents like a state sales tax certificate, license for selling and repairing bikes, and other stuff that bike shops would have but we don't have any of. We have insurance, 501c3 non-profit status, and a space to operate out of, but don't do sales tax, don't have licenses, and don't have a formal sales floor vs repair areas. Would other bike coops/collectives have recommendations of wholesale bike distributors to get in touch with for ordering that would accept collectives like ours without needing to be a standard style bike shop or have all those official documents? Thank you! Leslie

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Developing a Better Sense of the Future
by Robert Grossman 06 Aug '20

06 Aug '20

Hello Everyone, If you were to look into the future to develop a solution to a current challenge, what would that challenge be? One that stood out from the Safe and Effective Operations Workshop is around the capacity to provide services where shops are facing an increased need from communities while facing internal challenges to be able to safely help. In other words - An inaccessible resource is not a resource. I understand that there are some serious social issues around equity and diversity that may be more important to be addressed. What does your shop's team find to be the most pressing long term challenge at the moment? -- Robert Grossman www.robertgrossmandesign.com https://twitter.com/rgrossmandesign https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertgrossman7 <https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgrossman7> https://www.flickr.com/photos/robkeebler/albums

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 165, Issue 12
by Lawrence Mohammed 06 Aug '20

06 Aug '20

Here's what we use Amanda; 'Bike Health Check' - 30min 'Dr Bike-type' services at popups we run 'Full Service' - std servicing form within the workshop Warmest regards, *Lawrence Mohammed* Director & Head Mechanic Pro Bike Service C.I.C. *+44 (0)77 222 58587* *probikeservice.co.uk <https://probikeservice.co.uk>* *facebook.com/probikeservice <https://www.facebook.com/professionalbikeservice>* /[Location, NOT delivery address] Pro Bike Service C.I.C. Multi-Storey Car Park Lesney Avenue Olympic Park London E20 3BS *map location <https://what3words.com/upset.habit.funds>* / On 16/06/2020 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. Service Tickets and Bike Tags (Amanda Chilson) > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 167, Issue 2
by Lawrence Mohammed 04 Aug '20

04 Aug '20

Brilliant question Robert! The main solution I've been developing for the last 4 years is an open source business model based on stewardship rather than ownership and extraction, which I believe is fundamental to cocreating a regenerative, truly sustainable planet. In the first instance, I'm doing this within the realm of active mobility. Having started in the corporate sector and volunteered and worked for a number of charities, as well as running my own businesses in diverse fields, it's clear that the pubic/private/3rd sector organisations all leave something to be desired. This, along with the prevailing current debt-based economic system in the version of capitalism most of us dwell within, has and continues to fail humanity and sentient life, with externalised costs, the demand for perpetual growth within a finite system and missing the value of so many things that are essentially priceless. Rebuilding local, national and global economies and business models based around stewardship and empowering sovereign beings to live their full potential I believe are the most pressing needs of our time. Warmest regards, *Lawrence Mohammed* Director & Head Mechanic Pro Bike Service C.I.C. *+44 (0)77 222 58587* *probikeservice.co.uk <https://probikeservice.co.uk>* /[Location, NOT delivery address] Pro Bike Service C.I.C. Multi-Storey Car Park Lesney Avenue Olympic Park London E20 3BS Google Plus Code: GXXG+72 Hackney Wick, London *map location <https://what3words.com/upset.habit.funds>* / On 03/08/2020 21:04, 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. Developing a Better Sense of the Future (Robert Grossman) > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Job Posting- BICAS in Tucson
by BICAS Education 03 Aug '20

03 Aug '20

We have a couple job openings at BICAS in Tucson! Cheers, Kristin BICAS is Hiring!Positions currently open: WTF Coordinator- A collective member position responsible for coordinating the BICAS Women, Trans*, Femme programing to create a safe, accessible, and inclusive WTF space for the community. WTF Coordinator Job Description <https://bicas.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/WTF-Coordinator-Job-Descriptio…> IT Coordinator - A collective member position responsible for configuration and maintenance of computer and communication systems. <https://bicas.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/HR-Coordinator-2020.docx.pdf>IT Coordinator Job Description <https://bicas.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IT-Coordinator-Job-Description…> HR Coordinator - A collective member position responsible for facilitating hiring, monitoring training, peer work performance evaluation coordination, processing and facilitating employee accountability. HR Coordinator Job Description <https://bicas.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/HR-Coordinator-2020.docx.pdf> To apply: Please complete our online application. <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSez1cB3IcXeXhGVVEihQMVDFIWrLeCBNTS…> You will be required to upload a pdf, doc, or docx of both your cover letter and resume in order to be considered. Applications (cover letter and resume) can be delivered in person during BICAS open hours Wednesday-Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM. 2001 N 7th Ave. Rolling deadline, open until filled. Please check your submission carefully before sending; incomplete applications will not be considered. Summary for all positions: The ideal candidate will be passionate about the bicycle as a sustainable, equitable, and healthy form of transportation. BICAS staff frequently work with youth, houseless, refugee, immigrant, and low-income populations. Experience working with these populations in any capacity is a plus, as is being multilingual. We encourage those who can work our WTF (Women, Transgender, Femme) workshop on Mondays <https://bicas.org/women-trans-femme/> to apply. Bicycle mechanical knowledge is not required but is desired. The ability to teach in a patient, compassionate, and hands-off manner is necessary. Some evening and weekend availability is expected, as well as some work outside the shop, for example: administrative tasks, outreach events, teaching classes, etc. Please note that working at BICAS is much more than a mechanics position; the ideal candidate will be excited to participate fully in the communal governance of a small non-profit organization and be committed to the Tucson community. Please read the entire job description link before applying. Note that is NOT just a "normal" bike shop job! For further questions please contact us at hiring(a)bicas.org.

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Job Posting - Bike Kitchen Programs Manager F/T
by Sunny Nestler 31 Jul '20

31 Jul '20

Hey friends, Here is a job posting in Vancouver BC (sadly we are not able to provide work visas). Feel free to email me off list if you want to ask questions privately. Looking forward to passing the mic 🌱 x Sunny *Sunny Nestler*, *Programs Manager* AMS Bike Co-op + Bike Kitchen University of British Columbia 604-822-2453 | thebikekitchen.ca <http://thebikekitchen.ca>| @BikeKitchenUBC

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 166, Issue 14
by Heather Nugen 28 Jul '20

28 Jul '20

Check out Miyagi it’s what PBMA uses to do their level 1 certifications. On Tue, Jul 28, 2020 at 4:42 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. Leads for online quiz platform? (David Coppley) > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: David Coppley <DCoppley(a)intercitytransit.com> > To: "thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org" < > thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2020 19:35:55 +0000 > Subject: [TheThinkTank] Leads for online quiz platform? > > Greetings bike folks, > > > > I’m reaching out to informal educators, seeking leads for an online quiz > platform. I manage a bike education class, and am looking to reformat to a > remote-learning model. If you have had positive experience with any online > platforms for quizzes, I’d love to hear about it. > > > > Features that help: > > · Can host videos and quizzes on the same platform. > > · Has a reporting tool so admin can see quiz results. > > · Can randomize questions from a large set. > > · Can be free or paid format. > > > > Thanks for your help, > > David > > > > > > David Coppley > > Walk n’ Roll Program Assistant > > Intercity Transit > > 360-705-5817 (office) > > 360-701-8379 (cell) > > PO Box 659 Olympia, WA 98501 > > dcoppley(a)intercitytransit.com > > Follow us on Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/WalkNRollIT/> & Instagram > <https://www.instagram.com/walknrollit/> > > > > [image: WalkNRoll_HZ_RGB] > > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > -- Heather Nugen She/Her 313-848-2102 University of Detroit Mercy, Class of 2019 Master of Community Development <http://architecture.udmercy.edu/programs/mcd>

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Leads for online quiz platform?
by David Coppley 28 Jul '20

28 Jul '20

Greetings bike folks, I'm reaching out to informal educators, seeking leads for an online quiz platform. I manage a bike education class, and am looking to reformat to a remote-learning model. If you have had positive experience with any online platforms for quizzes, I'd love to hear about it. Features that help: * Can host videos and quizzes on the same platform. * Has a reporting tool so admin can see quiz results. * Can randomize questions from a large set. * Can be free or paid format. Thanks for your help, David David Coppley Walk n' Roll Program Assistant Intercity Transit 360-705-5817 (office) 360-701-8379 (cell) PO Box 659 Olympia, WA 98501 dcoppley(a)intercitytransit.com<mailto:dcoppley@intercitytransit.com> Follow us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/WalkNRollIT/> & Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/walknrollit/> [WalkNRoll_HZ_RGB]

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More Results From the Safe and Effective Shop Operations Workshop
by Robert Grossman 24 Jul '20

24 Jul '20

Hi Everyone, Here are some of the possible solutions that were put together by participants during the Safe and Effective Shop Operations Workshop. Thank you for your patience with me getting these out while I finish my last Masters class. These are based around the three categories of Volunteer Management, Capacity for Providing Services, and Safe operations. It considers what services can be offered, the activities involved, and the cultural context. *VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT* - *More emails for volunteers * - Separate from full list - *Sending home bikes for repair with experienced volunteers* - Distributive model: have "certified" volunteers who can do some repairs/ bike distribution in their neighborhoods - Being okay doing less, but with more effort - Different volunteers have different comfort/saftey levels. Making sure the most vulnerable/concerned are protected - Tool Library - *Assigned Contributions* - People used to be able to choose where they wanted to contribute but choices are limited due to health/safety and various concerns/needs around what health and safety is *ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY FOR DELIVERING SERVICES* - *Fixing bikes for people without fees* (fundraiser helped) - No more than three mechanics opposed to 8. Fourth person is the greeter or bouncer. - Limited advertising for fear of being overwhelmed - *Come back to mission statement for guidance or to pivot* - *Online live classes* - Focus on certain aspects of bike such as derailleur adjustment, etc. - Alternative to Zoom: Jitsi <- open source, Google Meet (These all have call-in function with regular phone) - Online is easy for people with means to reliable internet and smartphones / computer - *"Zoom Shift" * - Open q&a time for community members - Podcast has a lower barrier to access than Zoom? - concerns about equity - some ppl have more access and understanding of online tools than others *SAFE SHOP OPERATIONS* - *Offering pay-for-service repairs rather than DIY* - With transit shut down in some places, more people are biking. - Dr & Nurses get a discounted rate. - Cleaning in evening. - Sanitizing rentals between customers. Or let them sit for a few days. - repair service can be on sliding scale - *Only key volunteers allowed in shop* - Not accepting new volunteers - *Programming changes* - Summer camp canceled or reduced People are worried about what's happening and what's going to happen in future / fall. Especially in the US. That's totally understandable. It might be best if your organization spent an hour or two building scenarios of what the future might look like to assist with planning. Here's an article talking about how to do it https://www.wired.com/1995/11/how-to-build-scenarios/. Please reach out if you have any questions. Hang in there. You've all got this. -- Robert Grossman www.robertgrossmandesign.com https://twitter.com/rgrossmandesign https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertgrossman7 <https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgrossman7> https://www.flickr.com/photos/robkeebler/albums

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How is your bike co-op supporting racial justice? // ¿Como están apoyando la justicia racial en su colectivo?
by Aida Mas Baghaie 17 Jul '20

17 Jul '20

---- Español a continuación ---- Hey buds, We've been chatting about ways to support racial justice, indigenous sovereignty & the revolution through our work at the Bike Kitchen, and we were hoping to hear about what you're all doing these days. Some questions that have come up during our conversations include: - How can bike co-ops support movements for racial justice & indigenous sovereignty in a meaningful and sustained way? - Are you fundraising/donating money, if so how and for whom? - Are you providing low barrier repair services, bikes, etc.? Are you doing this at protests/rallies/actions? If so, what COVID precautions are you taking? - How are you communicating your support? (i.e. are you reaching out directly to organizers to offer free repairs, fundraising, etc.? Are you writing statements of support?) - How are you ensuring that the work you're doing is serving these movements without becoming a burden/co-opting the movement? - Would you be interested in participating in a virtual conversation about this? Really interested to hear what everyone's been up to. Sending you all much love, support and solidarity. <3 aida ---- Español ---- Hola amigxs, Hemos estado charlando sobre formas de apoyar la justicia racial, la soberanía indígena y la revolución a través de nuestro trabajo en el Bike Kitchen, y nos gustaría saber qué están haciendo ustedes. Aquí les dejo algunas preguntas que surgieron: - ¿Cómo podemos apoyar los movimientos por la justicia racial y soberanía indígena de forma sostenida? - ¿Están recaudando fondos / donando dinero / bicicletas, etc.? ¿Para quién? - ¿Están reparando bicicletas en manifestaciones? ¿Qué precauciones está tomando en cuanto a COVID? - ¿Cómo están comunicando su apoyo? (es decir, ¿están contactando directamente a los organizadores de movimientos sociales para ofrecer bicis gratuitas, recaudación de fondos, etc.? ¿Están escribiendo declaraciones de apoyo? - ¿Cómo se aseguran de que el trabajo que están haciendo sirva a estos movimientos sin convertirse en una carga / cooptar el movimiento? - ¿Te interesaría participar en una conversación virtual sobre esto? Tengo muchas ganas de escuchar y aprender de sus experiencias. Les envío mucho amor, apoyo y solidaridad. <3 aida

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Trends and Insights from the Safe & Effective Operations Workshop
by Robert Grossman 16 Jul '20

16 Jul '20

Hello Everyone Here are some of the trends that came up around Safe Operations from the discussions held during the Safe & Effective Shop Operations Workshop held on June 12th. These came from over twenty different organizations across the United States, Canada, and Australia. This is just one part of what was discussed. Stay tuned as there are still info around Volunteer Management, Capacity for Providing Purposes to come, and more. *SAFE OPERATIONS * BUSINESS SHIFTS - Online sales & Instruction - Pricing changes - Rethinking of business models IDEAS FOR THE FUTURE - Making shops mobile PEOPLE MANAGEMENT - Utilizing appointment systems - Focusing more on the local community - Fewer people coming to the shop - Some shops need more staff to meet demand SAFETY PRACTICES - Some shops are working with health officials to build best practices - Protocols for prioritizing individual and group health - Enhanced clean-up & disinfection practices - Rethinking airflow (HVAC, fans, swamp coolers) - Personal protective equipment (gloves & masks) - Distancing - Some shops are not allowing customers inside *INSIGHTS* - Organizations are going to need an online component to stay relevant - Organizations without a clear vision to fall back are going to suffer harder - Re-opening as business-as-usual is going to lead to virus spread That's all for now. Hope everyone is healthy. All the best, -- Robert Grossman www.robertgrossmandesign.com https://twitter.com/rgrossmandesign https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertgrossman7 <https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgrossman7> https://www.flickr.com/photos/robkeebler/albums

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Capacity for Providing Services Trends & Insights from Safe Shop Operations Workshop (Robert Grossman)
by Geoffrey Smart 13 Jul '20

13 Jul '20

Hi All I was unable to join that session and appreciate you writing up the findings. I would add that we made the following observations at a recent Zoom meeting that seem to be in accord with those observations. We are experiencing less diversity in the workshop for 2 almost opposite reasons We had to exclude some people due to their refusal to take social distancing seriously. Women who are already a minority have mainly self excluded due to their perception of the risk of attending. One of our women has volunteered to reach out to volunteers who have not attended recently and encourage them to attend. We just entered partial lockdown again so this has not helped. Geoff Smart Back2Bikes <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Virus-free. www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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Capacity for Providing Services Trends & Insights from Safe Shop Operations Workshop
by Robert Grossman 10 Jul '20

10 Jul '20

Hello Everyone, Here are some of the trends and insights around Capacity for Providing Services from the Safe and Effective Shop Operations Workshop. *CAPACITY FOR PROVIDING SERVICES* *Challenges* - Trend: Shops are facing an increased need from their communities while facing major internal challenges to be able to safely help - Examples: Not all volunteers have access to digital resources, airflow, and more people moving to bicycles transportation alternative - Insight: An inaccessible resource is not a resource *Tech Interventions* - Trend: Shops are moving services online - Examples: Online stores, repair videos, volunteer management Systems, and Zoom calls for repair help - Insight: Moving to digital excludes community members *Possible New Ways of Working* - Trend: Shops are being more structured about who is in the shop and when - Examples: Not allowing members with at-risk family, alternate hours shifts, limiting time spent in shop, and having customers wait outside - Trend: Shops are limiting their capacity for work to reduce transmission risk - Examples: Reduced hours, reduced amount of stations, elimination of drop-in hours - Insight: Shop staff are becoming pods Hope this can help your organizations consider how they are operating and in making decisions. Hang in there. -- Robert Grossman www.robertgrossmandesign.com https://twitter.com/rgrossmandesign https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertgrossman7 <https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgrossman7> https://www.flickr.com/photos/robkeebler/albums

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Volunteer Management Trends and Insights from the Safe Shop Operations Workshop
by Robert Grossman 08 Jul '20

08 Jul '20

Hello Everyone, Here are some more of the trends and insights around volunteer management from the Safe and Effective Shop Operations Workshop. *VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT* *Technology Intervention* - Trend: Shops are managing volunteers through digital platforms - Examples: CSI, Mailchimp, Zoom - Insight: Technology gap will cut off key volunteers - Insight: Shops not embracing digital tools will have more work cut out for them *Challenges* - Trend: There are fewer volunteers who are comfortable coming into the shops to help - Insight: Shops who operate indoors are a health hazard to volunteers - Insight: Leadership who are doing all the communication and setting up digital tools for volunteers are not using their time effectively. *New Ways of Working* - Trend: Shops are limiting volunteers in their shops - Examples: Some shops are keeping their volunteers outdoors to guide traffic or do repairs - Insight: Social distanced volunteers inside shops are a health risk -- Robert Grossman www.robertgrossmandesign.com https://twitter.com/rgrossmandesign https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertgrossman7 <https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgrossman7> https://www.flickr.com/photos/robkeebler/albums

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Wheel sizing system?
by Katheryn L 06 Jul '20

06 Jul '20

Hi all, Katheryn from the Bike Kitchen in Windsor, Ontario here! Question for the community shop hive: does anyone have any ideas for effective and accurate systems for sizing wheels in your shop? We’ve got piles of used wheels with no markings or tires to identify them with that often get mislabelled (most commonly a 700c and 27x1 1/4 mixup) which is causing issues when we resell them. Does your shop have a sizing system that is easy to use for students or volunteers without much technical knowledge to size and sort wheels with? Pictures would be appreciated if you’ve got a physical setup. Thanks in advance! Katheryn Loewen Program Director and Lead Mechanic The Bike Kitchen

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PT Volunteer Coordinator in Portland, OR
by Angel York 06 Jul '20

06 Jul '20

The North Portland Tool Library is hiring a part-time volunteer coordinator. Job description and application at: http://northportlandtoollibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Volunteer-Co…

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 166, Issue 2
by Lawrence Mohammed 02 Jul '20

02 Jul '20

Blimey Josh...not in the US but what has been going on there, triggered by George Floyd's death, has lit a fuse around the world and (thankfully) we're seeing a lot of structural injustices being highlighted and examined right now. re: "the Mechanical Gardens' visible support for and engagement with the BLM movement makes us unappealing to insurers. Carriers consider BLM and, I quote, "the whole George Floyd thing" to be a "touchy" and "hot button issue" (these are actual quotes from brokers! wtf!) and thus our involvement makes us an unattractive risk to take on." I'm making the assumption that the Mechanical Gardens have a code of conduct or policy that states your non-negotiable values and is aligned for the greater good, community building and non-violence?...personally, I'd seek out another Insurer who shares your values...or....if you feel the EDC's values are closely aligned with your own, I'd also share the challenge with them...maybe they could recommend an Insurer or share a statement of solidarity that could act as leverage? I'd also lean into rather than away from the Insurer/s who've stated this to find out more. Insurance is all about risk after all. Aligning with all those who support racial equality and justice should be less risky, not more so. I'd frame every conversation in terms of risk and what is being done to mititgate that risk Warmest regards, *Lawrence Mohammed* Director & Head Mechanic Pro Bike Service C.I.C. *+44 (0)77 222 58587* *probikeservice.co.uk <https://probikeservice.co.uk>* *facebook.com/probikeservice <https://www.facebook.com/professionalbikeservice>* /[Location, NOT delivery address] Pro Bike Service C.I.C. Multi-Storey Car Park Lesney Avenue Olympic Park London E20 3BS *map location <https://what3words.com/upset.habit.funds>* / On 02/07/2020 21:03, thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org wrote: > the Mechanical Gardens' visible support for and engagement with the > BLM movement makes us unappealing to insurers. Carriers consider BLM > and, I quote, "the whole George Floyd thing" to be a "touchy" and "hot > button issue" (these are actual quotes from brokers! wtf!) and thus > our involvement makes us an unattractive risk to take on.

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Insurance Woes, Continued!
by Josh Bisker 01 Jul '20

01 Jul '20

I mentioned an insurance conundrum a couple weeks ago, and it hasn't worked itself out; now I'm at the "calling all ships" stage -- please give a gander below. *Also a new turn in the story: structural racism!* Brokers have told us that getting a new insurance policy in NYC is especially hard right now, not only because of COVID, but also because of all the Black Lives Matter activity here. They said told that the Mechanical Gardens' visible support for and engagement with the BLM movement makes us unappealing to insurers. Carriers consider BLM and, I quote, "the whole George Floyd thing" to be a "touchy" and "hot button issue" (these are actual quotes from brokers! wtf!) and thus our involvement makes us an unattractive risk to take on. In other words, our denial from the insurance industry is a manifestation of systemic, structural racism, and it's erecting an unjust barrier to bike equity. *The short story:* We're on the threshold of a deal for space with a powerful city agency, the EDC, but we can't proceed b/c we don't have insurance. And we can't get insurance b/d we're in NYC and seem like a risk. *The solution we're seeking right now* is for another organization to add the Mechanical Gardens as an "additional named insured" to their current general commercial liability insurance policy; in that capacity, we would be able to add the EDC as a temporary insured party for the two-week pilot we're trying with them. An alternative: for an organization to just temporarily add both the Mechanical Gardens and the EDC to their policy in the manner the EDC stipulates in their contract for the duration of this 2wk program. If your coverage goes up, we'd pay the difference. *SO: *Any ideas, and/or any takers? *The longer story: *Right now the Mechanical Gardens has hit a wall, right at the threshold of an amazing opportunity. We've been negotiating with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, a hugely powerful quasi-public agency in NYC, for space to stage this <https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/projects/145159-mechanical-gardens-bik…>. The EDC is offering us space to pilot the program: two weeks to train volunteers to build 50 bikes (donated new from Kent), that the EDC will then send to hospital workers at at the front lines of COVID-19. For this pilot, we're hiring a group of BIPOC LGBTQ youths from a local ride club as apprentice mechanics, teaching them basic wrenching skills that will prepare them for resilient bike industry jobs and for community resiliency actions. The program will be sensational, and address a complexity of social justice goals all at once. *But: we're in a bind.* Our nonprofit fiscal sponsor, the Alliance for Global Justice, no longer provides insurance for our operation, but the EDC needs us to have insurance, and needs to be temporarily added to the policy themselves, as stipulated in the draft agreement they sent over. We are hitting a brick wall trying to procure local coverage for ourselves. This all is time-critical, because our program with the EDC cannot go forward unless we have the ability to show them insurance and add them as a named party on the policy. Nonprofits are shying away, insurers are effectively blacklisting us, commercial shops are punting, and we're running low on options. This could be a tremendous opportunity to contribute valuably and substantively to the movement for black equity and social justice in NYC, and to further help universalize bike riding for all New Yorkers. Halp. I'm available and eager to talk about any solutions we might have: 914-500-9890 xo Josh Josh Bisker 914-500-9890 New York Mechanical Gardens Bike Co-op <http://bikecoop.nyc/> 596 Acres <http://596acres.org/> Bindlestiff Family Cirkus <http://bindlestiff.org/>

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Selling Bikes Via Online ; Thethinktank Digest, Vol 165, Issue 10
by Robert Rands 29 Jun '20

29 Jun '20

Does any one have suggestions for selling bikes online? Using eBay or another format? An ecommerce platform? Using local pickup. ~Robert Rands, SoPo Bicycle Coöperative, Reynoldstown (Atlanta) www.sopobikes.org On Saturday, June 13, 2020, 08:04:06 PM UTC, <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: If You Are Signed Up for Fridays Workshop (Kevin Dwyer) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2020 15:05:30 -0600 From: Kevin Dwyer <kevidwyer(a)gmail.com> To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] If You Are Signed Up for Fridays Workshop Message-ID: <CADX0RX9D3op1BYobyf88WkQZiw32TkLHwPYaad62_4n7U1jXLA(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" Thanks for setting up the meeting and the thought provoking content. Our local trails group developed the attached document for bicycle retailers in conjunction with the SLCo Health Department. Thanks for your great work. Kevin On Fri, Jun 12, 2020 at 12:02 PM <rgrossman7(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Yes. Zoom opens at 2:45 Central time. Workshop starts at 3pm. > > The Freehand link takes us to where the work will be done. We will be > using both Zoom and Freehand at the same time. > > Sent from my iPhone > > On Jun 12, 2020, at 12:17 PM, Chlo? Rose <winter.snowy.rose(a)gmail.com> > wrote: > > ? > It sounds like you're in the waiting room and that you'll be admitted to > the meeting by the host. > > On Fri., Jun. 12, 2020, 13:15 Jim Bledsoe, <gamesbledsoe(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> i am on the zoom link and only seeing charts and circles >> is there something i need to do? >> >> On Thu, Jun 11, 2020 at 11:56 PM Robert Grossman <rgrossman7(a)gmail.com> >> wrote: >> >>> Check your emails for the new Zoom Link. It may have ended up in your >>> spam folder. >>> >>> -- >>> Robert Grossman >>> www.robertgrossmandesign.com >>> https://twitter.com/rgrossmandesign >>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertgrossman7 >>> <https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgrossman7> >>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/robkeebler/albums >>> ____________________________________ >>> >>> 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… > >

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Back2Bikes, Melbourne Australia is s advertising for Workshop Manager Job sharing
by Geoffrey Smart 29 Jun '20

29 Jun '20

Hi Everyone, If anyone is reading this in Australia and knows of any suitable people needing a position in these difficult times I invite them to apply for the above mentioned position Details of the position are listed in the attached document. For those who do not know you need to be in Australia already as there is no entry for non residents for the foreseeable future. We continue to work but with less volunteers to achieve social distancing and with very strict entry and cleaning regimes. The demand for our services has increased enormously over the last few months. We would look very favourably on someone who is not currently eligible for the government Jobkeeper or Jobseeker schemes given they have the skills necessary for the position. Regards Geoff Smart Back2Bikes

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Outdoor public repair stands
by Kim Schaffer 26 Jun '20

26 Jun '20

Hi all, Has anyone had success with installing and maintaining outdoor repair stations in your community? I am interested in exploring what it would mean to install outside our bike shops, and I am understandably hearing concerns around vandalism/required upkeep. Thank you for any thoughts! Kim Schaffer ******************************* Kim Schaffer, Executive Director Community Bike Works www.communitybikeworks.org cell: 484.554.8971 [cid:image002.png@01D63FE8.C9116010]

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