- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Fwd: Job Opportunity: Executive Director, Charlie's FreeWheels
by Alix Aylen 20 Jan '20

20 Jan '20

Hey thinktank pals! Charlie's is looking for a new Executive Director! I've decided to take a step back and will be working with our team to fill this position. It's a great way to strengthen your non-profit/charity skills and to spread the good word about community bike spaces in Toronto! Our team is looking for someone with project management, administrative and fundraising experience (any level or combination thereof). Experience working/volunteering with community bike spaces/projects is considered as a HUGE asset for this position. Check out the posting for more information, and please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. www.CharliesFreeWheels.ca/jobs <http://www.charliesfreewheels.ca/jobs> And spread the word! *Alix Aylen (she/her)* Executive Director Charlie's FreeWheels 242.5 Queen Street E. M5A 1S3 Toronto, Ontario t. 416-856-5510 www.charliesfreewheels.ca Sign up for our newsletter <http://charliesfreewheels.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=796baa6919ab0f3b6…> Get more young people on bikes! Click here to donate to Charlies' FreeWheels. <https://www.charliesfreewheels.ca/donate/> ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Charlie's FreeWheels <alix(a)charliesfreewheels.ca> Date: Mon, Jan 20, 2020 at 3:04 PM Subject: Job Opportunity: Executive Director, Charlie's FreeWheels To: <alix(a)charliesfreewheels.ca> Our team is looking for a new Executive Director! After working with Charlie's FreeWheels for four years, Alix Aylen is taking a step back from the Executive Director position and is looking forward to working with the team to find a new person to take on this role. Alix will continue to serve as Executive Director until a new candidate has been selected. Our ideal candidate is exceptionally well organized and equally comfortable working with youth, staff, and donors. They will enjoy both the details of running an effective small organization as well as the strategic and creative activities involved in achieving our mission. CFW is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and encourages and prioritizes applications from people identifying as Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, LGBTQ2S and present or previous residents of Regent Park, Moss Park & St. James Town. The full posting can be found on our website: CharliesFreeWheels.ca/Jobs <https://charliesfreewheels.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=796baa6919ab0f…> Deadline to apply is February 7, 2020 at 5pm! Please help us to spread the word! All the best! *Alix *&* the Charlie's FreeWheels team* [image: Twitter] <https://charliesfreewheels.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=796baa6919ab0f…> [image: Facebook] <https://charliesfreewheels.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=796baa6919ab0f…> [image: Website] <http://www.charliesfreewheels.ca> *Copyright © Charlie's FreeWheels, All rights reserved.* *Our mailing address is:* 242.5 Queen St. E, Toronto, ON, M5A 1S3 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences <https://charliesfreewheels.us3.list-manage.com/profile?u=796baa6919ab0f3b6a…> or unsubscribe from this list <https://charliesfreewheels.us3.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=796baa6919ab0f…> This email was sent to alix(a)charliesfreewheels.ca *why did I get this?* <https://charliesfreewheels.us3.list-manage.com/about?u=796baa6919ab0f3b6ac6…> unsubscribe from this list <https://charliesfreewheels.us3.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=796baa6919ab0f…> update subscription preferences <https://charliesfreewheels.us3.list-manage.com/profile?u=796baa6919ab0f3b6a…> Charlie's FreeWheels · 242.5 Queen Street East · Toronto, ON M5A 1S3 · Canada [image: Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp] <http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…>

1 0

Re: [TheThinkTank] Visioning Meetings
by mist＠strans.org 09 Jan '20

09 Jan '20

Hi, In 2016, we crafted a long range, big picture vision when we took on the task of buying a 2 acre property with a 28,000 sq ft building in the heart of Missoula. (we raised the down payment outright with cash donations, then assembled 8 tenants to cover the mortgage) We had many pot lucks, round tables and one on one conversations. Then our two main staff (myself and our programs director, Emily) spent a bunch of time sifting, sorting, editing, re-dreaming; the 4 page doc is found here: http://www.freecycles.org/vision we update it every year or so (it's due once again for revision as time/people/energy change) It's focused on expanding our basic Free Cycles programs (Open Shop, Build a Bike), adding new programs (a hostel, learning center, bike share), our advocacy efforts (bikeways, roundabouts, road diets, sustainable paving) and also the dream of going off-grid, carbon neutral, no fossil fuels, and local and healthy materials to retrofit the building. the doc is brief, and our plan is to take on pieces as we can, expanding the pieces with work plans and rough budgets happy to talk more to anyone via mist(a)strans.org or 406.830.7676 -Bob Giordano, director, Free Cycles, MIST Quoting Alysia Herr <alysiaherr(a)gmail.com>: > Hi buds, > > I'm with Kickstand Community Bikes, a volunteer-run space in Vancouver, BC. > We're in the midst of some big changes: a shop move, general increase in > volunteer-time, and increase in shop user-ship. All good things, but we've > decided that it's probably time for visioning meeting. However, it turns > out folks have some different ideas about what this means. I have my own > ideas, but I haven't participated in this sort of meeting before, so I'm > not sure how to build a framework to make this exercise useful. > > Has anyone participated in a Visioning Meeting for their organization? What > did it look like? Specifically, what was the scope and what were the goals? > Who facilitated the meeting? How many people attended? What did you > accomplish? If anyone has an agenda or outline they could share, I'd > appreciate it. > > Thanks! > > Alysia

2 1

Whole Sale Accounts - JBI
by momoko saunders 07 Jan '20

07 Jan '20

Hey all, I've been chatting with a lead sales rep from JBI regarding the troubles some bike collectives have in securing whole sale accounts. He was super sympathetic and wanted to see how he could help smooth over the process. Any of you all needing help in this regard? Is this still an issue? I know QBP is hard, but has anyone ever tried JBI and had issues? Feel free to DM me. I can send your contact to the rep so he can help facilitate an account creations. Cheers, -Momoko

6 5

Visioning Meetings
by Alysia Herr 07 Jan '20

07 Jan '20

Hi buds, I'm with Kickstand Community Bikes, a volunteer-run space in Vancouver, BC. We're in the midst of some big changes: a shop move, general increase in volunteer-time, and increase in shop user-ship. All good things, but we've decided that it's probably time for visioning meeting. However, it turns out folks have some different ideas about what this means. I have my own ideas, but I haven't participated in this sort of meeting before, so I'm not sure how to build a framework to make this exercise useful. Has anyone participated in a Visioning Meeting for their organization? What did it look like? Specifically, what was the scope and what were the goals? Who facilitated the meeting? How many people attended? What did you accomplish? If anyone has an agenda or outline they could share, I'd appreciate it. Thanks! Alysia

6 7

Transition to trusted volunteer
by Gordon Hamachi 04 Jan '20

04 Jan '20

Dennis: I am with the Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange. We have an explicit conflict of interest policy designed to prevent volunteers at any level from profiting from their volunteer activities. Removing the incentive of personal financial gain helps to see that volunteers are taking more responsibility for the right reasons. Our shop leadership is mostly self-selected volunteers who show up at our steering committee meetings that happen every other month. From this additional time commitment and willingness to take action items it quickly becomes evident who is a committed and trusted volunteer. Responsible leaders are developed, not born. You should be taking steps to meet and get to know the volunteers to decide which ones you trust. Remember their names. Make them feel welcome, continually remind them of your shop’s goals and organizing principles. Invite them to incrementally assume more responsibility. I got drawn into a leadership role at my shop when I observed how hard our leader was working, and asked if there was something I could do to help share the burden.

3 3

Re: [TheThinkTank] Examples of free-standing bike storage
by BikeConcord 03 Jan '20

03 Jan '20

Here is our rack. We remove pedals and turn handlebars. Best regards and Happy pedaling! “Smitty” (S. M. Ardrey) Community Outreach & Bike Kitchen Coordinator a.k.a. The Instigator (925)285-1814 BikeConcord.org Facebook: BikeConcord Bike Concord's nonprofit 501(c) 3 sponsor is Bike East Bay BikeEastBay.org >> On Jan 2, 2020, at 5:21 PM, Gordon Hamachi <gordon.hamachi(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > David: > > Here is a link to my free standing, low cost bike rack design, with notes on construction. I designed it for space-efficient storage of the bikes in my garage, with access to any bike. Fence posts provide a frame to hang bikes vertically from hooks. The flat top deck is good for storage. > > The linked page contains designs for a number of different bike racks by various people. In case the link doesn't take you to the start of my vertical design when viewed in your browser, scroll vertically to the middle of the page or search for "Bike Rack 2.0". > > https://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/1221/diy-wooden-bike-rack-look… > >> >> >> From: David Coppley <DCoppley(a)intercitytransit.com> >> Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2020 18:18:55 +0000 >> >> >> I need to build some free-standing bike storage for our bike program. I have a large open space for storage, and am looking to fit more bikes in the space. >> >> >> >> Please share photos and designs for bike racks that… >> >> >> >> * Stand on their own, without support or attachment to walls >> >> * Hold 10 or more bikes each >> >> * Bonus points for frugality >> > ____________________________________ > > The ThinkTank mailing List > > Unsubscribe from this list here: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o…

1 0

Examples of free-standing bike storage
by David Coppley 03 Jan '20

03 Jan '20

Hey all, I'm just looking to get some inspiration from the hive-mind of two-wheeled do-gooders. I need to build some free-standing bike storage for our bike program. I have a large open space for storage, and am looking to fit more bikes in the space. Please share photos and designs for bike racks that... * Stand on their own, without support or attachment to walls * Hold 10 or more bikes each * Bonus points for frugality Thanks in advance everyone, 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]

4 3

Re: [TheThinkTank] Examples of free-standing bike storage
by Gordon Hamachi 02 Jan '20

02 Jan '20

David: Here is a link to my free standing, low cost bike rack design, with notes on construction. I designed it for space-efficient storage of the bikes in my garage, with access to any bike. Fence posts provide a frame to hang bikes vertically from hooks. The flat top deck is good for storage. The linked page contains designs for a number of different bike racks by various people. In case the link doesn't take you to the start of my vertical design when viewed in your browser, scroll vertically to the middle of the page or search for "Bike Rack 2.0". https://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/1221/diy-wooden-bike-rack-look… > > From: David Coppley <DCoppley(a)intercitytransit.com> > Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2020 18:18:55 +0000 > > > > I need to build some free-standing bike storage for our bike program. I > have a large open space for storage, and am looking to fit more bikes in > the space. > > > > Please share photos and designs for bike racks that… > > > > * Stand on their own, without support or attachment to walls > > * Hold 10 or more bikes each > > * Bonus points for frugality > > >

2 1

Boise Bicycle Project is hiring a Bike Shop Manager
by Emily Summerhays 02 Jan '20

02 Jan '20

Interested in moving to an incredible bicycling community and really rad spot for outdoor recreation?! Boise Bicycle Project is hiring a Bike Shop Manager. Priority will be given to applications received by January 7. Review the job description and application instructions here: https://www.boisebicycleproject.org/bbpexperience/bike-manager Cheers! Emily -- Emily Thompson Summerhays Director of Operations Boise Bicycle Project 1027 S. Lusk Street Boise, Idaho 83702 208.429.6520 boisebicycleproject.org https://youtu.be/D-v5vS-03gk?t=8s

1 0

Transition to trusted volunteer
by Dennis Wollersheim 28 Dec '19

28 Dec '19

our organisation is having difficulty cultivating trusted volunteers. Our mission and circumstances is very appealling, so we attract many new volunteers, but we have a dearth of people transitioning to trusted volunteer status. Also, the allure of personal gain trends to attract problematic, opportunistic types, to the leadership position,although this may be a peculiarly Australian problem given our convict/colonist background. I understand that not everyone takes up the vocation, it is a choice with what one does with their spare time. What are the circumstances / structure that your organisation has to support your lead volunteers? On a personal note, what prompted to to take up the mantle of leadership? What keeps you doing it? Thanks Dennis

2 1

Hiring Bike Shop Manager in Everett, WA
by Kristin Kinnamon 23 Dec '19

23 Dec '19

Sharing Wheels is looking for an experienced bike mechanic to partner with our new executive director to manage, grow and develop our non-profit community bike shop in Everett, WA. Everett is a small city north of Seattle with a growing bike, music and arts culture. Sharing Wheels has been around since 2002. Please share our Shop Manager Job Post <http://sharingwheels.org/jobs/>. The next review of applications is Jan. 4. -- Kristin Kinnamon Sharing Wheels Community Bike Shop, board president B.I.K.E.S. Club of Snohomish County, past president McClinchy Mile Bike Ride, volunteer 425-923-7868 (personal cell)

1 0

Pedal powered machine designs?
by Carlyn Arteaga 23 Dec '19

23 Dec '19

Buenos dias, Think Tankers! It's been awhile since I've chatted with y'all, but this really seemed like the place to go to ask my question of the day. =) Do any of you have a design for a kid-friendly/interactive machine made from bike parts? I'm thinkin anything from a marble machine to a pedal powered machine that throws water balloons. We do have a few fun things here already, but I was tryna look online to beef up our outreach game, especially for engaging youth. Please let me know if your spot has cool machines you love to bring to outreach events! Gracias, ~Car -- *Carlyn Arteaga* *pronouns: they/them/theirs* Youth Program Coordinator *BICAS* 2001 N. 7th Ave. | Tucson, AZ 85701 | Shop: 520-628-7950 carlyn.arteaga(a)bicas.org | www.bicas.org | Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/bicascollective/> | Instagram <http://www.instagram.com/bicastucson/> *Through advocacy and bicycle salvage, our mission is to participate in affordable bicycle transportation, education, and creative recycling with our greater Tucson community.*

4 3

BikeEnomics class for high school
by BikeConcord 22 Dec '19

22 Dec '19

My friend is a teacher at a local high school. He would like to once a week teach bike mechanics as part of his Economics class. Any ideas on how to tie bike mechanics into the curriculum of a high school economics class? Best regards and Happy pedaling! “Smitty” (S. M. Ardrey) Community Outreach & Bike Kitchen Coordinator a.k.a. The Instigator BikeConcord.org Facebook: BikeConcord Bike Concord's nonprofit 501(c) 3 sponsor is Bike East Bay BikeEastBay.org

2 2

Free Crown Race Puller
by Tegan Moss [B!KE] 12 Dec '19

12 Dec '19

Does anyone want a crown race puller? Finish is damaged a bit and one jaw will eventually need to be replaced as its cracking. Happy to ship to anyone willing to pay shipping or drop it off in Toronto sometime.

2 1

Shift Calendar
by Gabriel Trainer 11 Dec '19

11 Dec '19

Hello, Bike Farm is looking to keep an ongoing monthly shift calendar to keep track of who has signed up for a volunteer shift and which shifts need help. It would need to be viewable and editable by anyone. Does anyone know of something besides Google spreadsheets or calendar that would work for this purpose? Thanks for the help, Gabriel

9 13

Re: [TheThinkTank] Example of Nonprofit + Commercial Shop Synergy?
by Gordon Hamachi 01 Dec '19

01 Dec '19

My nonprofit gets old bikes, used parts and unsold merchandise given to us by local bike shops. Evidently when customers purchase new bikes they ask the bike shop to dispose of their old one. Sometimes partially good merchandise comes as part of warranty returns. For example, I got a high end Mavic road wheel set where the rear rim failed but the front wheel and both hubs were fine. Other times shops donate obsolete merchandise with limited value. For example, I got some old rear hubs with power meters built in, that I have not been able to sell on eBay, because the required receiver is not included. Establishing and maintaining a good flow of items requires someone who is friendly and outgoing. Ideally, this contact person stops by regularly to see if the bike shop has any donations available for our non-profit. —Gordon Hamachi Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange Palo Alto, California

2 1

Winter Riding Workshops (‘Tis the Season)
by Ainsley Naylor 01 Dec '19

01 Dec '19

Hi all! Many of us in the Northern Hemisphere are getting geared up for Winter and have winter-riding workshops planned for our communities. I’ve had difficulty finding any examples of useful HANDOUTS (pamphlets, zines, etc.) that have been created for the participants of these workshops. Because winter riding can be affected by personal needs and preferences I’ve found it hard to create a handout that isn’t focussed on *one person’s idea of the best way to do it*. If you’ve got one please share it (and consider adding it to the Wiki somewhere?) so other folks can use it for inspiration :) Thanks! Ainsley (Toronto)

4 4

Example of Nonprofit + Commercial Shop Synergy?
by Josh Bisker 28 Nov '19

28 Nov '19

Hey who's got a great example or model of a nonprofit shop and a for-profit shop getting along well and it all working to everyone's benefit? Not a two-in-one model, but a symbiotic relationship between two shops, like maybe on the same block or something. Plz? 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/>

7 6

Congrats México City for getting B!B! 2020
by wormsign＠gmail.com 23 Nov '19

23 Nov '19

Congrats to Mexico City for being chosen to host Bike!Bike! 2020. Vamos a DF! Enzo Loconte

3 2

Re: [TheThinkTank] BIKEBIKE BOYCOTT
by Heather Nugen 22 Nov '19

22 Nov '19

Alright, y'all. Again. Getting a little bit out of control and hyperbolic in here. I'm going to try to keep my patience and my calm as I attempt to unpack this stuff and manage some folks' expectations. 1) We were very temporary guests of Enclave Caracol and Bicis Dicidentes. It behooves us to hold onto some humility as guests, in a foreign place, largely as foreigners, before we react and make allegations about policies that are ultimately not ours to make or enforce. It's fine if we disagree but we need to keep in mind that those were not, and are not, our spaces and it is not for us to apply pressure to change those spaces to better suit ourselves. 2) We don't need to speak for Eric. Eric's worth or merit is an individual is not under question here. Eric is an adult man who, if he wanted, is certainly empowered and able to speak on his own behalf if he so desires. As far as I can tell, after Eric disclosed his background in whatever context that became relevant and was asked to leave-- he agreed to leave and did so peacefully and respectfully. To my knowledge, and the knowledge shared by the people on this list, Eric was able to respect the values and practices of Enclave Caracol and Bicis Dicidentes-- even though they resulted in him not being able to participate at this years BikeBike. Yes, after he traveled all that way. It's a real shame, and I feel for Eric's hardship and hope that he was alright and able to enjoy what he could of his time off and return to his home safely. This is also a risk all of us take anytime we travel anywhere-- any set of circumstances could change or become known to us that requires us to leave a pre-planned event, injury, illness, a person disagreement or dispute, a mismatch of values-- these things happen sometimes, and this isn't the first time someone has been asked to leave a BikeBike or that someone has been asked to leave a DIY/DIT bike space-- we all have different policies and expectations in our shops and we have all been placed in the undesirable and difficult position of asking someone to leave-- and sometimes we have had to weather backlash and various allegations for standing up for our principles. Lets try to remember our own personal experiences with how difficult standing up for our principles and practicing our values can be as we process our emotions about this event. 3) BikeBike is not an organization. BikeBike does not have a board, it doesn't have staff. It is best known as a kind of temporary autonomous zone <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temporary_Autonomous_Zone>, which many people voluntarily work very hard to make happen, year after year, to the best of their abilities, navigating a non-homogeneous network of cultures, practices, expectations, values, and languages. It doesn't have codified policies or practices, and for practical reasons leaves a lot of the detail work up to the hosts. Is that an imperfect system? Does that result in undesirable experiences and outcomes sometimes? To me, at least, that is part of the practice-- part of the learning experience that is social justice work. BikeBike has current organizers/hosts, and it has past organizers and hosts. Boycotting BikeBike isn't an action you are taking against Bicis Dicidents or Enclave Caracol-- it's an action you are taking against next year's hosts who, as far as I can tell, had no role to play in what happened. It's everyone's personal choice to evaluate whether they desire or are able to make the trip in 2020-- but as we consider the hyperbole and (as much as I hate the word) hysterics in this thead, lets try to keep in mind what the desired outcome is. What does resolution for this issue look like? Who is that resolution for? 4) Most of the people participating in this pot-stirring are American citizens-- that comes with a lot of privilege, and a lot of blind spots-- especially re: how we are viewed in other countries, and especially when it comes to the role of US military and/or Intelligence's impact in Central and South America. Before putting Enclave Caracol on blast for being too leftist or unreasonable or whatever it is you think about the decision they made-- do some reading on what the US Government *has done *in Central and South America. Is it possible that Eric is just an unwitting individual caught up in the middle? Sure. But as someone participating in the bike collectives network, I find it difficult to believe Eric had no knowledge of US foreign relations policy in Central & South America and that he entered that situation completely naive of how his professional identity would be perceived in that space and place. Our veterans and intelligence professionals are not venerated, trusted, or beloved in other countries, our citizenship is not venerated, trusted, or beloved in other countries. For some of us, this incident may be the first encounter with that realization-- it may have been Eric's first encounter too. Instead of demonizing the members of Enclave Caracol and Bicis Dicidentes, we'd be better served to observe this discomfort and try to learn from it-- in the process, we may identify a solution to help both guests and hosts navigate norms and expectations in the future-- many of which are unspoken and uncodified. Lets work to keep these things in mind and manage our own emotional reactions to this event so that we can get to a space where we are able to grow individually and collectively to make good-faith requests and improvements to BikeBike in the future-- requests and changes to practices that reduce harm and stress for guests and hosts. Heather BikeBike Detroit 2016

7 6

Bike!Bike! BOYCOTT
by Milwaukee Bicycle Advocates 12 Nov '19

12 Nov '19

Did anyone else know that being a FORMER (or current) member of the military would exclude you from Bike!Bike!? I sure didn't. Was anyone else criticized for their past or present work experience? Gosh, I'm glad I wasn't! If answers to these few questions can excommunicate someone from a seemingly inclusive group, let's foreshadow other barriers to attending next year's Bike!Bike!. Has anyone in the US paid their taxes lately? Your answer might prove you guilty of financing a military "defense" program, jails, prisons, and possible torture facilities, and other horrendous acts of government like the auto-only interstate road system that rips through and destroys communities. Do you own stocks in companies or government bonds or even have a bank account? They're all investing your money in places that Bicis Disidentes and Enclave Caracol (or future Bike!Bike! organizers) might not deem appropriate. Here's a big one: Do you regularly drive a car? This is the very antithesis of cycling, choosing to use a machine that kills indiscriminately, consumes petroleum, and farts pollution into the air we breath. Maybe Eric was targeted by members of Bicis Disidentes and Enclave Caracol because he was a tall white male in a radical feminist space. Either way, it was wrong to kick Eric out of Bike!Bike!. He was a very helpful and kind person who was there to learn and take part in a community dedicated to getting people on bikes. Bike!Bike! focuses on making sure that certain types of people are treated with respect. Gender, race, language barriers, children on board, and financial assistance are a few examples. And understandably so; they are too often marginalized. Now why can't we treat ALL humanoids as humanoids, and not through judgmental filters. Ultimately, I'm drawn back to this question: what's the purpose of Bike!Bike!? (The website doesn't specify). Are we meeting to motivate and inspire each other to get more people on bikes? If so, political, radical, and anarchistic ideals shouldn't be used to shame. These ideas should be shared as to inform others who might not be aware of them. Eric came a long way to help out and learn from a tribe of humanoids who come together with bicycling as their bond. I can't help but put myself in his place and feel ousted from this community due to unrelated matters. Because of this incident, I'm not planning to attend next year's conference, and I suggest that others do the same if they feel this to be an injustice. At the very least, I hope people will voice any unsettled feelings about the exclusive actions made by members of Bicis Disidentes and Enclave Caracol. -Mama Vulture --------------------------------------------------------------- (BACKSTORY BELOW).... (Posted on the 11th of November) To the participants of Bike Bike 2019 Tijuana, We write to inform you all that a person attending the event has been asked to leave and excluded from the space/festival. It has come to our attention that Eric, who is a volunteer with Working Bikes Chicago, has a history of working in the military and in intelligence/secret services of the United States. He/they currently work buying and selling gold, petroleum, gas, silver and other natural ´resources,’ and have said that they have no moral or ethical problem in this line of work. Enclave Caracol has a strict ¨no police¨ policy which exists for the safety of people who use the building. We are actively involved in not only resisting the existing system, but in building alternatives for the future – both of which are things that bring us into regular conflict with state authorities and corporations. Furthermore, Enclave is a feminist, anti’capitalist and anti’authoritarian space. Due to this person’s proximity to violent state authority and the destruction of land, communities, cultures and livelihoods via resource extraction, they have been excluded. This is not only about the people attending Bike Bike 2019, but is also an act of solidarity with people resisting environmental destruction, colonization and dispossession all over the world. The decision to exclude this person from the event was not made via consensus, meaning some people within the collectives do not agree with the decision, or were not present when the decision was being made. However they support the decision. We are aware that the decision is not easy, that we are not going to satisfy everyone, but we are open to dialogue and constantly learning. With love and solidarity, Members of Bicis Disidentes and Enclave Caracol ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Posted on the 14th of Oct) Eric, a 6’5” bright eyed volunteer from Working Bikes, flew from Chicago to attend his first Bike!Bike! We met Wednesday night while helping to bring bikes across the border (two at a time). On Thursday, he was helping in the basement to fix up the bikes. By Thursday night, he was kicked out of Bike!Bike! I found out the next day only because the executive director of Working Bikes was worried and contacted me. >From the information I received from Eric and a Bike!Bike! organizer, someone involved with Enclave Caracol took Eric’s bike away and insisted he leave because of his former military experience and current employment as a commodities trader. WTF? I‘ve always found Bike!Bike! to be an inclusive group of humanoids doing rad things with bikes. Now I question if my lifestyle or others might not fit the ideals imposed by a few. Only a small group was informed about this decision, and it wasn’t shared with the entire group. Furthermore, what happened to the inclusive nature of Bike!Bike!? Something about this doesn’t sit right with me, so I don’t think I will be returning to another Bike!Bike! without better understanding this situation. Then again, maybe I’m not even wanted.. -- THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY BICYCLE PROJECT, representing the following initiatives: VULTURE SPACE <http://vulturespace.org> Hands-on Bicycle Workshop & Recyclery BICYCLE BENEFITS <http://bicyclebenefits.org> Incentive Program BIKE 100 DAYS <http://bike100days.com> Calendar of Events

7 6

Re: [TheThinkTank] Kicked out of Bike!Bike!?!
by Gordon Hamachi 10 Nov '19

10 Nov '19

Neil: I agree with you that these are complicated issues. My posting here was a copy of my Facebook posting, where few people want to read anything long and complicated, and where even newlines can't be used in responses, to organize information. I disagree with you that anyone who had a history of working with the military would certainly be involved in police work. As you should know, members of the military are expressly forbidden to engage in police activities. It is ludicrous to equate US military veterans with US police officers, who have no jurisdiction in Mexico. It is beyond imagination that any US agency would choose to send undercover spies sent to Bike! Bike! for any reason. I doubt the part about Eric's history in "intelligence/secret services". Anyone who has had access to sensitive information would know that it is a bad idea to disclose that to random foreign nationals in a foreign country. I suspect that part was thrown in there for dramatic effect. I agree with you that commodities trading is related to mining and harvesting resources. You completely misunderstood my comments on that matter. I completely agree with excluding someone from Bike! Bike! if they are being disruptive or violent. Otherwise, let's make Bike! Bike! a place that welcomes anyone who supports our goals of promoting bicycle collectives and community bike shops. > From: Neil <neisei(a)comcast.net> > Date: Sat, 9 Nov 2019 14:53:50 -0800 > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Kicked out of Bike!Bike!?! > > These are complicated and difficult issues and I don’t feel that your over simplifications and straight up omissions are a help to the conversation. > > The person in question was not simply “previously… a member of the US military”. > > It was specifically stated that they have "a history of working in the military and in intelligence/secret services” and as such would almost certainly be involved in policing and/or enforcement. This was *not* an exclusion of someone who is simply a military veteran and to state it as such only confuses things. > > Furthermore you seem to be suggesting that "commodities trading” somehow prevents "mining or harvesting natural resources that may harm the environment or oppress people”. Nothing could be further from the truth. it was specifically stated that the person in question currently works buying and selling gold, petroleum, gas and silver. The "steel, aluminum, rubber and plastic” that you say is necessary to have bicycles are actually not what they were said to deal in so I don’t know how that has any relevance to this case.

1 0

point of sale / inventory management
by Andrew Yee 09 Nov '19

09 Nov '19

Hey friends, The Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange is considering a point of sale system for some used bike and part sales, and perhaps some new accessories. Inventory management would be helpful. I know Lightspeed <https://www.lightspeedhq.com/> is a very popular solution, but I'm curious to learn what other solutions other community shops use and can recommend? Thanks in advance. -Andrew

2 4

Re: [TheThinkTank] Kicked out of Bike!Bike!?!
by Gordon Hamachi 09 Nov '19

09 Nov '19

Bicis Disidentes thank you for confirming the facts of this unfortunate matter. It was wrong to exclude Eric. Your reasoning for doing this is confused and sadly misguided. You excluded Eric because he previously was a member of the US military, while citing a strict "no police" policy. The US military is not the police. In fact, members of the US Military are forbidden by law to be used in the United States for the purpose of law enforcement. I believe you are also mistaken regarding the role of commodities trading, which provides an orderly market for the purchase of these items, as opposed to mining or harvesting natural resources that may harm the environment or oppress people. Our civilization requires resources. We would not have bicycles without steel, aluminum, rubber and plastic. In the future, I hope that Bike! Bike! can do better at being welcoming and inclusive to all people who share our goals of promoting bicycling for transportation and social change, regardless of their previous or current occupation. ============ (Spanish translation from Google Translate) ========================= Bicis Disidentes gracias por confirmar los hechos de este desafortunado asunto. Fue un error excluir a Eric. Su razonamiento para hacer esto es confuso y tristemente equivocado. Usted excluyó a Eric porque anteriormente era miembro del ejército de los Estados Unidos, al tiempo que citaba una política estricta de "no policía". El ejército estadounidense no es la policía. De hecho, los miembros de las Fuerzas Armadas de los Estados Unidos tienen prohibido por ley ser utilizados en los Estados Unidos con el propósito de hacer cumplir la ley. Creo que también está equivocado con respecto al papel del comercio de productos básicos, que proporciona un mercado ordenado para la compra de estos artículos, en lugar de extraer o cosechar recursos naturales que pueden dañar el medio ambiente u oprimir a las personas. Nuestra civilización requiere recursos. No tendríamos bicicletas sin acero, aluminio, caucho y plástico. En el futuro, espero que Bike! ¡Bicicleta! podemos mejorar en ser acogedores e inclusivos con todas las personas que comparten nuestros objetivos de promover el ciclismo para el transporte y el cambio social, independientemente de su ocupación anterior o actual. > From: Bicis Disidentes <bicisdisidentestj(a)gmail.com> > Date: Wed, 6 Nov 2019 18:09:06 -0800 > Subject: Re: Kicked out of Bike!Bike!?! > > *** inglés abajo *** > *** english below *** > > A lxs participantes de Bici Bici 2019 Tijuana > > Escribimos para informarlxs que a una persona que estaba asistiendo al evento se le ha pedido irse, y le hemos excluido del espacio/festival. > > Nos hemos enterado que Eric, que es voluntarix con Working Bikes Chicago, tiene una historia de trabajar con las fuerzas armadas y en el servicio secreto/servicios de inteligencia de Estados Unidos. Ellx actualmente trabaja en la compra y venta de oro, petróleo, gas, plata, y otros “recursos” naturales, y ha dicho que no tiene problemas ni morales ni éticos en hacer este trabajo. > > Enclave Caracol tiene una política estricta de “no policías” que existe para la seguridad de las personas que usan el edificio. Estamos activamente participando no solamente en la resistencia contra el sistema existente, sino también en construir alternativas para el futuro -- ambas cosas que nos ponen en conflicto frecuente con autoridades y corporaciones estatales. Además, Enclave es un espacio feminista, anti capitalista y anti autoritario. Debido a la proximidad de esta persona a las autoridades violentas estatales y la destrucción de tierras, comunidades, culturas y modos de sustento a través de la extracción de recursos, a ellx se le ha excluido. Esto no sólo se trata de las personas que asisten a Bike Bike 2019, sino también es un acto de solidaridad con las personas que resisten la destrucción ambiental, la colonización y la desposesión en todas partes del mundo. > > La decisión de excluir a esta persona del evento no se hizo mediante un proceso de consenso absoluto. Esto quiere decir que algunas personas dentro de las colectividades no están de acuerdo con la decisión, o no estuvieron presentes cuando se tomó la decisión por cuestiones dentro de la dinámica del evento. Sin embargo, apoyaron la decisión. Estamos conscientes de que la decisión no es fácil, que no vamos a satisfacer a todas las personas, pero estamos abiertxs al diálogo y al constante aprendizaje. > > > Con amor y solidaridad, > > > Miembrxs de > > Bicis Disidentes y Enclave Caracol > > > > > > > ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// > ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// > ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// > ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// > > > > To the participants of Bike Bike 2019 Tijuana, > > > > We write to inform you all that a person attending the event has been asked to leave and excluded from the space/festival. > > > > It has come to our attention that Eric, who is a volunteer with Working Bikes Chicago, has a history of working in the military and in intelligence/secret services of the United States. He/they currently work buying and selling gold, petroleum, gas, silver and other natural ´resources,’ and have said that they have no moral or ethical problem in this line of work. > > Enclave Caracol has a strict ¨no police¨ policy which exists for the safety of people who use the building. We are actively involved in not only resisting the existing system, but in building alternatives for the future – both of which are things that bring us into regular conflict with state authorities and corporations. Furthermore, Enclave is a feminist, anti’capitalist and anti’authoritarian space. Due to this person’s proximity to violent state authority and the destruction of land, communities, cultures and livelihoods via resource extraction, they have been excluded. This is not only about the people attending Bike Bike 2019, but is also an act of solidarity with people resisting environmental destruction, colonization and dispossession all over the world. > > The decision to exclude this person from the event was not made via consensus, meaning some people within the collectives do not agree with the decision, or were not present when the decision was being made. However they support the decision. We are aware that the decision is not easy, that we are not going to satisfy everyone, but we are open to dialogue and constantly learning. > > > > With love and solidarity, > > > > Members of > > Bicis Disidentes and Enclave Caracol

2 1

Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 158, Issue 4
by Bicis Disidentes 06 Nov '19

06 Nov '19

Re: Kicked out of Bike!Bike!?! *** inglés abajo *** *** english below *** A lxs participantes de Bici Bici 2019 Tijuana Escribimos para informarlxs que a una persona que estaba asistiendo al evento se le ha pedido irse, y le hemos excluido del espacio/festival. Nos hemos enterado que Eric, que es voluntarix con Working Bikes Chicago, tiene una historia de trabajar con las fuerzas armadas y en el servicio secreto/servicios de inteligencia de Estados Unidos. Ellx actualmente trabaja en la compra y venta de oro, petróleo, gas, plata, y otros “recursos” naturales, y ha dicho que no tiene problemas ni morales ni éticos en hacer este trabajo. Enclave Caracol tiene una política estricta de “no policías” que existe para la seguridad de las personas que usan el edificio. Estamos activamente participando no solamente en la resistencia contra el sistema existente, sino también en construir alternativas para el futuro -- ambas cosas que nos ponen en conflicto frecuente con autoridades y corporaciones estatales. Además, Enclave es un espacio feminista, anti capitalista y anti autoritario. Debido a la proximidad de esta persona a las autoridades violentas estatales y la destrucción de tierras, comunidades, culturas y modos de sustento a través de la extracción de recursos, a ellx se le ha excluido. Esto no sólo se trata de las personas que asisten a Bike Bike 2019, sino también es un acto de solidaridad con las personas que resisten la destrucción ambiental, la colonización y la desposesión en todas partes del mundo. La decisión de excluir a esta persona del evento no se hizo mediante un proceso de consenso absoluto. Esto quiere decir que algunas personas dentro de las colectividades no están de acuerdo con la decisión, o no estuvieron presentes cuando se tomó la decisión por cuestiones dentro de la dinámica del evento. Sin embargo, apoyaron la decisión. Estamos conscientes de que la decisión no es fácil, que no vamos a satisfacer a todas las personas, pero estamos abiertxs al diálogo y al constante aprendizaje. Con amor y solidaridad, Miembrxs de Bicis Disidentes y Enclave Caracol ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// To the participants of Bike Bike 2019 Tijuana, We write to inform you all that a person attending the event has been asked to leave and excluded from the space/festival. It has come to our attention that Eric, who is a volunteer with Working Bikes Chicago, has a history of working in the military and in intelligence/secret services of the United States. He/they currently work buying and selling gold, petroleum, gas, silver and other natural ´resources,’ and have said that they have no moral or ethical problem in this line of work. Enclave Caracol has a strict ¨no police¨ policy which exists for the safety of people who use the building. We are actively involved in not only resisting the existing system, but in building alternatives for the future – both of which are things that bring us into regular conflict with state authorities and corporations. Furthermore, Enclave is a feminist, anti’capitalist and anti’authoritarian space. Due to this person’s proximity to violent state authority and the destruction of land, communities, cultures and livelihoods via resource extraction, they have been excluded. This is not only about the people attending Bike Bike 2019, but is also an act of solidarity with people resisting environmental destruction, colonization and dispossession all over the world. The decision to exclude this person from the event was not made via consensus, meaning some people within the collectives do not agree with the decision, or were not present when the decision was being made. However they support the decision. We are aware that the decision is not easy, that we are not going to satisfy everyone, but we are open to dialogue and constantly learning. With love and solidarity, Members of Bicis Disidentes and Enclave Caracol El mié., 6 de nov. de 2019 a la(s) 13:12, < thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> escribió: > 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: Wiki broken? (Dennis Wollersheim) > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Dennis Wollersheim <dewoller(a)gmail.com> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Cc: Scott Long <scott.m.long(a)gmail.com> > Bcc: > Date: Wed, 6 Nov 2019 18:26:11 +1100 > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Wiki broken? > It looks like if you access the pages using: > > https://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page > > it works. If you access them using > > http://w.bikecollectives.org/index.php?title=Main_Page > > The internal links are broken. There is something misconfigured in the > wiki, but the moral of the story is, use #1, not #2! > > Cheers > > Dennis > > On Tue, Nov 5, 2019 at 11:47 AM Jonathan Rosenbaum <gnuser(a)gmail.com> > wrote: > >> It is working at >> https://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Community_Bicycle_Orga… >> . >> >> Were you logged into the wiki when this happened? >> >> -Jonathan >> >> On 2019-11-04 14:32, Scott Long wrote: >> >> I tried to access the list of community bike shops in the wiki and all >> the links appear broken. >> >> >> http://w.bikecollectives.org/index.php?title=Community_Bicycle_Organizations >> >> Any ideas? >> >> ____________________________________ >> >> 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… >> >> > > -- > -- > ------------------------------------------- > Dennis Wollersheim > ------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >

2 2