- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Job Posting : Mechanic Educator
by apuri＠intercitytransit.com 11 Jan '24

11 Jan '24

Hello, this is a job for an educator with our transit agency based educational bike shop. Experience in a community bike shop is especially applicable to this position. Bicycle Mechanic Educator-Walk N Roll Program Representative Intercity Transit’s Walk N Roll education program improves transportation access, increases independence, and inspires a healthy lifestyle through activities that encourage Thurston County residents to walk, bike, roll and ride public transit for transportation. We are currently recruiting a Bicycle Mechanic Educator to serve as a Walk N Roll Program Representative. They will oversee the operations of the Walk N Roll educational bike shop, provide bike mechanic education, and oversee the repair and maintenance of bicycles that support Walk N Roll’s bike education programs. Do you have: • Ability to lead and educate others. • Ability to create a welcoming community space for people of all races, ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds. • Basic skills in bicycle mechanics. (will provide training) • Proven ability to manage competing priorities effectively and work independently. • High level of personal accountability for the quality, safety, and impact of your work. • Proven ability to work in a collaborative environment and complete projects within a team. Learn more and apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/intercitytransit/

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Link to the 2016 CBO story in BRAIN
by rkeener＠outsideinc.com 09 Jan '24

09 Jan '24

Not sure if this will work... fingers crossed... file:///Users/raykeener/PeopleForBikes%20Dropbox/Ray%20Keener/for%20Ray/CBOs%20story%20for%20Ray.pdf

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Participants needed for research project!
by Aaron Shaw 07 Jan '24

07 Jan '24

Hello Bike Collectives Network! Some friends and I are entering a project design competition and we need as much feedback as we can get in the next week or so. The idea involves improving the financial sustainability of community bike projects. Would you be willing to take a few minutes to fill out this form <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfB5Qc1YTiqsFZ-4aZ3YkFlwvGEQay9Mmi…> to help us with the project? Thank you! We also are looking to set up a few 20-30 min interviews to ask questions and understand the needs of your organization. Sign-up to give us an interview using the form. Thanks ya'll! Aaron

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Next Bike!Bike! ?
by Bayley Vanderpoel 04 Jan '24

04 Jan '24

Does anyone know when the next Bike!Bike! is? Bayley Velocity Bicycle Coop in Alexandria & Arlington , VA. Bayley Vanderpoel Volunteer, Spokesperson, & Board Member Vélocity Bicycle Cooperative http://velocitycoop.org/ | http://www.meetup.com/VeloCity-Bicycle-Cooperative/ | https://www.facebook.com/V%C3%A9loCity-Bicycle-Cooperative-361337181517/tim… | https://twitter.com/velocitycoop | http://www.instagram.com/velocitycoop Phone: tel:7035491108 Del Ray Shop Address: https://goo.gl/maps/h7zenNZ2Ksu9XrVu8?coh=178573&entry=tt Hours: Tues, Thurs, Fri 10-4pm | Wed 10-8pm | Sat 10-4pm Clarendon Shop Address: https://goo.gl/maps/urc4V3Ytn9dc54sPA?coh=178573&entry=tt Hours: Tues, Wed Thurs, Fri, Sat 10-4pm

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Volunteer Call to Action 2024 BBE!
by cardenas.angela＠gmail.com 08 Dec '23

08 Dec '23

Hi everybody, My name is Angie Libertad, an organizer for Bike!Bike! Everywhere! earlier this week I shared this call for volunteers on social media. The call for volunteers hopefully answers some questions about BBE! which I joined last year as a facilitator and this year as an organizer. Planning for this event will only happen with your help as volunteers (like myself) and we´d like to start planning early in 2024 by signing up folks on committees. If you´d like to join the steering committee or a task committee, please send an email to bikebikeverywhere(a)gmail.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FORMAL CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS Hello fellow Biketivists, bike culture promoters, and community bike project organizers! We are planning another Bike!Bike!Everywhere! gathering and to make it happen in 2024 we´re seeking volunteers to help in the steering committee in task/role specific committees (eg. communications and outreach, translating and interpretation, and tech support). Please send us an email to bikebikeeverywhere(a)gmail.com if you´d like to join the steering committee volunteer team or if you´d like to join a specific task committee. To join the steering committee, you should know some Spanish, be able to join a weekly/bimonthly group call and devote at least 3 hours work per week two months leading up to the event. Specific roles and responsibilities in the task committees where we need your help are listed at the end. But first…. What is the Bike!Bike! Everywhere! gathering? Bike!Bike! Everywhere! is an online, international, annual gathering organized by and for community bike projects. The conference is an online space for participants from bike collectives and related advocacy groups to meet over a weekend period to foster and strengthen bike communities, share experiences and resources via workshops. As an extension of the in person Bike!Bike! that's been held since 2004, the first Bike!Bike! Everywhere! was held in 2021 during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. An online gathering ensured a covid risk free event that would also be economically accessible for more participants from wider geographical distances to join, and as an additional benefit eliminated long distance travel related carbon emissions. Just as B!B!E! isn't a replacement for B!B!, B!B! is not a replacement for B!B!E!. B!B! is not meant to replace B!B!E! because there will always be people who don't want to meet because of the ongoing pandemic, people who can't afford to travel, people who don't have the time to travel, and people who don't want to meet in person because of the ongoing climate crisis. B!B!E! fills an ongoing need that was unmet with the beloved in-person B!B! How B!BE! happens and what it is like in the future is up to y'all and the wants and needs of the community, but it was made clear to us in the past B!B!E! that B!BE! fills a previously unaddressed need by people who were left out of in person B!B! events. In between gatherings, Bike!Bike! Everywhere! has taken on the role of friends of the Bike! Bike! community at large which has included website maintenance, financial admin, engaging with bike community networks through social media and listservs, and holding language exchanges alongside language justice efforts. What do we hope to accomplish with a 2024 Bike!Bike! Everywhere! gathering? More diversity in bike project workshops, more space for socializing. Attendees voiced an interest in a wider variety of bike projects to hold workshops/talks. Given that there are far fewer community bike workshops in Latin America than the US and Canada, we would like to invite collectives and individuals leading unique or innovative bike initiatives and projects to join and share their work at the gathering. In the past two B!B!E!s, some attendees said there wasn't enough time set aside for socializing. This will be more of a focus in the next gathering. 2024 B!B!E! will also be a good opportunity to have a conversation about the future of an in-person Bike!Bike! Online discussion about a future B!B! started during the drafting of this call for volunteers. It's available here: https://lists.bikecollectives.org/hyperkitty/list/thethinktank@lists.bikeco… More information about Bike!Bike! and Bike!Bike!Everywhere! can be found here: https://www.bikecollectives.org/es-index.html https://www.bikecollectives.org/acerca-de-colectivos-bici.html Recordings from past gatherings: https://archive.org/details/@bikebikeeverywhere Write to us at bikebikeeverywhere(a)gmail.com if you´d like to join the steering committee team or if you´d like to join a specific committee. Steering Committee (just a few tasks listed ) • Inviting speakers and planning event schedule • Coordinating workshops • Calling for and preparing facilitators • Works alongside task committees Task Committees and Stand Alone Roles Fundraising and Outreach • Send out direct outreach requests to orgs/collectives • Organize in person or online campaigns Communications and Outreach • Email (incl. listserv) management • Social media outreach and management • Graphic design for bikebike.org and social media • Discord channel moderating during event Language justice • Interpreting (stipend available) • Translating docs Tech • Updating bikebike.org and bikecollectives.org • Tech support during workshops • Maintain digital archiving during the gathering Ombuds/Mediator

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Liability
by Bike Cave 01 Nov '23

01 Nov '23

Hi All, Chelsea here from the Bike Cave in Duluth, MN. We're a pretty informal community bike shop that is open two days a week from April-October and we are 100% volunteer and donation operated. We use the basement and backyard of a Catholic Worker house. We recently received an email from someone who is interested in donating bikes that have been returned to their business but they are concerned about liability. This has sparked some conversation around the need for a release of liability that folks sign before they adopt a bike here. Because we are not formally incorporated we don't have any sort of coverage outside of homeowners insurance. I don't really even know who would be liable if there ever was an incident involving one of the bikes that we fixed up. Anyone have any experience or recommendations around this? Thanks in advance! Peace, Chelsea for all of us at the Bike Cave https://www.loavesandfishesduluth.com/bike-cave https://www.facebook.com/BikeCaveDuluth

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POS systems
by Molly Miksa 18 Oct '23

18 Oct '23

Hi everyone, I'm looking for advice on point-of sale-systems. Anyone have something you really like? We're a DIY bike repair shop, with 1-2 employees plus sometimes volunteers on cash. We sell used bikes, new and used parts, merch, stand time, memberships, and sometimes event tickets. We've been using Square, and find it clunky and insufficient. Some specific issues we'd love to rectify: - No option for layaways - Cost-price inputting is not versatile - No multiple login options (so we can recall who rang through a particular sale) - No easy way to remove tax for Indigenous customers (we're Canadian) - Gift cards are a pain Any advice much appreciated! Molly Molly Miksa Executive Director [image: londoncyclelink.ca] <https://www.londoncyclelink.ca/>

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Fwd: There's a Fediverse group now, hay un grupo de Fediverse ahora!
by Bike!Bike! Everywhere! 17 Oct '23

17 Oct '23

Forwarding this because it looks like there was a delivery issue and it didn't actually come through to the Think Tank: ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: angel york <bike(a)angelyork.com> Date: Mon, Jul 10, 2023 at 8:39 PM Subject: There's a Fediverse group now, hay un grupo de Fediverse ahora! To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Cc: Bike!Bike! Everywhere! <bikebikeeverywhere(a)gmail.com> Hi all, 1. You can now follow *https://climatejustice.global/@bbe* <https://climatejustice.global/@bbe> from anywhere on the Fediverse (Mastodon, PixelFed, etc.) for news about B!B!E!. We will cross-post any big announcements to the Fediverse using this account. 2. Anyone can post to and/or follow the Guppe group *BikeCollectives_TalleresCommunitarios(a)a.gup.pe <BikeCollectives_TalleresCommunitarios(a)a.gup.pe>* from anywhere on the Fediverse (Mastodon, PixelFed, etc.) for general bike collectives stuff. (Moderation is done by reporting things to your local instance.) 3. We will need a volunteer or volunteers to post announcements for the planning and tech teams and relay questions from the fediverse to the people not keeping up with the fediverse who can answer those questions. Bilingual en/es preferred. Thanks, Angel Traducido por deepl y yo: Hola a todos, 1. Ahora puedes seguir *https://climatejustice.global/@bbe* <https://climatejustice.global/@bbe> desde cualquier lugar de Fediverse (Mastodon, PixelFed, etc.) para obtener noticias sobre B!B!E!. Publicaremos cualquier anuncio importante en esta cuenta. 2. Cualquiera puede publicar y/o seguir al grupo Guppe *BikeCollectives_TalleresCommunitarios(a)a.gup.pe* <BikeCollectives_TalleresCommunitarios(a)a.gup.pe> desde cualquier lugar del Fediverso (Mastodon, PixelFed, etc.) para asuntos generales de colectivos de ciclistas. (La moderación se hace reportando cosas a tu instancia local). 3. Necesitaremos uno o varios voluntarixs que publiquen anuncios para los equipos de planificación y tecnología y que transmitan las preguntas del fediverso a las personas que no están en el fediverso y que pueden responder a esas preguntas. Preferiblemente bilingües es/en. Gracias, Angel

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What to do about signs of drugs, alcohol, and mental illness?
by wade＠bikeconnector.org 12 Oct '23

12 Oct '23

The Bike Connector is a non-profit, volunteer-run, community-based program that collaborates with community partners to distribute and maintain free bikes. We've been serving the community for five years and have traditionally worked with schools and social service agencies. Most of our customers are referred to us through partner organizations. Recently, we've been seeing an uptick in unaffiliated adults walking into our shop looking for bikes. Many of these folks have heard of us through word of mouth. News of "free" bikes spreads fast. We do not know the stories of the people we serve, nor do we care. We treat everyone that walks in the door with dignity. Occasionally we get people that walk in the door that appear drunk or high. There is a prevalent opioid use problem in our community. People often smell like they've consumed alcohol and/or weed. I recently noticed an adult visitor discreetly drinking a nip. He did not behave drunk and I did not intervene. I'd like to have an understanding of how best to deal with these individuals in a respectful manner. When someone comes into the shop smoking a cigarette, I don't hesitate to let them know that smoking is prohibited and to take the cigarette outside. When they smell of alcohol or weed, what do we do? When they exhibit signs of drug abuse or mental illness (stumbling, slurred speech, anger, confusion), what do we do? We have policies in place for minors. With regards to adults, things get a bit more complicated. Suggestions and resources are welcome.

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Critical mass & music
by Claude Ferron 09 Oct '23

09 Oct '23

I'd like to ear from the community about your technical solutions when it comes to play music in a critical mass. We in Trois-Rivières are starting to built the habit of having a critical mass each month. Music is kind of great during those events. Having a DJ on a trailer is our ultimate goal, but in the meantime we can simply play music with our bluetooth speaker. Having only one person playing music cannot make it heard from the mass. Any software of ideas to have the entire mass play the music in sync? Are you using a special app? It be great if we could have one "master" and many "slaves" to make the music travel throught the mass. Any cues? Thanks Claude Long life to critical mass Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada

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Question re community bike shops
by Emory Shaw 20 Sep '23

20 Sep '23

HI all, I'm just doing a bit of research and I figured this would be a good place to ask a question: does anyone know of a case where community bike shops have united together to form some kind of federation or coalition ? Many cities are dotted with such shops that tend to share a similar social mission: are there any examples of cities or regions where they have come together to better address shared challenges (re volunteers, suppliers, financing etc.)? It would be great to get some insight on this, as there are talks of doing this kind of thing in the city I'm in (Montreal). I'm curious to know if and how other places might have succeeded or not at achieving this. Any thoughts or leads would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Emory

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Re: Question re community bike shops
by Claude Ferron 20 Sep '23

20 Sep '23

Emory, We are based in Trois-Rivières, QC and would like to start such a mouvement. Can you get in touch with me at claude<at>lacyclerie.ca Hope you get this message. As for progress in our endeavour, I will post an update here when something new happens. Thanks Claude -- <http://www.lacyclerie.ca> Claude Ferron Co-coordonnateur La Cyclerie [image: FB_LaCyclerie] <https://www.facebook.com/LaCyclerie3R/> [image: Insta_LaCyclerie] <https://www.instagram.com/lacyclerie3r/>

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We're Hiring our Next Program Manager!
by Emily Gage 13 Sep '23

13 Sep '23

Hi Everyone, Phoenix Bikes is an Arlington nonprofit that uniquely combines youth educational programs with a full-service bike shop. Every year, 300-400 local middle and high school students benefit from the 100% free youth programming at Phoenix Bikes—learning hands-on mechanics skills, enjoying riding and racing, and building meaningful relationships with peers and mentors. We’re currently searching for our next Education Program Manager, and I'm hoping you may have some leads you can pass our way and/or share the job posting with. This is a leadership position that runs our youth education work. The person in this position will teach bicycle mechanics to 6th-12th graders, manage our mechanics instructors, plan and coordinate youth programming, and coordinate our external partnerships with schools, afterschool programs and others. We're looking for someone who is passionate about working with youth, an excellent mechanic, and someone with program management and people management experience. This is a full-time position with an annual salary of $53-60K and benefits. The full job posting is here <https://www.indeed.com/job/education-program-manager-a7fdf339f2148071?_gl=1…> . Please consider applying or sharing with someone you think might be a good fit. Thanks, Emily _________________ [image: Phoenix Bikes] <https://www.phoenixbikes.org/> *Emily Gage* Executive Director, Phoenix Bikes www.phoenixbikes.org | emily(a)phoenixbikes.org [image: icon] 909 S. Dinwiddie St. Arlington, VA 22204 <https://maps.google.com/?q=909%20S.%20Dinwiddie%20St.%20Arlington,%20VA%202…> [image: icon] (703) 346-0035

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Insurance
by Elmira Bikes 28 Aug '23

28 Aug '23

Hi y’all, Please send contacts for who insures your community shops. We had coverage from a local business that isn’t working out. Thanks a lot! Elmira Community Cycle

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Community Cycles in Boulder, CO is hiring a Production Manager
by Ann Haebig 08 Aug '23

08 Aug '23

Community Cycles in Boulder, CO is hiring a Production Manager! To apply send a resume and cover letter to sales(a)communitycycles.org. Job description and requirements below. I'm just the messenger here; to get a response please email sales(a)communitycycles.org. Thanks! -Ann Haebig ann(a)communitycycles.org The Production Manager is responsible for: - Fostering an engaging and effective team environment - Working with the Shop Director, setting pricing that is fair for both customers and the organization - Maintaining appropriate inventory levels of incoming donations, bikes to work on, bikes for sale, and tools for programs. - Leading the team of mechanics that produce safe, reliable refurbished bikes and parts in an efficient time frame for resale out of the retail shop of Community Cycles, Experience: The Production Manager must have extensive experience with bicycles and their resale value to determine their destination. A wide knowledge range of the intricacies of components and their compatibility is essential. Must be able to quickly recognize unsafe, cracked, and bent frames that should not be built up. Responsibilities: Refurbishing donated bikes that are for sale in our shop. Managing the most cost-effective route for refurbishment by using new or used parts. Overseeing the flow/systems of refurbished bikes and used parts, including: - Storage of all bikes; onsite and offsite (including sharing this space with the sales department when bulk purchases are necessary). - Maintaining clear and orderly separation of adult bikes and children’s bikes, both finished and not finished - Maintaining appropriate inventory levels of bikes for mechanics to work on. - Maintaining production tool inventory with appropriate levels to accomplish jobs for production - Oversee the incoming donations and develop plans for overflow - Evaluating the final destination for all bikes/parts (including recycling, refurbishing, parting out, or selling as-is) - Safety check/quality control of bikes built by other mechanics & volunteers to ensure they meet CC’s high standards for safety and performance. - Delegating specific projects to shop mechanics on a daily/weekly basis. - Overseeing and maintaining the areas used for production or general area during times it is used as production space - cleanliness & keeping tools in order, as well as maintaining an inventory of backstock parts - Frequently providing actionable positive and corrective feedback to direct reports, both informally and formally. - Timely and effectively dealing with low performers and being willing to make tough personnel decisions when needed. - Competent with emails, spreadsheets, and documentation, etc. - Coordinating with the other managers and Shop Director for needs regarding parts, tools, supplies, etc. - Responsible for the staffing of the production mechanic team by identifying and hiring strong talent for the team. The Production Manager should set a strong example for the other mechanics in terms of the quality of their builds and their professional demeanor. Other mechanics should be able to look to the Production Manager's work to learn the mechanical and aesthetic standards for the bikes that we sell at Community Cycles. In addition, fostering an engaging team environment through collaboration, sharing wins and successes, using an open-door approach, being eminently interruptible, and inspiring everyone to perform at their best by leading by example and with actions that best reflect the organization's best interests The Production Manager may be occasionally asked to oversee special events such as the Kids’ Holiday Bike Giveaway. The Production Manager will also be asked to occasionally attend meetings where policies and changes may be discussed. The Production Manager will be expected to maintain a valid driver's license with a clean record. Pay: $42k-48k based on hours/experience/performance ($21-25 hourly) Reports to: Shop Director on a regular basis. Works extensively with other managers.

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Bike collection day, what do you check
by Claude Ferron 07 Aug '23

07 Aug '23

Hello all, We are going to collect used bikes from the community and while receiving them we will inventory the one we will keep. While making the inventory (using a Google Form) we will check several things on the bike to assign it a "score". This will help us prioritize the repairs. Things we will look for would be loose crankset, rusty chains, brakes (pads and cables). My questions, what are those things you check when receiving bikes on your side? I want to make sure we don't forget anything. Thanks, Claude -- <http://www.lacyclerie.ca> Claude Ferron Co-coordonnateur La Cyclerie claude(a)lacyclerie.ca [image: FB_LaCyclerie] <https://www.facebook.com/LaCyclerie3R/> [image: Insta_LaCyclerie] <https://www.instagram.com/lacyclerie3r/>

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What would be your wish list?
by Andy Ballentine 02 Aug '23

02 Aug '23

Hello, all -- The Bicycle Co-Op of Williamsburg (Virginia) is moving into expanded space in a couple of months, and we have the opportunity to apply for a substantial grant. We need a parts washer, and that's one idea of what to apply for. In your experience of running your co-ops, what else have you found to be helpful? Thanks! Andy Ballentine

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Sustainable wishlist
by DEL HOLLAND 02 Aug '23

02 Aug '23

My suggestion would be looking at energy usage; change to all LED lights, update or replace windows and doors, add insulation where every you can, plan to replace water heaters, HVAC systems with all electric and, of course, photovoltaic panels. Del Holland board member Iowa City Bike Library Sent from Del’s iPad

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Re: Parts Washers (Bike Saviours)
by Nicole Muratore 28 Jul '23

28 Jul '23

Our shop was gifted an ultrasonic cleaner that we swear by. It holds 30L of liquid and we use a 1:10 ratio of Simple Green to water. We've removed the heat sink because it already heats up on its own with lots of use. Looks like it runs $360 on Amazon https://a.co/d/8FHJ9Uv No sealed bearing units go in this device - no freewheels, cartridge bottom brackets and headsets, or jockey wheels and idlers. Cheers, *Nicole* On Wed, Jul 12, 2023 at 12:58 PM < thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> wrote: > Send TheThinkTank mailing list submissions to > thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe 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. Parts Washers (Yellow Bike Project) > 2. Re: Parts Washers (Gregory Ferguson) > 3. Re: Fwd: There's a Fediverse group now, hay un grupo de Fediverse > ahora! > (Jonathan Rosenbaum) > 4. Re: Parts Washers (cyclista(a)inventati.org) > 5. Re: Question re community bike shops (Alejandro Manga Tinoco) > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Yellow Bike Project <austinyellowbike(a)gmail.com> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2023 10:08:01 -0500 > Subject: [TheThinkTank] Parts Washers > Yellow Bike Project in Austin is investigating the purchase of a parts > washer. Maybe a 15-20 gal capacity with a pump, and possibly a heater. We > currently use donated rags and T-shirts with simple green to hand clean > parts and frames. We do not launder the rags,but just send them to the > landfill. We are wondering what is the best solution, ecologically and > economically. Advice and recommendations are appreciated. Robert, YB Board > Memebr > > Yellow Bike Project | www.austinyellowbike.org > 1216 Webberville Rd Austin, TX 78721| 512-524-5299 > Schedule Available Online <https://austinyellowbike.org/> > "Be the change you would like to see in the world." - Gandhi > "Keep Cycling: it is Undoubtedly the Best form of Activism there is." > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Gregory Ferguson <gregferg2(a)gmail.com> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Cc: Yellow Bike Project <austinyellowbike(a)gmail.com> > Bcc: > Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:35:03 -0400 > Subject: [TheThinkTank] Re: Parts Washers > Hi > > Parts washer: > We use a Zep parts washer (Dyna clean model, about $3k) and a harbor > freight one (about $150). The Zep one is clearly better, and it gets the > most use, but I can't say if it's worth the price difference. > > The main difference we noticed was when we switched from mineral spirits > to a biodegradable, non toxic degreaser. It's nice to not to have to worry > as much about proper venting, long gloves, eye protection, etc. But, I'm > sad to say that the healthier stuff does not degrease or clean nearly as > well. > > Regs: > We have an arrangement with a car detailer. For fear of scratching > customer cars, they start with new rags and only use them once. So, they > give the used ones to us by the garbage bagfuls. Since the rags are already > recycled, we don't feel so bad about tossing out the ones we get the > grungiest. > > Hope this helps, > Greg > Long Island Bike Co-op > > > > On Wed, Jul 12, 2023 at 11:08 AM Yellow Bike Project via TheThinkTank < > thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> wrote: > >> Yellow Bike Project in Austin is investigating the purchase of a parts >> washer. Maybe a 15-20 gal capacity with a pump, and possibly a heater. We >> currently use donated rags and T-shirts with simple green to hand clean >> parts and frames. We do not launder the rags,but just send them to the >> landfill. We are wondering what is the best solution, ecologically and >> economically. Advice and recommendations are appreciated. Robert, YB Board >> Memebr >> >> Yellow Bike Project | www.austinyellowbike.org >> 1216 Webberville Rd Austin, TX 78721| 512-524-5299 >> Schedule Available Online <https://austinyellowbike.org/> >> "Be the change you would like to see in the world." - Gandhi >> "Keep Cycling: it is Undoubtedly the Best form of Activism there is." >> _______________________________________________ >> TheThinkTank mailing list -- thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >> To unsubscribe send an email to >> thethinktank-leave(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >> To view this discussion on the web visit >> https://lists.bikecollectives.org/hyperkitty/list/thethinktank@lists.bikeco… > > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Jonathan Rosenbaum <bike(a)bikelover.org> > To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2023 18:39:17 -0000 > Subject: [TheThinkTank] Re: Fwd: There's a Fediverse group now, hay un > grupo de Fediverse ahora! > There wasn't a delivery issue. bike(a)angelyork.com is not a subscribed > user. > > -Jonathan > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: cyclista(a)inventati.org > To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2023 19:46:19 +0000 > Subject: [TheThinkTank] Re: Parts Washers > Regarding rags and landfills, we had a volunteer for awhile who was into > chemistry, and they were keen on developing a simple process for > cleaning rags whereby they would be agitated in a sealed container > filled with a readily available, affordable, and reusable solvent, > probably gasoline. The solvent was supposed to cause the grease and oils > to settle out, and in combination with the agitation would cause the > particulates to also settle out. The system would have been maintained > by periodically scooping out the sediment. > > I think dry cleaning for garments has a similar system, cleaning with a > specialized chemical (as opposed to water and soap) which get reused. > > We didn't create a prototype because we hadn't yet imagined a way to dry > the rags without filling some area with fumes, or just in general > offgassing heavily into the ecosystem (which a vent hood would > facilitate). But perhaps a reader out there has an idea to solve for > that and wants to take this idea somewhere. > > The general idea was to separate rag "dirt" into a powder/silt that, > being very small in volume, was less of a burden on landfills. I > certainly like the idea in principle. > > ~cyclista Nicholas > > > On 2023-07-12 18:35, Gregory Ferguson via TheThinkTank wrote: > > Hi > > > > Parts washer: > > We use a Zep parts washer (Dyna clean model, about $3k) and a harbor > > freight one (about $150). The Zep one is clearly better, and it gets > > the > > most use, but I can't say if it's worth the price difference. > > > > The main difference we noticed was when we switched from mineral > > spirits to > > a biodegradable, non toxic degreaser. It's nice to not to have to worry > > as > > much about proper venting, long gloves, eye protection, etc. But, I'm > > sad > > to say that the healthier stuff does not degrease or clean nearly as > > well. > > > > Regs: > > We have an arrangement with a car detailer. For fear of scratching > > customer > > cars, they start with new rags and only use them once. So, they give > > the > > used ones to us by the garbage bagfuls. Since the rags are already > > recycled, we don't feel so bad about tossing out the ones we get the > > grungiest. > > > > Hope this helps, > > Greg > > Long Island Bike Co-op > > > > > > > > On Wed, Jul 12, 2023 at 11:08 AM Yellow Bike Project via TheThinkTank < > > thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> wrote: > > > >> Yellow Bike Project in Austin is investigating the purchase of a parts > >> washer. Maybe a 15-20 gal capacity with a pump, and possibly a heater. > >> We > >> currently use donated rags and T-shirts with simple green to hand > >> clean > >> parts and frames. We do not launder the rags,but just send them to > >> the > >> landfill. We are wondering what is the best solution, ecologically and > >> economically. Advice and recommendations are appreciated. Robert, YB > >> Board > >> Memebr > >> > >> Yellow Bike Project | www.austinyellowbike.org > >> 1216 Webberville Rd Austin, TX 78721| 512-524-5299 > >> Schedule Available Online <https://austinyellowbike.org/> > >> "Be the change you would like to see in the world." - Gandhi > >> "Keep Cycling: it is Undoubtedly the Best form of Activism there is." > >> _______________________________________________ > >> TheThinkTank mailing list -- thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > >> To unsubscribe send an email to > >> thethinktank-leave(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > >> To view this discussion on the web visit > >> > https://lists.bikecollectives.org/hyperkitty/list/thethinktank@lists.bikeco… > > > > _______________________________________________ > > TheThinkTank mailing list -- thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To unsubscribe send an email to > > thethinktank-leave(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To view this discussion on the web visit > > > https://lists.bikecollectives.org/hyperkitty/list/thethinktank@lists.bikeco… > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Alejandro Manga Tinoco <alejandromanga(a)gmail.com> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Cc: "Bike!Bike! Everywhere!" <bikebikeeverywhere(a)gmail.com> > Bcc: > Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:56:13 -0500 > Subject: [TheThinkTank] Re: Question re community bike shops > > Hi all, > > First of all, apologies for some of the links that follow and are in > french. As Angel stated, the French have a network, L’Heureux Cyclage, > which is very similar to Bike Collectives, but a little more formal: It is > a “association de loi 1901” the French equivalent of a not-for-profit > 501(c)(3) organization. Like Bike Collectives / Bike! Bike! It has a > charter of values, and all belonging organizations need to adhere to those > values to become members: > > https://www.heureux-cyclage.org/charte.html?lang=fr > > The organization grew around the same time as Bike Collectives/Bike!Bike! > but under a French context. It is strongly influenced by French anarchism > and French libertarianism ( equal parts equality and liberty), and some of > the original members are very close to the French freeware movement, the > Framasoft people because of the shared values: > > https://framablog.org/2013/12/02/utopie-du-logiciel-libre-sebastien-broca/ > > > https://framablog.org/2009/11/23/logiciel-libre-theories-intelligence-colle… > > In fact, the first paid position of the network was for the guy in charge > of running the software for the bike kitchens to allow them to emancipate > themselves from big tech. > > I think the big differences between LHC and Bike!Bike! is due to different > cultural, social, political, and economic contexts: > > 1) Most funding in France for not-for-profits is public, so there is > a cultural expectation to get money from the different layers of the > government while keeping politically independent. > > 2) French anarchism/libertarianism is slightly different from the > American version. > > 3) There is a bigger emphasis on degrowth ( no one drives to a > kitchen in France, most people don’t own cars, and most radical kitchens > are opposed even to electric bikes, and people shame you(me) for flying > even though both my research and organizing require for me to do so. > > Clavettes ( Cotters): Because of questions of values and political > outlook, the network aims at decentralizing and encouraging local > cooperation. The clavettes are the local networks of kitchens, the > strongest ones are in Lyon, Greater, Paris, and Grenoble ( which is kind of > the mecca of French kitchens). Clavettes are very useful because they > shared issues, they are better at spreading ( the French use the word > *essaimer,* which would translate to swarming, as the bees do), sharing > resources, and mobilizing together. > > There also working groups for specific issues: gender stuff, race stuff, > coop employees, and low-density territories. For some of these issues, the > network has produced guides ( often financed by the French government and > the territorial agencies). > > https://www.heureux-cyclage.org/guides.html?lang=fr > > @Geoffrey: > > Like the Bike Collective, LHC is decentralized, and volunteer-run. The way > I see it is that it runs on the heart, which means that it works better > with a small group of committed and motivated people, the downside is that > some stuff doesn’t happen because nobody takes the wheel for annoying tasks > that need to happen. Also, like in the US, burnout is prevalent ( I have > talked with many people about this, on both sides of the ocean, both for my > research and because they are my friends and allies). There are many > academic publications on the subject (See Adonia Lugo Bicycle/Race) and > currently there are some efforts to document the issue of cycling and > trauma. > > Geoffroy Pleyers in the early 2000s studied the alter-globalization > movement and split them into what he called the way of the reason, those > that were into policy-making and invading spaces of power, and those of the > way of subjectivity ( those who were in the ground, close to the people > mobilizing) for me the bike movement has both, and both LHC and bike > collectives are of the latter kind. The issue is that each form of > mobilization has its limits ( and a fair share of unsolvable problems, like > how to get more volunteers, how to reach people and resources without > selling out, how to keep true to our values while reaching out most > people…). > > > https://www.academia.edu/44702177/Alter_globalization_Becoming_actors_in_th… > . > > @Luke: > > The French network also has a list like this one, except that only members > can access it, and it is not as easy to handle as this one ( kudos to all > the people involved in making this so easy, thanks!) > > https://sympa.heureux-cyclage.org/info/rayons > > The other thing is that French radical people are very private, and most > of them dislike high-tech and even cell phones… The pandemic changed that a > little bit as it forced people to have online meetings, but still, there is > resistance towards online stuff. The other thing is language, for creative > language is also very important for the network ( for instance the name of > the network is a pun, which translates into happy cycling, but it also > reads like “le recyclage” /recycling). > > The last thing I want to say is that collectives that run with the heart, > need face-to-face spaces to keep alive. To strengthen the bonds of people, > and to have those liminal spaces where new ideas flourish, I hope > Bike!Bike! gets to meet in person soon, and I hope those people who live > close to each other get to meet each other to share together. > > PS: > > I have written about bike kitchens both in French and in English, here are > a couple of links: > > > https://theconversation.com/bike-kitchens-the-community-run-repair-workshop… > > > https://medium.com/anthropocene2050/les-ateliers-dautor%C3%A9paration-du-v%… > > Alejandro > > On Tue, 11 Jul 2023 at 21:59, Bike!Bike! Everywhere! via TheThinkTank < > thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> wrote: > >> forwarding another message that bounced... >> >> ============ Forwarded message ============ >> From: angel york <bike(a)angelyork.com> >> To: "The Think Tank"<thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> >> Cc: "Luke Box"<lukebox(a)gmail.com> >> Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2023 02:57:27 -0700 >> Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Re: Question re community bike shops >> ============ Forwarded message ============ >> >> Hi all, >> >> I have a migraine right now, so maybe I missed something. Anyone who >> wants to is welcome to start anything they want. Anyone who wants to be >> involved in existing or new projects is encouraged to do so. Email >> bikebikeeverywhere(a)gmail.com. >> >> I'll do a brief overview of existing and potential ways to communicate >> with this community. This has also turned into an impromtu update, it is >> not a complete update. I didn't run it past the tech and planning teams. >> >> *Active volunteer groups*: There's the planning team (english/spanish) >> for Bike!Bike! Everywhere! (the online conference) and the tech team >> (currently english/technobabble). There was also intercambio/language >> exchange for a few months after B!B!E!2022, that was a lot of fun. Right >> now, the planning team communicates over email and now also WhatsApp and >> the tech team communicates by email. Both groups have recurring video >> meetings. >> >> *Social media:* >> There is no form of social media that's going to work for everyone. >> Anti-capitalism is important but so is intersectionality. If we care about >> DEIB <https://www.inclusionhub.com/articles/what-is-dei>, and we do, >> sometimes we have to reach people where they are. >> >> - People made an account for instagram for a past B!B!, Tijuana I >> think, so B!B!E! planners use it to post event announcements, to reach >> people where they are. >> - There's a really old facebook group with a lot of people in it, so >> the B!B!E! planners have a stub of a facebook account to be able to >> interact with the people there. >> - There's a discord room, it's not active but it's there. >> - At 9:07 a.m. this morning I submitted a request to create a >> Mastodon account because I suspect some of our community is on Mastodon. >> My plan was to create a guppy group after checking with the planning and/or >> tech teams, just a stub so people could use it if they want. Sounds like >> there's interest. >> >> *Websites and various accounts*: bikebike.org and bikecollectives.org >> are both community resources. Anyone who wants to post an event to >> bikebike.org can do so, you just have to email >> bikebikeeverywhere(a)gmail.com and we will connect you with a login to >> create an event. We are aware that the front page of bikecollectives.org >> needs an overhaul, it is actively on the to do list to update it with an >> organized overview of resources that are available to all, switch out the >> picture, that sort of thing. >> >> *Fact check: *Technically the bike collectives network isn't a >> non-profit. We're run by anarchy. B!B!E! has a non-profit fiscal host. >> That's OCF. They handle the money. Their values align well with the >> values of our community and they have been just fantastic to work with and >> we're lucky to have them and the open collective software. >> >> Speaking of money, we're still all volunteer-run. Translators and >> interpreters get a stipend which is paid by B!B!E! attendees, and we have >> several generous recurring donors covering tech infrastructure expenses. >> >> *Tech: *At the last tech meeting, we finished putting together a major >> update of what we've been working on. Nothing particularly visible, mostly >> a lot of deferred maintenance type stuff - getting the existing tech like >> this mailing list and the wiki and bikebike.org updated and onto a >> hosting provider that meets our needs better. Once that is done, we'd like >> to see what new stuff we can implement to meet some of the needs you are >> describing. It's slow going, because we have approximately 1.6 techie >> volunteers (between the three active people on the tech team) working on >> all of it. We're waiting on the translation to Spanish before posting that >> update. Should be up some time this month. >> >> *B!B!E! Planning: *Due to various illnesses, this year's planning team >> is just getting warmed up this past month or so. They'll be putting out an >> announcement with an update and a request for B!B!E! and tech volunteers >> probably some time in the next month or so. >> >> *Communications: *B!B! in person regional and international events, >> B!B!E! virtual events, the websites, this email list, the wiki, the social >> media accounts, *all of these resources are about finding and connecting >> with each other. * We are run by whoever puts love into it. That's all >> of us! >> >> Anyone who wants to is welcome to start anything they want. Anyone who >> wants to be involved in existing or new projects is encouraged to do so. >> Email bikebikeeverywhere(a)gmail.com. >> >> *Back to the original question,* "a case where community bike shops have >> united together to form some kind of federation or coalition ?" I think the >> French ones did that, not sure if it's the scale you're looking for though: >> https://www.heureux-cyclage.org/La-carte-de-L-Heureux-Cyclage-le.html?lang=… >> >> <3 Angel >> >> >> On Sun, Jul 9, 2023 at 11:02 PM Luke Box via TheThinkTank < >> thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> wrote: >> >>> This community (The Bicycle Collective) is the largest global network of >>> non-profit/do good bicycle shops. There is a maintained wiki with a whole >>> bunch of really great resources and most of the email discussions here are >>> archived and searchable online. They've also been very involved in >>> organizing BikeBike in real life, and virtually. >>> >>> It sounds like what you're seeking (similar to myself) is >>> somewhere/something with more/easier engagement and conversation. In your >>> case, maybe regionally. In my case, I just want folks to interact with from >>> anywhere, that are doing similar work than me. Call it a federation or >>> coalition or whatever. Personally, I just want somewhere where there is >>> active discussion about "how do y'all do this at your shop", "get a load of >>> this shit" etc. I think we all have similar enough goals that there doesn't >>> need to be 'an organization'. >>> >>> ThinkCollective organizers/managers/founders have been hesitant to >>> develop or encourage discussions in this regard, outside of this >>> space/network. Point being, using alternative services provided by >>> for-profit companies and corporations create >>> accessibility/ownership barriers, defies the 'collective fundamentals' that >>> the network was founded on and directly interfere with some anti-capitalist >>> notions that they've busted their ass to not be a part of. They're a >>> non-profit that maintain all their own servers and rely on open-source >>> software and services to operate and organize volunteer translators to >>> translate a lot of their resources. If you're reading this, you owe them a >>> huge thank you. Thanks y'all. This bike co-op stuff has changed my life, >>> for real. >>> >>> I've deleted a bit of this email where I had written about alternative >>> ways to communicate outside the Bike Collective Network, out of respect. >>> >>> I love and fully support the fundamentals and efforts made by Bike >>> Collective to create a self sustaining and accessible trove of information >>> and discussion. I (as well as others) would really love(need?) a 'living >>> online space' where co-op organizers/volunteers/managers/board members/ >>> etc. can help each other and communicate. This email listserv and the >>> archives are not it. >>> >>> People want an app on their phone that is easy to use and looks good >>> where they can send short form text messages, and create threads and >>> channels/rooms and direct replies and send pictures and videos and stupid >>> gifs. Younger generations of adults who are now managing/developing >>> non-profit bicycles cooperative are not going to search an online archive >>> or use a wiki. This discussion exists there, and it keeps happening due to >>> this fact. People organize and communicate online much differently now, >>> than they did when this network was founded. I hate the means by which this >>> comes, but it's not going to change how people behave. >>> >>> Anyone is welcome to reply to me if you're interested in an alternative >>> space to organize/chat outside of this network. It sucks to >>> fork/branch/divide efforts made here, but it's going to happen if not >>> managed internally. I've had a chat with BikeCollective organizers, and >>> they have done a whole bunch of work to organize this email listserv >>> archive but it seems they are not interested/don't have the >>> time/space/money to maintain any more than what exists here. >>> >>> On Sun, Jul 9, 2023 at 11:16 AM Geoffrey B via TheThinkTank < >>> thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> wrote: >>> >>>> It has happened several times in Toronto. I'd say the opposite is >>>> beneficial. When a group gets too big, they lose something. >>>> >>>> It happens every few decades. Groups lose faith and merge, but it never >>>> ends well. >>>> >>>> My group lost a lot of its integrity when they focused on the massive >>>> rent due every month. We all worked for the landlord and not the community. >>>> >>>> Mandates get lost, and members leave from burnout. >>>> >>>> The smaller the operation, the better. Especially in a city like >>>> Montreal. >>>> >>>> On Sun, Jul 9, 2023, 2:13 a.m. Emory Shaw via TheThinkTank < >>>> thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> wrote: >>>> >>>>> HI all, >>>>> >>>>> I'm just doing a bit of research and I figured this would be a good >>>>> place to ask a question: does anyone know of a case where community bike >>>>> shops have united together to form some kind of federation or coalition ? >>>>> Many cities are dotted with such shops that tend to share a similar social >>>>> mission: are there any examples of cities or regions where they have come >>>>> together to better address shared challenges (re volunteers, suppliers, >>>>> financing etc.)? It would be great to get some insight on this, as there >>>>> are talks of doing this kind of thing in the city I'm in (Montreal). I'm >>>>> curious to know if and how other places might have succeeded or not at >>>>> achieving this. Any thoughts or leads would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! >>>>> >>>>> Emory >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> TheThinkTank mailing list -- thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >>>>> To unsubscribe send an email to >>>>> thethinktank-leave(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>>> https://lists.bikecollectives.org/hyperkitty/list/thethinktank@lists.bikeco… >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> TheThinkTank mailing list -- thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >>>> To unsubscribe send an email to >>>> thethinktank-leave(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >>>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>> https://lists.bikecollectives.org/hyperkitty/list/thethinktank@lists.bikeco… >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> TheThinkTank mailing list -- thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >>> To unsubscribe send an email to >>> thethinktank-leave(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>> https://lists.bikecollectives.org/hyperkitty/list/thethinktank@lists.bikeco… >> >> _______________________________________________ >> TheThinkTank mailing list -- thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >> To unsubscribe send an email to >> thethinktank-leave(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >> To view this discussion on the web visit >> https://lists.bikecollectives.org/hyperkitty/list/thethinktank@lists.bikeco… > > _______________________________________________ > TheThinkTank mailing list -- thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > To unsubscribe send an email to > thethinktank-leave(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >

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Job Posting for bike shop manager
by Eric Brozell 28 Jul '23

28 Jul '23

Hello Fellow Travelers, The following is a posting for a part time position at a community bike shop in Erie, Pa. This is a shop that I have been involved with for 10 years. There are a great core of volunteers that are committed, experienced and have been involved for a number of years. This community bike bike shop is poised to expand and has been well received by the community. We need someone with good community experience, have good organizational skills and be a good teacher able to lead bike safety workshops, rides and work with adults as well as children. Thank you, Eric Brozell Bike Erie and Erie Bicycle Recycllery Sent from my iPhone

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Job Posting - Our Community Bikes Executive Director (Vancouver, BC)
by Johanna Bleecker 20 Jul '23

20 Jul '23

Hello, Our Community Bikes is a social enterprise charitable nonprofit in Vancouver, BC. We operate a full-service bike shop as well as education and cycling access programs, all through an anti-oppressive lens. More information and job posting can be found here: https://ourcommunitybikes.org/work-with-us/ Feel free to send any questions my way. Thank you, Johanna Bleecker Co-Chair Our Community Bikes

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Parts Washers (Yellow Bike Project), actually specifically rags
by DEL HOLLAND 13 Jul '23

13 Jul '23

We choose to buy a used washing machine and used it only for rag washing; we got several more uses out of them that way. Unfortunately, in my view, we have gone back to a commercial supplier of rags. They bring cleaned ones and pick up and treat (wash) our used ones; not cheap. We have access to hospital surgical new, unused in the surgery rags, but the vendor will not accept them into their stream 🙁 Del Holland Board Member Iowa City Bike Library

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Parts Washers
by Yellow Bike Project 12 Jul '23

12 Jul '23

Yellow Bike Project in Austin is investigating the purchase of a parts washer. Maybe a 15-20 gal capacity with a pump, and possibly a heater. We currently use donated rags and T-shirts with simple green to hand clean parts and frames. We do not launder the rags,but just send them to the landfill. We are wondering what is the best solution, ecologically and economically. Advice and recommendations are appreciated. Robert, YB Board Memebr Yellow Bike Project | www.austinyellowbike.org 1216 Webberville Rd Austin, TX 78721| 512-524-5299 Schedule Available Online <https://austinyellowbike.org/> "Be the change you would like to see in the world." - Gandhi "Keep Cycling: it is Undoubtedly the Best form of Activism there is."

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Seeking examples of liability waivers
by Joshua H. 11 Jul '23

11 Jul '23

Hello all, We need a better liability waiver for our CBS. We need something that is easy to read/understand. I've tried searching through the archives of the thinktank but it isn't returning any results (getting a ht://Dig error). Anything you can send will be very helpful! Bicycle rider solidarity, Joshua Community Bike Shop at Barber Park

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Organization of 'Community' Bike Shops?
by eric clough 10 Jul '23

10 Jul '23

Hello Emory and ThinkTankers - I really appreciate the posting by Emory and I would like to offer a few thoughts. Before I do that, I want to acknowledge, as Luke Box did, the valuable content and work represented here in the ThinkTank. Since the time I founded a small community bike shop in Coos Bay, Or. (2018), I have paid close attention to the content of exchanges here. I have participated in the virtual BikeBike and I look forward to an in-person BikeBike sometime soon. Thank you ThinkTank for all the resource you provide - I find it very valuable. Cheers to all those who have put effort into it over the years. The major urban centers of Oregon (Portland, Salem, Hillsboro, Corvallis, Eugene) all have large and well established 'community' bike shops. Oregon has smaller communities that also have community bike shops. Like Coos Bay and Waldport (others?). I am interested in Emory's posting because in Coos Bay we are finding it difficult to sustain volunteer effort to operate the various programs needed in our community. We don't generate enough revenue (sales & service) to support paid staff and, while we have had some success with grant applications, our experience is that implementing grant programs with all volunteer effort is challenging. We also struggle with basic business admin functions. I definitely appreciate the comment from Geofry Smart about merging of groups can result in loss of values and perhaps other important facets of community-based operation (autonomy for example). However, burnout is hitting our small operation pretty hard these days. We are on an unsustainable volunteer path. In the pacific northwest, there is currently a developing 'umbrella' non-profit organization that is intended to support a consortium of regional community bike shops. I don't know a lot about it at this time but I am interested to learn more. Laura Brooke - thank you for the reference to the Vermont group. I will be reaching out to the "Old Spokes Home" (love the name!) Eric Clough Front Street Community Bike Works Park Your Car - Ride Your Bike!

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