- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

new spring video trailer from TBR
by Andrew L 21 Mar '12

21 Mar '12

happy spring everyone! hope to see you soon. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V44jpfHlK54 ------ STAY IN TOUCH! TBR on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/troybikerescue want to follow TBR on twitter? https://twitter.com/#!/TroyBikeRescue new hours on website: http://troybikerescue.org/spaces

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Community Cycles is Hiring a Shop Manager - Boulder Colorado
by Rich 17 Mar '12

17 Mar '12

http://communitycycles.org/component/content/article/49-events/507-shop-man… *Position Title: Community Bike Shop Manager * *Responsibility Statement * The Community Cycles Shop Manager oversees the day-to-day logistics and quality control of the community bike shop. The position is responsible for volunteer, customer and client management, retail sales and inventory. *Reports To*: Executive Director *Essential Functions* *Shop Operations* * Manage, train and develop team of facilitators (high level volunteers). * Support the EAB program with bikes and other shop resources * Along with volunteers, ensure the shop is maintained in a clean, safe manner at all times. * Ensure adequate coverage of all shop positions and shifts to ensure consistent service throughout stated shop hours. * Recruit and help train dedicated volunteers as shop leads and front desk volunteers. * Oversee initial store construction and ongoing maintenance of retail space * Ensure completion and quality of work done; ensure that all phone calls, requests, and questions are addressed properly and in a timely manner. *Administration* * Maintain, organize, and update office files and records. * File invoices, statements, timesheets, and fiscal reports in an organized fashion. * Maintain Operations Metrics Report. * Prepare and submit monthly reports and problems/suggestions to the Executive Director. * Implements procedures to protect the shop's assets. * Ensure retail space is stocked and in an organized, clean state at all times. * Ensure shop van is in running order at all times. *Retail* * Responsible for achieving Retail Sales and Gross Margin targets. * Conduct price surveys to keep price book and service menu up-to-date and maintain pricing inventory knowledge. * Responsible for Retail merchandising and marketing. * Ensure parts and materials are stocked at all times. * Work with Head Mechanic to place orders with vendors for both stock and special orders. * Develop and maintain strict inventory control; inventory to be taken once per quarter. * Ensure retail space is stocked and in an organized, clean state at all times. *Experience/Education* * Non-profit experience preferred * Minimum two years retail experience required * Minimum one year management experience preferred * Minimum one year formal supervision of staff and/or volunteers * Bike shop experience preferred * Experience with marketing and retail merchandising preferred * Current knowledge of a wide variety of bike types, accessories, tools, etc. *Supervision *Daily supervision of paid mechanics and other employees Daily supervision of clients, volunteers and interns *Knowledge, Skills, Abilities* * Advanced supervisory and management skills * Basic understanding of volunteer coordination * Proficiency in windows-based computer software programs * Solid oral and written communication skills. * Experience with budget tracking, cash handling and inventory control * Ability to plan, coordinate, and implement classes and workshops * English/Spanish bilingual preferred *Equipment* * Personal Computer * Cell Phone *Physical Effort Required* * Regular lifting of 50+ pounds * Ability to climb ladders and stairs. *Compensation *The Community Cycles bike shop manager is a full time position, compensation is $13-$15 per hour based on experience. Benefits - Eco Pass, no other benefits, at this time. *TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION* If you would like to apply for this position please copy and paste your resume into the body of an email /and/ attach it as a pdf to an email to resume "at" communitycycles.org *Resumes will be accepted through March 23* -- Rich Points Community Cycles Executive Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019 (W) 303-589-0597 (C) CC is Boulder's only bike shop dedicated to bike commuting. Find us on FaceBook http://facebook.com/home.php#!/CommunityCycles Volunteer orientations are held 6p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of each month.

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Community Cycles is Hiring a Shop Manager - Boulder Colorado
by Rich 17 Mar '12

17 Mar '12

http://communitycycles.org/component/content/article/49-events/507-shop-man… *Position Title: Community Bike Shop Manager * *Responsibility Statement * The Community Cycles Shop Manager oversees the day-to-day logistics and quality control of the community bike shop. The position is responsible for volunteer, customer and client management, retail sales and inventory. *Reports To*: Executive Director *Essential Functions* *Shop Operations* * Manage, train and develop team of facilitators (high level volunteers). * Support the EAB program with bikes and other shop resources * Along with volunteers, ensure the shop is maintained in a clean, safe manner at all times. * Ensure adequate coverage of all shop positions and shifts to ensure consistent service throughout stated shop hours. * Recruit and help train dedicated volunteers as shop leads and front desk volunteers. * Oversee initial store construction and ongoing maintenance of retail space * Ensure completion and quality of work done; ensure that all phone calls, requests, and questions are addressed properly and in a timely manner. *Administration* * Maintain, organize, and update office files and records. * File invoices, statements, timesheets, and fiscal reports in an organized fashion. * Maintain Operations Metrics Report. * Prepare and submit monthly reports and problems/suggestions to the Executive Director. * Implements procedures to protect the shop's assets. * Ensure retail space is stocked and in an organized, clean state at all times. * Ensure shop van is in running order at all times. *Retail* * Responsible for achieving Retail Sales and Gross Margin targets. * Conduct price surveys to keep price book and service menu up-to-date and maintain pricing inventory knowledge. * Responsible for Retail merchandising and marketing. * Ensure parts and materials are stocked at all times. * Work with Head Mechanic to place orders with vendors for both stock and special orders. * Develop and maintain strict inventory control; inventory to be taken once per quarter. * Ensure retail space is stocked and in an organized, clean state at all times. *Experience/Education* * Non-profit experience preferred * Minimum two years retail experience required * Minimum one year management experience preferred * Minimum one year formal supervision of staff and/or volunteers * Bike shop experience preferred * Experience with marketing and retail merchandising preferred * Current knowledge of a wide variety of bike types, accessories, tools, etc. *Supervision *Daily supervision of paid mechanics and other employees Daily supervision of clients, volunteers and interns *Knowledge, Skills, Abilities* * Advanced supervisory and management skills * Basic understanding of volunteer coordination * Proficiency in windows-based computer software programs * Solid oral and written communication skills. * Experience with budget tracking, cash handling and inventory control * Ability to plan, coordinate, and implement classes and workshops * English/Spanish bilingual preferred *Equipment* * Personal Computer * Cell Phone *Physical Effort Required* * Regular lifting of 50+ pounds * Ability to climb ladders and stairs. *Compensation *The Community Cycles bike shop manager is a full time position, compensation is $13-$15 per hour based on experience. Benefits - Eco Pass, no other benefits, at this time. *TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION* If you would like to apply for this position please copy and paste your resume into the body of an email /and/ attach it as a pdf to an email to resume "at" communitycycles.org *Resumes will be accepted through March 23* -- Rich Points Community Cycles Executive Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019 (W) 303-589-0597 (C) CC is Boulder's only bike shop dedicated to bike commuting. Find us on FaceBook http://facebook.com/home.php#!/CommunityCycles Volunteer orientations are held 6p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of each month.

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BFF News and Film Project
by brean＠bicyclefilmfestival.com 15 Mar '12

15 Mar '12

Dear BFF Friends We are making a movie about Paris-Roubaix 2012. You can contribute by going to our Kickstarter page, and get yourself a dvd or a book. We ask BFF fans to pass along the information (like on FaceBook) or to contribute themselves. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2105237365/the-commentator Time is short, but we are making a big push to try to get this funding --it is going to be a rad movie. We are also busy finalizing the BFF cities and dates. Please stay tuned. BFF Call For Entries deadline is coming soon. April 1 Check out the site for more info: http://www.bicyclefilmfestival.com/ Thank you, Brean PS --BIKES ROCK PPS --Let us know what you think about the Kickstarter, the Call for Entries, or whatever --we love feedback.

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Lube/Degreaser Storage System?
by Tegan Moss 14 Mar '12

14 Mar '12

Hi All, We seem to have an ongoing storage issue with various lubricants and oils/greases. Right now we have it all on one shelf and dispite many attempts at organization its just not working! Does anyone have a shelving/storage solution that they really love? Thanks! Tegan -- -- B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop 336 Rubidge St, Peterborough ON (705) 775-7227 communitybikeshop.org

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Quick Tool Cut-outs AKA "French Fitting"
by Ron Kellis 07 Mar '12

07 Mar '12

I don't think this will stand up to much abuse, but for some it might be handy for taking tools to an event: http://madmodder.net/index.php?topic=4770.0 Use washer stacks next to the handles to create grasp cut-outs. Recommended product is "Great Stuff" by Dow Chemical Otherwise it is layout and Forstner bits in hardboard (Masonite®), a jigsaw, filing, and a protective coating. Or Photocopies lacquered to pegboard :-) Ron

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Community Bike Shops Untie!
by Jonathan Morrison 06 Mar '12

06 Mar '12

Or was it dyslexics unite? Anyway... Community Bicycle Organizations literally get more people riding more often, which is the heart, soul and goal of Bicycle Advocacy. Making what we do the most immediate and tangible return on time and funding in the Bicycle Advocacy world. So whether we realize it or acknowledge it we are all Bicycle Advocates. The grass roots work that we have been doing has caught the attention of other Bicycle Advocates, who normally focus on infrastructure and policy. There are even Community Bike Organizations that do both. The great question is, how can traditional Bicycle Advocates better help grass roots Bicycle Advocates, and visa versa? The Alliance for Walking and Biking will be hosting a meeting at the National Bike Summit to address this question, and you are invited. We hope you attend, register here: http://communitybikeshops.eventbrite.com This is a very exciting time, ripe with potential, especially given the combined efforts of the Alliance, Bikes Belong and the League of American Bicyclists. http://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/site/index.php/site/blog/4002/ See you in D.C.! Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Executive Director Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective 2312 S. West Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84115 w: 801-328-2453 c: 801-688-0183 f: 801-466-3856 www.slcbikecollective.org The mission of the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective is to promote cycling as an effective and sustainable form of transportation and as a cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier, and safer society. The Bicycle Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on children and lower income households.

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60 degrees and sunny today!
by Jonathan Morrison 05 Mar '12

05 Mar '12

Come down to the Community Bike Shop anytime today and help us dig! We are replacing the broken up black top with recycled bricks, which means we need your help removing dirt and replacing it with bedding sand. Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Executive Director Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective 2312 S. West Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84115 w: 801-328-2453 c: 801-688-0183 f: 801-466-3856 www.slcbikecollective.org The mission of the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective is to promote cycling as an effective and sustainable form of transportation and as a cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier, and safer society. The Bicycle Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on children and lower income households.

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Bike Events for National Bike Month
by Amanda Chilson 01 Mar '12

01 Mar '12

Here in North Adams, MA we have created the Berkshire Bike Committee and we are in the process of organizing bike week from May 13-19, coinciding with the Commonwealth bike week. We are looking to promote bike safety and education in the school and are looking to team up with Safe Routes to School through Mass DOT for this, to bring this into classroom, there are many people that have said we need more time in order to plan a bike to school day than we have now, and that many schools will not be on board for this. Has anyone had to work with schools that were against biking to school, if so what are some tips to break this barrier? Also ideas to include bike safety and education and activities around bikes in schools? To conclude the week we are going to have a bikefest, including bike rodeo, are there any other ideas out there that we could include on this day for kids, adults and/or families? We have a central location where we will be gathering for this and would like to keep activities in this area. We have talked to local businesses for incentives for biking. Any ideas for donations/grants for bikes, helmets, or bike related items? Also open to ideas others have done around bike week, bike to school/work day, and bike month? Thank you for the help! -- *Amanda Chilson* *Project Coordinator Mass in Motion* *Northern Berkshire Community Coalition** *61 Main St. Suite 218* *North Adams, MA 01247* *413-663-7588 Ext. 14* *nbccoalition.org*

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Bike Culture & Conferences
by Ryan Kragerud 29 Feb '12

29 Feb '12

Thanks all for the info on the Volunteer scheduling software/websites. Super helpful. Bicycle Longmont (www.bicyclelongmont.org or www.longmontbikenight.blogspot.com ) has an annual fundraiser cruiser ride called "The G'Knight Ride", (www.gknightride.org) the G'Knight Ride is a family friendly cruiser ride that drew 1200 people in our first year. We've claimed Father's Day weekend for the ride, and it's a good sell - Bikes, Bands & Beer. It goes over well. We are launching our Longmont Bike Garage this year and so much of our proceeds will go toward that endeavor as well as our Kid's Holiday Bike Program where we donate refurbished/donated bikes to low income families. Anyway, this year we want to add an educational component to it and so we're planning a bike focused "conference". I don't like the word "conference" but, that's what it is. We're looking for a keynote speaker and ideas for workshops. Who are some of the really cool speakers you've heard and what are some of the best workshops/sessions you've attended. We're taking referrals for indie bands too. We're up to our eyeballs in blue grass. Not that there's anything wrong with blue grass, mind you. Thanks! Ryan

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Space Rental Advice
by michael kestner 28 Feb '12

28 Feb '12

Hello all, I am new to the list. My name is Mike. I'm looking to get a bike kitchen up and running in my community. For now I am going to fly under the radar as far as taxes and such although that could change once we are a little more organized. My question is this: in searching for a space, does anyone have any advice or maybe some tips to get rent reduced or maybe comped? This sort of thing is new to me so I'm not real sure where to start. I've been working out of my garage but the location is less than ideal to serve those that really could benefit from it. Thank You, Mike

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Online Volunteer Scheduling?
by Ryan Kragerud 28 Feb '12

28 Feb '12

Is anyone using an online scheduling service for volunteer sign ups? Bicycle Longmont (Colorado) has a very successful Bike Valet service. We have a growing number of volunteers willing to help us with our 24 week season and our current meet-up page isn't cutting it any longer. The preferred online website/etc. would allow us to have a volunteer sign up plus allow us to organize rides & events plus message all members, too. Anyone have any options locations or modules we could plug in to our website? Thanks, Ryan Kragerud, President Bicycle Longmont

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advice for space if you are just starting out
by ghetti crowe 28 Feb '12

28 Feb '12

Bicycling in Greensboro (NC) has no paid staff but we run a program where we give socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals rehabbed bicycles. We get them from the Police and college campuses (via our 5013c status). We have a cadre of volunteers that fix up the bicycles and then, those folks getting the bicycles have to take two classes before getting their bicycles. The first is in the classroom and we use LAB certified folks to talk about safe cycling. The second session individuals learn how to change a tire, adjust things on the bicycles and then we take them on a ride around town on the road to practice safe cycling. We take them by the bus depot so that they can see how easy it is to put the bicycle on/off the bicycle. We do not have funds for our own space BUT GSO is home to the Interactive Resource Center, a "one stop shop" for individuals who need help finding housing, jobs etc. They had unused warehouse space that we use. We store tools etc in locked desks and pull everything out when we work on bicycles 1x a month. There is enough space there to spread bicycles out so that we do not have to stack them up on top of each other. Prior to having this great space we had a storage facility donate a 8*10 foot storage shed to us.

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Fwd: World Map of bike co-ops
by Christine Bourgeois 23 Feb '12

23 Feb '12

Hi all, My friend Julien from Paris sent me the world Map of bike co-ops posted on the French website. Please read his message below. Thanks! -- Christine Bourgeois 805 699 6301 Education Coordinator Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition (SBBC) Are you a SBBC member? Join us http://bicicentro.org/join ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Julien Allaire <julien.allaire(a)heureux-cyclage.org> *The World (open street) map of Bike co-ops now avaliable **online**:* http://www.heureux-cyclage.org/Les-ateliers-velo-dans-le-monde.html As you know in France, we created a network of bike co-ops, and we try mutualize our capacities to enhance our activities. The website will be translated soon. But you can already reference your bike co-op on an OSM map if you can't find it on yet: http://www.heureux-cyclage.org/Referencer-un-nouvel-atelier.html It is still under construction, but soon, you could be able to use an "iframe" to put on your own website the map focusing on your city ! So please circulate those links to have as much as possible the true bike co-op world map... Thanks ! Cheers, Julien

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Re: [TheThinkTank] New National Plan to Transform Bicycling
by Jonathan Morrison 22 Feb '12

22 Feb '12

Woo hoo! Bikes Belong, Alliance for Walking and Biking and the League of American Bicyclists to combine forces... On Wed, Feb 22, 2012 at 2:10 PM, Jeff Miller <jeff(a)peoplepoweredmovement.org > wrote: > > > > We have exciting news to share with you. We have taken the initial steps > to unify three national bicycling organizations — the Alliance, the League > of American Bicyclists <http://www.bikeleague.org> and Bikes Belong<http://www.bikesbelong.org>— to create a powerful, dynamic new voice for cyclists at the local, state > and national level. > > > There are a lot of details and work ahead, but we are excited to combine > the diverse strengths of our powerful coalition of state and local > organizations with the storied national user group, and a vibrant industry > association in a way that preserves their unique attributes and realizes > the game-changing potential of a single organization. > > > I encourage you to check out the blog<http://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/site/index.php/site/blog/4002/>we’ve just posted and review our answers to anticipated questions. Feel > free to call me personally at (202) 445-4415 or e-mail me with any > additional questions you have. > > > We will reach out to you in the coming weeks and months for your input on > how this new unified organization can best serve our movement and grow > cycling to levels we’ve previously only dreamed of. > > > Here’s to a bright future realizing the full potential of our movement. > > > Sincerely, > > Jeffrey Miller > > President/CEO > > >

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What does your organization need?
by Jonathan Morrison 21 Feb '12

21 Feb '12

What information and/or resources do you think would help your organization? The sky is the limit. Ask away, let's see what trends (and answers) develop. In trying to improve the resources on the Bike Collective Network we have been working with the Alliance for Walking and Biking, an international bicycle advocacy powerhouse that specializes, among other things, in helping organizations set and meet their goals. They recognize Community Bike Organizations as an integral part of bicycle advocacy, and they want to help us. The first step is to figure out what we need help with. So ask. :) Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Bicycle Collective www.bicyclecollective.org 801-688-0183 cell

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Question: how is your community bike organization structured?
by Jonathan Morrison 20 Feb '12

20 Feb '12

There is more than one way to do everything so how is your community bike organization structured? Please respond! For example: Traditional 501(c)(3) non-profit with a board and executive director? 501(c)(3) non-profit where the by-laws re-allocate the powers of the "board" to a different group or people? 501(c)(3) on the books, but that is as far as it goes? For-profit? Worker owned? Consensus based? Flying under the radar? Other? Obviously the traditional non-profit route is a common one, but I would like to document other create ways that organizations can be structured on the wiki. http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Legal_Filings#Business_… Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Executive Director Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective 2312 S. West Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84115 w: 801-328-2453 c: 801-688-0183 f: 801-466-3856 www.slcbikecollective.org The mission of the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective is to promote cycling as an effective and sustainable form of transportation and as a cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier, and safer society. The Bicycle Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on children and lower income households.

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Any bike stands in storage out there?
by Chris Kelly 19 Feb '12

19 Feb '12

Looking for a better than consumer grade, single or dual, floor, counter or wall mount repair stand. Prefer PRS series Park, but ugly and older please, as our budget can't yet manage new and shiny. Will consider anything under $300, prefer that number include shipping to a commercial address in zip code 33701. Will give you right of first refusal if we upgrade, so if there's a piece of steel you're not using but would like to see get some use... Gosh, would my back appreciate it. Chris Kelly St Pete, FL

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Getting a location - the Ventura Bike HUB
by Greg Abille 17 Feb '12

17 Feb '12

We are just starting out. Our biggest hurdle right now is getting a place. We don't have much for rent, but do have 501 (c)(3) status. What are some successful methods and techniques to convince property owners to rent for low cost plus donation on kind in return for a tax deduction? Sent from my iPhone

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womens bike/work posters?
by Andrew L 16 Feb '12

16 Feb '12

this is a locally connected project but the call is national if there are any women designer/mechanics or folks associated with womens/trans workshops. i know they are desperate for submssions... ignore the listed deadline, and change to asap: http://www.wdiny.org/about/news/11-09-02/Seeking_Graphic_Posters.aspx andrew TBR

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Recycle-A-Bicycle is Hiring!
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 16 Feb '12

16 Feb '12

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Recycle-A-Bicycle is Hiring!
by Pasqualina Azzarello 15 Feb '12

15 Feb '12

Hi Everyone, Recycle-A-Bicycle is hiring a full-time Development Director. The job description can be found here: http://www.idealist.org/view/job/8JNB33z7xpFP/ and more information about our organization can be found on our website: http://www.recycleabicycle.orgPlease feel free to share! Thank you! Best, Pasqualina -- Pasqualina Azzarello Executive Director Recycle-A-Bicycle Ph: 718-858-2972 Fax: 718-858-6201 http://www.recycleabicycle.org

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Rotary Clubs
by Andrew L 15 Feb '12

15 Feb '12

thanks for all the helmet feedback! anyone work with Rotary clubs and have any good or bad feedback? particularly interested in any critiques out there? any drawbacks. it was recommend i go and speak and begin talking to a local club, i guess with the end goal of them giving money? so just putting out a feeler. thanks Andrew Troy Bike Rescue --

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Recycle-A-Bicycle is Hiring!
by Pasqualina Azzarello 15 Feb '12

15 Feb '12

Hi Everyone, Recycle-A-Bicycle is hiring a full-time Development Director. The job description is attached below and can be found here: http://www.idealist.org/view/job/8JNB33z7xpFP/ More information about our organization can be found on our website: http://www.recycleabicycle.orgPlease feel free to be in touch with any questions and please also feel free to share! Thank you! Best regards, Pasqualina -- Pasqualina Azzarello Executive Director Recycle-A-Bicycle Ph: 718-858-2972 Fax: 718-858-6201 http://www.recycleabicycle.org

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helmet$
by Andrew L 14 Feb '12

14 Feb '12

does anyone out there purchase wholesale helmets? we are looking into some funding opportunities (basically trying to get local corporations that give small grants) specifically for buying helmets for low-income kids who work in our 'youth shop'. thinking that bike/skate helmets might be slightly more popular. any suggestions for manufacturers/distributors, etc?? thanks! Andrew Lynn Troy Bike Rescue -- -- andrew lynn 518-573-7947

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