- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

(no subject)
by rileyjohnwelsh＠aim.com 20 Mar '11

20 Mar '11

http://baba.arkadiauzlet.com/images/amw.php

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BIKE-a-THON
by Bob Giordano 20 Mar '11

20 Mar '11

We've had 7 'stages' of the Tour de Montana over last 5 years. It is a fun, great way to raise money. The tops was 36 riders raising $2,000 on a long one day ride (132 miles). The funest was 2 day overnight, self supported, 60 miles each way, carrying kids bikes on bike trailers to deliver to schools along the way. We pick a route, theme, make it an adventure, spread the word. We used motor vehicle support for the first two, now it's all by bike. A little info, including a pledge sheet anyone is free to modify and use is at: http://www.freecycles.org/past-events/ -Bob G, Free Cycles Missoula mars psymons wrote: > Has anyone ever done a bike-a-thon as a fund raiser? i would love to see how you promoted it and any advice. I'm in the process of forming a bike collective for the north end of detroit and want to raise some more funds for bike stands and such. > > marshall symons > > fireweeduniversecity.org > > innatedetroit.com

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BIKE-a-THON
by mars psymons 19 Mar '11

19 Mar '11

Has anyone ever done a bike-a-thon as a fund raiser? i would love to see how you promoted it and any advice. I'm in the process of forming a bike collective for the north end of detroit and want to raise some more funds for bike stands and such. marshall symons fireweeduniversecity.org innatedetroit.com

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Bikes in the UK
by nab＠aktivix.org 19 Mar '11

19 Mar '11

Hi, I was in the US last year and was impressed with your diy bike collective culture, this list, and the BikeBike. I just wanted to say cheers, it is inspiring. Some friends in Manchester are holding a Grassroots Bicycle Conference in the UK on the 9-10th of April. http://ibikemcr.org.uk/?q=node%2F5449 If anyone is interested then you can sign-up here: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGdsLVFWblA0MU1VSXIzSDBEcX… Also if there is anyone else from the UK on this list that isn't on the UK bike list ukbikes(a)lists.riseup.net send me an email. It would be great to be connected and we are lucky enough to live in a country where we can cycle to all the cities pretty easily. nab (from the Pedallers Arms, Leeds) P.S. not sure if I saw this on the list but oskar from the Bike Kitchen in Vienna popped into the Pedallers and told us about this bike festival that they are holding at the end of July http://cyclocamp.blogsport.eu/[1] Links: ------ [1] http://cyclocamp.blogsport.eu

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More construction photos
by Patrick VDT 18 Mar '11

18 Mar '11

http://www.flickr.com/photos/77602109@N00/sets/72157626015102764/ www.StlBicycleWorks.Org

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How many weekly "open hours" does your shop have?
by Joel Gillespie 08 Mar '11

08 Mar '11

Hi, Joel Gillespie from The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, here. We're looking at re-vamping our shop hours schedule, and I'm trying to gather some information from other collectives on how many hours you're open to the public and/or members each week. Also, if you have specific uses for any of those hours, like sales-only, or just for structured repair classes, etc., please point that out if you could. Any thoughts or insights you could share (on- or off-list) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Joel Gillespie Volunteer, Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign

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automated response
by jay 08 Mar '11

08 Mar '11

I'm out of the office, back Monday 3/14. I'll get back to you when I return. Best, Jay Ferm

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Recycle-A-Bicycle is Hiring - NYC!
by Patrick Tomeny 07 Mar '11

07 Mar '11

Dear Bike Collectives, Recycle-A-Bicycle is looking to hire a Head Mechanic at our East Village location. Please see job description below and help us spread the word! Head Mechanic Wanted for East Village Location in NYC Full time position available! We are a not-for-profit bicycle shop that refurbishes bicycles to sell and offers full-service repairs. We have a youth job training and environmental education program that works with teenagers to teach them bicycle mechanics, job skills, and environmental stewardship. We are looking for someone who is interested in working with us to get all types of riders and bikes on the road. We are interested in working with someone who is passionate about bicycles, and about sharing that passion with others. The Head Mechanic position involves all aspects of bicycle repair, from ensuring that customers receive appropriate estimates to ensuring all mechanic work in the shop is done properly and in a timely manner. Head Mechanic is responsible for overseeing part-time and full-time mechanics, as well as unpaid teenage interns. Ability to teach is a must. Head Mechanic will work with the Shop Manager to ensure that the bike shop runs smoothly. Requirements and responsibilities for this position are: -Significant experience as a mechanic in a bike shop with references. -Ability to manage bicycle repair schedule. -Ability to oversee other mechanics. -Ability to educate interns, as needed. -Proficient in bicycle overhaul techniques. -Knowledge of older bicycles, cup and cone bearing systems, and 3 speed hubs. -Knowledge of bicycle styles and sizing to assist customers. -Ability to diagnose repairs, estimate cost and turnaround time, and inspect bikes for safety. -Correct use of advanced tools. -Use of Point of Sale system (computerized cash register). -Ability to help customers and represent organization in a professional manner. To apply, please send an email that includes your contact info, background info, and resume to: patrick(a)recycleabicycle.org Job Description: http://www.recycleabicycle.org/about/jobs Best, Patrick Tomeny Recycle-A-Bicycle Shop Manager, East Village Director of Youth Programs

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How many weekly "open hours" does your shop have?
by Bob Giordano 07 Mar '11

07 Mar '11

Free Cycles Missoula: Open shop: 2-6pm m-th, 11-3 sat. (same for ped tech warehouse next door) Vol night: 6-8pm wed. Bikewell classes: tu 7pm, we 5pm, th 1pm I think it is good to have open shop hours people can remember easily, like Max lists below. It's like a bus system: good public transport has enough hours and coverage so you do not have to study the route maps and times, you just go/know. Max Kaplan wrote: > mon- sat 12-5 -- Bob Giordano Free Cycles Missoula 541.7284 Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation www.strans.org, mist(a)strans.org, 406.880.6834

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 55, Issue 11
by Corey Grazul 07 Mar '11

07 Mar '11

Monday 4.30-8.30 Wednesday 4.30-8.30 (EAB from 4-5.30; staffed separately) Saturdays in the summer-time Corey Grazul Armory Bike Union; Jackson, MI On Mon, Mar 7, 2011 at 2:54 PM, < thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> wrote: > Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to > thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > thethinktank-owner(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: How many weekly "open hours" does your shop have? (Jim Manley) > 2. Re: How many weekly "open hours" does your shop have? > (Sara Watson Curry) > 3. Re: How many weekly "open hours" does your shop have? > (info(a)re-cycles.ca) > 4. Re: How many weekly "open hours" does your shop have? (Max Kaplan) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Mon, 7 Mar 2011 10:05:38 -0500 > From: Jim Manley <rebicycle.lenawee(a)gmail.com> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] How many weekly "open hours" does your > shop have? > Message-ID: > <AANLkTikPswKVXnXdn5i4wejX6VneELtgKVzeAUfD6rMo(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Just be sure to match solid volunteer availability with your open hours. A > lesson learned for me! > > On Sun, Mar 6, 2011 at 9:06 AM, Joel Gillespie <joelgillian(a)hotmail.com > >wrote: > > > Hi, > > > > Joel Gillespie from The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign< > http://thebikeproject.org>, > > Illinois, here. We're looking at re-vamping our shop hours schedule, and > I'm > > trying to gather some information from other collectives on how many > hours > > you're open to the public and/or members each week. Also, if you have > > specific uses for any of those hours, like sales-only, or just for > > structured repair classes, etc., please point that out if you could. Any > > thoughts or insights you could share (on- or off-list) would be greatly > > appreciated. Thanks! > > > > Joel Gillespie > > Volunteer, Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To unsubscribe, send a blank email to > > TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org > > To manage your subscription, plase visit: > > > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > >

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Free Ride Pittsburgh hiring Youth Instructor Coordinator for 2011
by Scott Gibson 06 Mar '11

06 Mar '11

Hey everyone, Another part-time position has been created at Free Ride in Pittsburgh and we are searching to hire somebody to fill the role. The position will take care of administrative tasks related to the youth summer programs, allowing instructors to focus on teaching and strengthening our ability to work with outside groups. Please see the attached PDF for more details. (Also on the blog post: http://freeridepgh.org/2011/03/06/hiring-youth-instructor-coordinator-for-2…<http://freeridepgh.org/2011/02/18/hiring-outreach-clerk-for-summer-2011/> ) Thanks,

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diy cargo bike pics
by andrew 06 Mar '11

06 Mar '11

hi everyone, various folks have asked that we put some diy cargo bike pics from our presentation at BB in toronto online. finally... it is so: https://picasaweb.google.com/tbr.collective/CargoBikes# there will be more to come as the outdoor welding season comes around again. by the way... we are moving! more info an pics as the plan develops, but we will be moving to a new (old) building that was purchased from the city on an auction. bike love from troy, ny andrew

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 55, Issue 3
by Jon Levin 04 Mar '11

04 Mar '11

I would think that REI Co-Op is an example...they sell bikes...they are a co-op...they are big...they are non-profit. ----- Original Message ----- From: <thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> To: <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Sent: Friday, March 04, 2011 2:03 PM Subject: Thethinktank Digest, Vol 55, Issue 3 > 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. IRS Questions (Kelly Martin) > 2. Re: IRS Questions (John Patterson) > 3. Re: IRS Questions (reno bikes) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Thu, 3 Mar 2011 18:07:02 -0800 > From: Kelly Martin <kelly(a)bicyclekitchen.com> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Subject: [TheThinkTank] IRS Questions > Message-ID: <36946C6A-CD7D-451B-8109-48A9E7949029(a)bicyclekitchen.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; Format="flowed"; > DelSp="yes" > > We are looking for any bike co-ops that have tax-exempt status as a > public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code. Basically, we > have run into a question as to whether and to what extent we may make > retail sales of bikes, bike parts and accessories as part of our > regular operations without (i) paying income tax (as unrelated > business taxable income) and (ii) otherwise affecting our tax-exempt > status. Does your co-op sell bikes, bike parts and/or accessories > directly to the public without those sales being part of your > educational program? > > In addition, are there any co-ops out there who are associated or > operated in tandem with a for-profit business. This would be > structured so that the for-profit business supports the not-for-profit > entity. > > Finally, we are assuming that most co-ops with tax-exempt status > received their charitable status for education purposes. Are there > any co-ops out there which have received tax-exempt status on another > basis? > > The Bicycle Kitchen is a 501c3 nonprofit under the educational category. > > Thank you! > > > Kelly Martin, Operations Facilitator > The Bicycle Kitchen/La Bicicocina > 706 N. Heliotrope Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90029 > > W 323.NOCARRO | M 213.210.5631 > kelly(a)bicyclekitchen.com | www.bicyclekitchen.com > http://www.bicicocina.blogspot.com > >

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IRS Questions
by Kelly Martin 04 Mar '11

04 Mar '11

We are looking for any bike co-ops that have tax-exempt status as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code. Basically, we have run into a question as to whether and to what extent we may make retail sales of bikes, bike parts and accessories as part of our regular operations without (i) paying income tax (as unrelated business taxable income) and (ii) otherwise affecting our tax-exempt status. Does your co-op sell bikes, bike parts and/or accessories directly to the public without those sales being part of your educational program? In addition, are there any co-ops out there who are associated or operated in tandem with a for-profit business. This would be structured so that the for-profit business supports the not-for-profit entity. Finally, we are assuming that most co-ops with tax-exempt status received their charitable status for education purposes. Are there any co-ops out there which have received tax-exempt status on another basis? The Bicycle Kitchen is a 501c3 nonprofit under the educational category. Thank you! Kelly Martin, Operations Facilitator The Bicycle Kitchen/La Bicicocina 706 N. Heliotrope Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90029 W 323.NOCARRO | M 213.210.5631 kelly(a)bicyclekitchen.com | www.bicyclekitchen.com http://www.bicicocina.blogspot.com

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Subscribe
by Ron Kellis 01 Mar '11

01 Mar '11

Subscribe

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Free Ride is searching to hire an outreach clerk for youth programming
by William Wedler 19 Feb '11

19 Feb '11

Hey everyone, A part-time position has been created at Free Ride in Pittsburgh and we are searching to hire somebody to fill the role. The position will take care of administrative tasks related to the youth summer programs, allowing instructors to focus on teaching and strengthening our ability to work with outside groups. Please see the attached PDF for more details. (Also on the blog post: http://freeridepgh.org/2011/02/18/hiring-outreach-clerk-for-summer-2011/) Thanks, Will

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BiciBici regional conference!!! Yaaayyy!!!
by Sarah McCullough 16 Feb '11

16 Feb '11

Attention all West Coasters and whoever wants to visit the fair town of Davis, California! The Davis Bike Collective will be hosting BiciBici, a regional version of Bike!Bike! Saturday and Sunday, April 2-3! In Davis, California, famous for making the first bike lanes in the U.S. and for being a super bike-friendly town. To register and for more information go to http://davisbikecollective.org/bicibici-2011. We have lots of fun stuff planned, including workshops, delicious meals, bike dashes, good music, and bike fixin. Plus a private tour of the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame and Museum, recently relocated to Davis. Ever wanted to see a 100 year old bike? Yeah, we got some. The first BiciBici was hosted last year at the Bike Church in Santa Cruz and we had such a good time, we decided to host it this year. So let us know if you are coming and we'll arrange housing and food and all that fun stuff. Want to lead a workshop? Great! Want to help cook a meal? Or see a dog riding a bicycle? Come to BiciBici! We're also planning a pre-conference bike tour up from the Bay area. Register today! Spokemistress Sarah of the Davis Bike Collective

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injuries in shop
by tito ＠ sopo bike co-op 16 Feb '11

16 Feb '11

we recently faced the issue of one of our core volunteers getting injured in the shop. when the time came to decide about a trip to the hospital it became apparent that the person did not have insurance and could not afford the trip. have other shops faced this situation? do you (the shop) pay for or help pay for medical expenses. the trip would have run anywhere form $300 to $1000. is there a limit that folks have decided on? is it a process of reimbursement? do any shops have insurance that cover such things? any input would be much appreciated. tito @ SOPO Bikes 1270 Caroline St NE Ste D120-392 Atlanta, GA 30307 cell. 678.907.3892 work. 404.635.6367 www.sopobikes.org Our mission is to create equitable access to cycling by providing affordable bicycle maintenance, services and education. On Mon, Feb 14, 2011 at 4:41 PM, < thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> wrote: > Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to > thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > thethinktank-owner(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: bike valet question (Angel York) > 2. bike valet question (CAT Director) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2011 23:38:01 -0800 > From: Angel York <aniola(a)gmail.com> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] bike valet question > Message-ID: > <AANLkTikz7u8NZVC1+-=WDdCvOSQ00FR5GYd2cs7Vx075(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > By SC, do you mean Santa Cruz? Are you the fellow I used to cover for so > you could go get vegetables sometimes? I'm glad they're paying you now! > > Here in Davis, bike valet parking happens, but rarely. The campus has some > lightweight racks and the city has some heavy-duty racks, and they lend 'em > out. Both the Davis Bike Collective and Davis Bicycles! have borrowed > them, > but it's kind of an ordeal so they only come out for big occasions. > > I think of Bike Valet Parking as a way to get folks aware of various bike > organizations. > > Angel York > I hail from the Davis (California) Bike Collective > > On Tue, Feb 8, 2011 at 12:21 PM, kyle mckinley <bicirider(a)gmail.com> > wrote: > > > hi, all, > > It's been a while since I posted to this list (though I lurk now and > then), > > and I missed seeing everyone at the last bike!bike!, but I have a quick > > favor to ask: > > > > I'm helping write an article about bike valet services (bike parking at > > events that draw too many bikes to simply lock up) and it occurred to me > > that there are probably lots of folks/ projects doing this as a form of > > outreach that I don't know about. > > > > Here in SC it is most reliable at the farmer's market (where I currently > > get paid to do it -- oogle bikes, chat w/ cyclists, eat veges; pretty > rad). > > I know that the San Francisco Bike Coalition does a lot of this on an > > event-to-event basis. > > > > Other places that you know about? Particularly successful instances? > Anyone > > combining parking with wrenching? > > > > Reply on or off list. > > > > warmly, > > kyle > > > > -- > > If an Easyrider rides easy, then a bicirider rides bici > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To unsubscribe, send a blank email to > > TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org > > To manage your subscription, plase visit: > > > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > >

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Press Coverage: Bike Collective Network
by Jonathan Morrison 15 Feb '11

15 Feb '11

[12.01.10] Bicycle Times (www.bicycletimes.org), Issue 08, Page 18 "Wheel News: Advocacy at Interbike" by Adam Newman "Most of the coverage from Interbike each year is about new companies and new products, but it's not all about the bling. There are seminars to help dealers improve their business, appearances by industry VIPs (this year the keynote address was given by U.S. Representative and Congressional Bike Caucus founder Earl Blumenauer of Oregon) and, of course, representatives from cycling advocacy groups. Here are few of the advocacy organizations at the show that we looked into, and why you should too." Adventure Cycling Association Advocacy Advance Alliance for Biking and Walking Alliance for Walking and Biking Bike Collective Network "A network of community bike shops and programs, the Network allows small entrepreneurs to share and find resources to help them grow. A free Wiki page includes a Bike Collective Starter Kit that walks you through the functional and legal steps to founding your own co-operative. It even includes a full shop manual for helping to answer difficult technical or mechanical questions. www.bikecollectives.org" Bikes Belong Foundation One Street Rails to Trails Conservancy

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We HeArt Bikes Artist Workshops
by reno bikes 14 Feb '11

14 Feb '11

Reno Bike Project and AACT are proud to offer 4 art workshops for anyone who wants to create art from bicycles. Using A.A.C.T.’s state of the art metal workshop and their well trained staff, as well as Reno Bike Projects own creative staff and volunteers we are offering an opportunity to come cut, weld, bend and construct bicycle art. Classes are available to anyone ages 16 older. (younger than 16 must be accompanied by parent) All participants must complete a 30-minute safety class before being allowed to use the workshop, which will be included in the course. For some more cool ideas look here http://www.flickr.com/photos/tlsphoto/sets/72157622846551195/with/417286176… What: We HeArt Bikes Art Workshops Who: Anyone Dates: March 5, 12, 19, 26 Time: 10am-2pm Location: Academy for Arts, Careers and Technology (AACT) 380 Edison Way Reno, NV 89502 Cost: $35/per session – Please pay ahead of time at http://www.renobikeproject.com/index.php/donate/ http://flic.kr/p/9f67Mz http://flic.kr/p/8XJz1f -- www.renobikeproject.com Wed-Sat 11-5 (winter hours) 541 E. 4th Street. Reno, NV 89512 775.323.4488 donate via paypal: http://www.renobikeproject.com/index.php/donate/ Follow us on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/renobikeproject/ Please let us know if you would like to unsubscribe to our email list.

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bike valet question
by kyle mckinley 14 Feb '11

14 Feb '11

hi, all, It's been a while since I posted to this list (though I lurk now and then), and I missed seeing everyone at the last bike!bike!, but I have a quick favor to ask: I'm helping write an article about bike valet services (bike parking at events that draw too many bikes to simply lock up) and it occurred to me that there are probably lots of folks/ projects doing this as a form of outreach that I don't know about. Here in SC it is most reliable at the farmer's market (where I currently get paid to do it -- oogle bikes, chat w/ cyclists, eat veges; pretty rad). I know that the San Francisco Bike Coalition does a lot of this on an event-to-event basis. Other places that you know about? Particularly successful instances? Anyone combining parking with wrenching? Reply on or off list. warmly, kyle -- If an Easyrider rides easy, then a bicirider rides bici

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automated response
by jay 12 Feb '11

12 Feb '11

I'm out of the office Friday 2/11/11, back Monday 2/14. I'll get back to you when I return. Best, Jay Ferm

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Competitive analysis?
by Godwin ! 11 Feb '11

11 Feb '11

So, I have been tasked to perform a competitive analysis of similar organizations by an economist in our group. I'm realizing now that a genuine competitive analysis is probably not exactly what we need but a general survey on many of our shops may be useful to all of us. Since we are gearing up to lobby our university to support a DIY bike shop on campus again, our goal is to see what other similar organizations offer and what it takes to run them so that we can bargain reasonably. This data might also be useful for a number of other reasons to any bike collective. I have put up a draft of a survey, please take a look. (I put this together pretty quickly, the ordering is probably not the best) I am by no means an economist, so some of the terminology could probably be improved, same goes for US specific information. I would eventually like to offer up the data in such a way that any sensitive information could be untied from the organization information to keep information confidential, but I'm not sure of any other way than to simply query me after it is complete, I can also provide a relevant breakdown afterwards. I'm not sure if people would find giving information about income and expenditures too confidential even in that scenario. If it interests you, I would like to hear back about a few things:If you think I'm wasting my timeIf you have any suggested amendments, improvements or additions of any questions or extraction of irrelevant or far too confidential questionsSuggestions for a host other than google forms Thanks everyone,.godwin of the Bike Root

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video screens for tutorials?
by Mark Rehder 10 Feb '11

10 Feb '11

At our shop we usually only have one Head Mechanic per shift, with two Shop Assistants who may or may not have enough knowledge to guide people through repairs (and one SA has to always deal with incoming people and the cash so really only two folks available for instruction at most). We've seen a large increase in the numbers of users of our shop (over 5,000 in 2010) and I find myself once again pondering having video instruction at each station for those that might want to use it. These would be touch-screens that have, at the very least, a web browser with the Park Tool repair page as well as Sheldon Brown's info (especially for working on 3-speeds and other old bikes) plus whatever might be useful. The technology for this is getting cheaper every day, and more and more people are used to getting their info from a screen. I floated this idea by our group a few years ago but it got voted down. I'm going to try again, but first wanted to see if anyone else is using or has tried such a set-up. Thanks, Mark Rehder - Coordinator re-Cycles Community Bike Shop http://re-cycles.ca

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Competitive analysis?
by Godwin ! 09 Feb '11

09 Feb '11

Thanks! I'm going to write up a more finalized version with the suggested amendments this evening then. I'm going to do my best to research American specific stuff, particularly organization types but if anyone has better knowledge about this stuff, please send it my way. .godwin From: anna(a)edmontonbikes.ca Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2011 17:22:31 -0700 To: thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Competitive analysis? Hey Godwin, I think this is a great idea! It'd be great to get up-to-date, standardized info just to compare where each of us are at compared to others and give ideas for future initiatives. Some suggested additions: ServicesPossible additions to the list of possible services offered:- Off-site bike repair (eg. at community events, festivals) - Bike trailer sharing and temporary bike parking racks (short-term rentals or lending) - Recycled bike frame bike racks (pic here)- Social events related to bike (eg. bike movie screenings, - Metal and rubber recycling for unusable bikes/parts and tires/tubes- Bicycle education (eg. CANBIKE on-road commuter cycling courses, tabling at events with cycling info) - Recycled bike frame bike racks- Website resources IncomeCharitable status allows the organization to issue tax deductible receipts for any private donations received. It may be worth including a section to account for private donations (not just private institutions). Anna Vesala Edmonton Bicycle Commuters' Society 780.433.BIKE edmontonbikes.ca . On Tue, Feb 8, 2011 at 12:31 AM, Godwin! <goodgodwin(a)hotmail.com> wrote: So, I have been tasked to perform a competitive analysis of similar organizations by an economist in our group. I'm realizing now that a genuine competitive analysis is probably not exactly what we need but a general survey on many of our shops may be useful to all of us. Since we are gearing up to lobby our university to support a DIY bike shop on campus again, our goal is to see what other similar organizations offer and what it takes to run them so that we can bargain reasonably. This data might also be useful for a number of other reasons to any bike collective. I have put up a draft of a survey, please take a look. (I put this together pretty quickly, the ordering is probably not the best) I am by no means an economist, so some of the terminology could probably be improved, same goes for US specific information. I would eventually like to offer up the data in such a way that any sensitive information could be untied from the organization information to keep information confidential, but I'm not sure of any other way than to simply query me after it is complete, I can also provide a relevant breakdown afterwards. I'm not sure if people would find giving information about income and expenditures too confidential even in that scenario. If it interests you, I would like to hear back about a few things:If you think I'm wasting my time If you have any suggested amendments, improvements or additions of any questions or extraction of irrelevant or far too confidential questionsSuggestions for a host other than google forms Thanks everyone,.godwin of the Bike Root _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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