- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

National Youth Bike Summit coming soon: June 14-16 in the Lehigh Valley, PA!
by Kim Schaffer 25 Feb '24

25 Feb '24

Hi all-I'm writing to let you all know that the national Youth Bike Summit is back, and is coming to the Lehigh Valley, PA, this June 14-16! Details are below. We expect to open registration within the next several days. For updates, you can sign up for the YBS email list at https://linktr.ee/youthbikesummit. It's really shaping up to be a great event--Hope to see you all there! --Kim Schaffer, Community Bike Works, Allentown PA YOUTH BIKE SUMMIT 2024 Community Bike Works is thrilled to announce that we will host the 2024 national Youth Bike Summit, which is scheduled for June 14-16, 2024, at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. We expect the event to bring together 400 youth and their advocates from Earn a Bike and youth cycling programs across the country, with a focus on engaging youth from communities who have historically been excluded from cycling. YBS2024 will be the 10th Youth Bike Summit. Since 2011, YBS has served as a supportive and inclusive space designed to transform our local communities and strengthen our national movement by empowering bicycle leaders. YBS believes in the capacity of youth to lead and in the importance of a diverse, multi-cultural and equitable movement. The theme of YBS2024 is Youth Lead the Way. During YBS2024, youth and their adult advocates will participate in a range of plenary sessions, workshops, and rides designed to help youth grow as leaders through the power of the bicycle, all while showcasing the range of riding opportunities in the Lehigh Valley. Environmental sustainability will be a secondary theme, and a conference track will be devoted to the intersection of youth, bicycles, and sustainability. An exhibit area, including national and local sponsors from the bike industry and beyond, will be open throughout the conference. The draft schedule includes the following activities: FRIDAY: Guests arrive at Muhlenberg College and head out for nearby recreational rides. An evening welcome reception at the Lehigh Valley Velodrome will allow youth to connect while cheering on that night's riders. SATURDAY: An opening plenary session will focus on youth cycling leaders. Then, attendees will choose from riding workshops, including Try the Track at the Velodrome, or a range of classroom workshops. Workshops could include creating safer streets or developing girls' cycling. An evening reception will offer additional networking. SUNDAY: YBS2024 will culminate with a large group ride across the Lehigh Valley, from Muhlenberg College, through downtown Allentown, to the historic Steel Stacks in Bethlehem. A closing visioning session will allow students to reflect on the future of youth cycling. More Information is at: https://communitybikeworks.org/youth-bike-summit-2024 ******************************* Kim Schaffer, Executive Director Community Bike Works www.communitybikeworks.org cell: 484.554.8971 [cid:image001.png@01DA666C.87CB7510]

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person looking for bay area bike co-op/collective
by Matthew Pendergraft 25 Feb '24

25 Feb '24

Bay Area bike co-ops/collectives, Brooklyn Ross ( bross(a)rei.com ; cc attempted ) is looking to get involved. Reach out. Thanks -Matt Bikes del Pueblo Kumeyaay Land (San Diego)

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Seize the time - Bike Month 2024
by Collapsing Biosphere 20 Feb '24

20 Feb '24

Hello think-tankers, *Feed me your Bike Month 2024 ideas!* Here are a few that we're trying out this year. *Tour de Friends -* During open shop days in April we will help riders map a weekend ride to visit their friends around town*. *Riders will have the chance to paint ($19 markers) bicycles, or write pro-bicycle messages on contractors flags ($7 for 50) to place at all the stops. *Tune-in and Tune-up - *Partner with Parks and Recreation, a local DJ, and volunteer mechanics to host a "repair party" along the busiest trail. *Farms and Gardens Bike Around * - Guided or self-guided tours of local gardens and farms. The goal is to deepen everyone's understanding of local food and water issues... and connect these issues to bicycle and pedestrian issues. There are a few more, but I want to hear from you all. -- Plants Armstrong

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Group Ride protocols
by Mary-Catherine Graziano 25 Jan '24

25 Jan '24

Hi all, Does anyone have any group ride protocols that they use for their rides? Ex, methods for controlling intersections, etc? We're wanting to collaborate with another bike org on rides, and it's best if we have similar protocols on this, and I wanted to collect some examples to bring to the team Thank you!! Mary-Catherine Mary-Catherine Graziano Senior Education and Safety Manager Pronouns: she / her / hers Local Motion Inc. 1 Steele Street # 103, Burlington, VT 05401 www.localmotion.org Vermont Walk Bike Advocates Forum <https://groups.google.com/a/localmotion.org/g/walkbikevt> Office: (802) 861-2700 ext 106 <https://www.facebook.com/localmotionvt> <https://www.instagram.com/localmotionvermont/> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/local-motion-vt> <https://www.youtube.com/c/LocalMotionVT>

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Bicycle Retail story on community shops
by rkeener＠outsideinc.com 18 Jan '24

18 Jan '24

Hi I'm Ray Keener, Retail Editor of Bicycle Retailer and Industry News magazine, former President (2013-16) and current Industry Liaison with Community Cycles here in Boulder. I wrote a BRAIN story about community bike shops back in 2016. I'd be glad to share the story if there a way to attach a .pdf? It's time to do this story again. Last time, someone at bike!bike! provided us with with a list of community shops to which I sent the Survey Monkey. Seeings how this benefits you at bike!bike! and all community shops by providing information, and the industry overall by promoting understanding of what y'all do... Might you be willing to either provide the list, or send out a link to the survey to your list, please? I'm glad to hear back from anyone on here if you can point me in the right direction! Cheers and Happy New Year, Ray (303) 525-5489

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Tracking data
by Director Lincoln Bike Kitchen 17 Jan '24

17 Jan '24

The Lincoln Bike Kitchen, based in Lincoln, Nebraska, is growing and looking for a better way to track our programs. We have funders who want more accurate data and we want to make life easier for our volunteers. Currently, we have Cognito forms on our website for requests and a backend Microsoft Azure database that together meet some of our needs but are time-consuming and difficult to maintain. We would like to track bikes (coming in, repairs, who repaired, where the bike went, bike sales), as well as volunteers, donors, and bike requests all in one system that doesn't require specialized training to maintain. What technology are you using to track data? I couldn't find any recent posts on the list about this. I'll make sure to report back with a summary of the responses I receive. Thanks! Ingrid -- Ingrid Kirst Interim Executive Director Lincoln Bike Kitchen<http://lincolnbikekitchen.org/>

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Job Posting: Shop Lead in Manchester, New Hampshire
by Abby Easterly 16 Jan '24

16 Jan '24

Queen City Bicycle Collective - Shop Lead Our Shop Lead ensures that the bikes which are repaired, sold, and delivered by QC Bike are safe, functional, and reliable. The bikes donated to QC Bike all need work. The Shop Lead will bring the enthusiasm needed to fix these bikes, directly, and by supporting volunteers in the development of their skills and confidence as mechanics. With ample support and training, your day-to-day would include: + Building bicycles. You'll build and make repairs to bicycles that will be sold or otherwise delivered by QC Bike. You'll make use of our large supply of used parts to get bicycles up and running. You'll work with the Executive Director to prioritize building bicycles that will be sold to the public, as well as those that support our ongoing voucher programs. Your efforts will dovetail seamlessly with the work of other paid staff and our volunteer mechanics. + Performing safety checks. You'll ensure bicycles finished by others are in good working order and safe. This includes checking that components are adjusted correctly and are in good condition, checking shifting and limit screws, ensuring all bolts are tightened, checking for play in bearings, making sure the wheels are true, etc. You'll either be fixing these problems yourself, or will be cataloging and delegating the necessary repairs to volunteers to complete. + Helping to manage orders and inventory. You'll communicate with the Executive Director to ensure that all necessary parts and tools are available at the Collective. You'll assist with managing orders from QBP and J+B. + Orienting new volunteers and shop users. From the outset, you'll be able to make volunteers and members of the public feel welcome in the workshop, showing our bicycle repair workflow, where tools and consumables are kept, etc. + Leading Closed Shop sessions that empower volunteers to become better mechanics. You'll be ready and willing to pass on your skills and passion to our volunteer mechanics, to help us grow our Collective's capacity. With the shop closed to the public, you'll help provide increased production while also providing nurturing, hands-on educational experiences that develop and strengthen our mechanical volunteers. + Diagnosing and repairing bikes during Open Shop Hours. With time and training you'll be able to independently diagnose problems, and help lead community members in making appropriate repairs to their bikes. You will also provide support and oversight to volunteer mechanics in the space. About You + You love all bikes, not only high-end and modern bikes. Most of our donated bikes are 10-70 years old, ranging from bike-boom and department store bikes to middle-of-the-road 90's rigid-fork mountain bikes, with the rare higher-end bike mixed in + You have reason to think of yourself as a bike mechanic, and are willing to share what you do, and work on learning what you don't already know. Maybe you have a couple of years of bike shop experience, or maybe something equivalent. Either way, you're able to diagnose and fix many of the most common issues in bike repair. You're comfortable researching, trying out, and asking for help with what you don't know. + You are a good leader and teacher. You're someone volunteers and staff will look to for support, particularly when fixing bikes gets tricky. You're able to facilitate positive, supportive learning experiences, and will apply that to your work at QC Bike. + You're able to creatively solve problems. Sometimes we don't have the perfect substitution; you're able to cobble together a work-around that is almost as good as or better than the original. + You're an effective multitasker. During shop hours you'll be repairing bikes, while maintaining awareness of the whole shop - is someone stuck on a bottom bracket, frustrated setting up cantilever brakes, or does someone have a load of bikes to donate? You'll be able to step in to offer assistance. You also wouldn't mind being pulled away from your task to answer a question or provide a demonstration. + You want to help fill the world with bike mechanics and nurture everyone's love for bicycling. From your one-on-one interactions, to your part in helping us craft a safe and welcoming space for all of our community, you make sure that folks in the shop feel welcomed and empowered to learn the art of turning a wrench on a bike! We are looking for candidates who are passionate (about bikes, our Do-It-Yourself/Do-It-Together ethos, community development, & education), and who have real enthusiasm for the hands-on skill building our work offers. We recognize that passion and enthusiasm are paramount to our success, and are, therefore, willing to provide the ideal candidate with ample training, in any and all areas necessary for them to succeed in this role. As such, potential applicants who have interest, passion, and enthusiasm, but who feel they may lack the technical know-how, are very much encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a welcoming work environment that treats everyone with fairness and respect. We do not discriminate in practices or employment opportunities on the basis of an individual's race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local regulations. Rate: $20 - $24 per hour Hours: 30 - 40 per week Modest but flexible benefit package included Please send an expression of interest to Tyler Glodt, Executive Director at tyler(a)qcbike.org. We plan to fill this position as soon as we find the right candidate. More about the Queen City Bicycle Collective Queen City Bicycle Collective (QC Bike), is a Manchester, New Hampshire-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to get - and keep - the Manchester community riding bicycles safely and affordably. Our vision is a Manchester full of bike riders who can depend on their bicycle for transportation, recreation, and exercise, because of the educational and affordable services we provide. We encourage you to visit our website www.qcbike.org [1] and our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC21sRDyDMQ5zGFVdE4EHKKg/channels [2] and ask any questions you may have about QC Bike. Abby Easterly QC Bike Collective 35 Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03101 603.493.1720 - shop phone 603-315-2656 - Abby phone www.qcbike.org [1] Links: ------ [1] http://www.qcbike.org [2] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC21sRDyDMQ5zGFVdE4EHKKg/channels

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Mozilla search plugin for the ThinkTank archives
by cyclista＠inventati.org 12 Jan '24

12 Jan '24

Hey all, I got tried of repeatedly needing to check the archive but then having to go and dig around in my browser or a search engine just to get there and do a search. I know BOOKMARKING ISN'T HARD, but even that doesn't make it as easy as, for instance, a search plugin. So I went over to the mycroft project and made one. Here is the link to the search plugin, tested working on Firefox. It may or may not work on other browsers: https://mycroftproject.com/install.html?id=120475&basename=bc_thinktank_arc… Hopefully this will simplify things for at least a good amount of folks! IMO, the ThinkTank archive ranks up there with Sheldon Brown as an amazing information resource for the bicycle community/cooperative/collective shop worlds. Get In The Street and Ride Safe, cyclistas! ~cyclista Nicholas

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Please help orient me
by DEL HOLLAND 11 Jan '24

11 Jan '24

It would be really helpful to me, and I would bet others, if we all took as a protocol to always list our shop affiliation and geographic location. Del Holland Board member, Iowa City Bike Library, Iowa City, Iowa

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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 02 Nov '23

02 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! 18 Oct '23

18 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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4. Question re community bike shops (Emory Shaw)
by Geoffrey Smart 09 Jul '23

09 Jul '23

The community bike shops in Melbourne ,Australia communicate via a WhatsApp group and have met in person a couple of times. The in person meets disappeared over the long covid lockdowns. *Geoff Smart* Chair Back2Bikes M : 0419 345 440 525 Williamstown Rd Port Melbourne 3207 back2bikes.org.au

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Bikes Together in Denver is hiring! Mac is stepping back :)
by Mac Liman 05 Jul '23

05 Jul '23

Hi Bike Collectives, Bikes Together <https://www.bikestogether.org/> in Denver, CO USA is hiring a newly re-worked *Program Manager* position <https://www.bikestogether.org/job-opportunities> to lead our volunteer, recycling and education programming. Please spread the word about this great job! Application deadline July 10th! Also - I will be stepping back from my role as Program Director after many (6? 20?) years! If anyone wants to stay connected with me related to bike!bike!, operations, feminist and anti-racist practice in bike co-ops, or the End Build To Fail Bicycles campaign <https://forms.gle/2prgHq3wFVHWu4Tc6>, I can be reached at my personal email mac(a)chickenwrench.com Seriously would love to see this petition <https://forms.gle/2prgHq3wFVHWu4Tc6> and momentum <https://www.vice.com/en/article/wxdgq9/mechanics-ask-walmart-major-bike-man…> continue! In community, Mac -- * <http://www.bikestogether.org/>* *Mac Liman* Volunteer Director, Bikes Together mac(a)bikestogether.org w. 720-403-8757 c. 720-365-6563 Pronouns: she/her <https://pronouns.org/what-and-why> *I am in the shop Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

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Phoenix Bikes (Arlington, VA) is hiring!
by Phoenix Bikes 28 Jun '23

28 Jun '23

Hi Everyone, Phoenix Bikes is a nonprofit in Arlington, VA that uniquely combines youth education programs with a full-service bike shop. We are looking for a dynamic, mechanically inclined, passionate-about-teens leader to serve as our next Education Program Manager. This full-time leadership position manages our youth programs for 6th-12th graders, including Earn-a-Bike, other mechanics classes, rides and races. We are looking for someone who has a proven track record (2 years+) of successfully teaching or training middle and/or high school youth, preferably in a hands-on role, and is passionate about seeing them learn, succeed and have fun. The position focuses primarily on teaching mechanics, so we're looking for someone with bike mechanics skills. The salary range is $53-55K and benefits include a retirement account with 3% match, group health insurance, access to wholesale pricing on bikes and accessories, and more. More details are in the job posting here: https://www.indeed.com/job/education-program-manager-d75fe4003bd9f9da. If interested, please submit a resume and cover letter through Indeed. Thanks! Emily _________________ *Emily Gage* *Executive Director, Phoenix Bikes* 909 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington, VA 22204 www.phoenixbikes.org Cell: 703-346-0035

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Re: Rags & used parts management
by Gordon Hamachi 08 May '23

08 May '23

It is good that you are aware of the hazard of greasy rags catching fire. Shop quality greasy rag containers have a spring-loaded top that stays closed. It is worth having one of these, to protect your shop and its contents from a fire hazard. New ones all seem to cost $80-$120, so you or your insurance company need to decide if the real deal is worth it. I believe that there is a best practice of not storing anything flammable near such a container. The linked article suggests that for shops that produce only a small volume of rags, an airtight metal container such as a paint can can serve. To be extra safe, you could fill the container with a mixture of water and detergent. At home I have been storing greasy rags in a large metal cookie tin, but I see the value of a sturdy paint can with an airtight lid. Occasionally I hand wash my accumulated shop rags and air dry them for reuse. https://www.greatamericaninsurancegroup.com/content-hub/news-details/oily-r… .

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Used Carbon forks - how to assess?
by Laura Brooke 08 May '23

08 May '23

We had someone come by our shop this weekend. They had just bought a Specialized Allez from the early 2000s with a used carbon fork. They wanted to know if it the carbon fork was safe. None of us at the shop at the time have a ton of knowledge for what to look for... we suggested: 1. Email the fork manufacturer to ask if there were any recalls 2. Look for signs to see if the bike may have been in a crash and any clear signs that the fork may be damaged 3. Take the fork out to inspect the steerer tube and look at the races Any other advice, yall? Thanks for your assistance! -Laura (volunteer at Freeride Montpelier)

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Rags & used parts management
by Claude Ferron 07 May '23

07 May '23

Hello all! We are just starting our bike community workshop and we have not established yet how we plan to deal with rags. I was thinking about 3 cases / box (new, used, trash). How do you deal with thoses on your side? Are old t-shirts enough for you? Same kinds of questions for the used parts management... How do you deal with those on your side? Any pictures? It is always inspiring to see others work :) Thanks a million :) Claude Ferron, Co-Coordonator La Cyclerie, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada Bike Culture + Self-Repair Community workshop www.lacyclerie.ca

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Reusable Repair Checklist Tag
by director 02 May '23

02 May '23

Hey All, We just spent some time and redid the tag we use to track repairs on a bike. I'm sure your shops are similar to ours in that many mechanics of varying skill levels will work on a single bike before it's distributed back to the world for use. This make it challenging to ensure a standard of quality on any given bike leaving the shop. As we fleshed out the tag we realized that it could function loosely as a curriculum. For most mechanics, especially students we suggest starting at the top and working down the list. I've come to realize that no two mechanics will do things in the exact same way, everyone has their own style. We've been suggesting that folks do the first two items in order and then address the rest of the repairs at their discretion. Of course we couldn't put everything on a half page so we had to make compromises. You'll notice as you get closer to the bottom of the tag the categories are a little more broad and don't get into the finer details. We're working on a final check list that will include finer details like checking bearing play, tire wear, fine tune derailleurs and brakes... The final checklist won't hang on the bike but it'll be around the shop and part of our training. Stay tuned for this. We print these double sided, cut them in half and laminate them. We hang them on the handlebars and fill them out with a Sharpie. When the bike is done and gone we clean the Sharpie off with 90% rubbing alcohol and a rag. This allows us to use one tag over and over and over. We've been using these tags for about 2 weeks now and it's been awesome. Communication between mechanics is much clearer and bikes are getting done faster. It's really helped orient Earn-A-Bike students to what needs to be done next on their bike. Anyway if you think it's a good idea feel free to adapt it to your shops needs. -- Ride On! Rich Points http://communitycycles.org Executive Director (c)303-589-0597 (w)720-565-6019 Community Cycles is Boulder's only bike shop dedicated to bike commuting. Find us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/CommunityCycles

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Service Tickets and Bike Tags
by Amanda Chilson 28 Apr '23

28 Apr '23

Good Afternoon, I am wondering if bike collectives and shops could share what they are using for service tickets or slips when a bike is being purchased, when preparing a bike to sell, when people drop off a bike to be fixed/tuned and/or a bike that was donated? Thank you so much for your help! Amanda Chilson Health and Wellness Coordinator Northern Berkshire Community Coalition 61 Main St. Suite 218 North Adams, MA 01247 413-663-7588 Ext. 16 www.nbccoalition.org

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Has anyone seen "Not Just bikes"?
by Jim Bledsoe 24 Apr '23

24 Apr '23

Here is a link to this Canadian urban planner's Youtube channel?! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHlpmxLTxpw&t=222s

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Bikes for a family shelter
by wade＠bikeconnector.org 22 Apr '23

22 Apr '23

We are looking for ideas related to providing bikes to adult and children residents of a homeless shelter? An emergency family shelter recently opened in our community in a suburb outside of Boston. The shelter has 105 rooms and is designed to provide temporary housing for 3 to 5 days while more permanent housing is located; and for 2 – 4 months when more permanent housing isn’t readily available; and providing temporary housing for pregnant women and infants. The shelter is located in a former motel at the edge of a state highway. It is situated equidistant (2 miles) between two village centers, each with shopping and public transportation (commuter rail). There are sidewalks and busy local streets that connect the shelter to the villages. It's walkable and rideable. Getting to one of the village center requires crossing the state highway (there is a pedestrian crosswalk). Our local collective reached out to the agency managing the shelter inquiring if there was an interest in bikes. Their response was, "There is a lot of logistics and some liability behind this that would take some thought." True. I would like your thoughts and experiences. Wade The Bike Connector https://www.bikeconnector.org/

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Car insurance, etc for bike nonprofit
by claraijones＠gmail.com 20 Apr '23

20 Apr '23

Hi all, someone is considering donating a pickup truck for our community bike shop to use. Very exciting for us since we could use it to pick up donated bikes around town much easier, and also use it to haul away scraps for recycling. Curious about any feedback y'all have about how you've handled similar situations. We are a 501c3 if that makes a difference. -who to make the title out to -how to control keys/who is allowed to drive it -maintenance costs and responsibility -insurance -borrowing/lending: who can use it? -and any other thoughts you might have :) Thanks, Clara Community Bike Shop @ Barber Park, GSO NC

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Re: Car insurance, etc for bike nonprofit
by BikeConcord 19 Apr '23

19 Apr '23

We were once offered a pickup truck, but turned it down. It was just too much of a hassle. We have a volunteer that hauls our scrap and we sometimes use our Surly trailer. When we really need a truck, we rent a truck. We are a small shop. Best regards and Happy pedaling! “Smitty” (S. M. Ardrey) Community Outreach & Bike Shop Coordinator a.k.a. The Instigator BikeConcord.org Facebook: BikeConcord Bike Concord is working for safe, convenient and enjoyable Bicycling in our community of Contra Costa County. Bike East Bay is Bike Concord’s 501(c) 3 sponsor > On Apr 19, 2023, at 1:43 PM, clara via TheThinkTank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> wrote: > Hi all, someone is considering donating a pickup truck for our community bike shop to use. Very exciting for us since we could use it to pick up donated bikes around town much easier, and also use it to haul away scraps for recycling. Curious about any feedback y'all have about how you've handled similar situations. We are a 501c3 if that makes a difference. > > -who to make the title out to > -how to control keys/who is allowed to drive it > -maintenance costs and responsibility > -insurance > -borrowing/lending: who can use it? > -and any other thoughts you might have :) > > Thanks, > Clara > Community Bike Shop @ Barber Park, GSO NC > _______________________________________________ > TheThinkTank mailing list -- thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > To unsubscribe send an email to thethinktank-leave(a)lists.bikecollectives.org

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Our Community Bikes is hiring a Senior Mechanic & Floor Lead
by Sophia Suderman 28 Mar '23

28 Mar '23

Hello! Our Community Bikes promotes the use of bicycles as a healthy, affordable and environmentally sound form of transportation. Our full service shop is open four days a week. The other three days and evenings are reserved for programs including Do-It-Yourself Stands, Women Trans Queer Night, and Bike club. We offer education in mechanical skills to empower people and to enable their access to community services and opportunities. This includes significant ‘on the job’ training for people who are underrepresented in the industry to build their mechanic skills. We are hiring a Senior Mechanic & Floor Lead as part of the senior leadership team. Here <https://ourcommunitybikes.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Senior-Mechanic-Po…> you can find the job posting with more information :D Sophia -- Sophia Suderman (she/her) Executive Director Our Community Bikes 2429 Main Street Unceded Coast Salish Territories www.ourcommunitybikes.org <http://www.pedalpower.org> | (604) 879-2453

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Working Bikes is Hiring
by Xail Hernandez 23 Mar '23

23 Mar '23

Hola a todes! La organización sin fines de lucros, Working Bikes, localizada en Chicago está contratando a una persona para manejar el departamento de servicio. Estamos buscando a alguien que tenga conocimiento en reparación de bicicletas y que sea bilingüe, español/inglés, ya que la bodega se encuentra en una área habitada por muchos hispanohablantes. Adjunto está la descripción de la posición de trabajo en Ingles (disculpen el inconveniente, si necesitan que traduzca por favor mandenme un correo electrónico a xail(a)workingbikes.org). Si les interesa, por favor manden su resume y referencias a jobs(a)workingbikes.org. Gracias. The non-profit organization, Working Bikes, located in Chicago is hiring a person to run the Service Department. We are looking for someone who is knowledgeable in bike mechanics and is bilingual, english/spanish, since the warehouse is located in a predominantly spanish speaking area. Attached is the job description. If interested, please send us your resume and references to jobs(a)workingbikes.org. Gracias. -- *Xail Hernandez *(Ella / She/Her) *Community Bike Repairs Manager* Working Bikes *|* 2434 S Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60608 *P* 773.847.5440 www.workingbikes.org

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Milestone: New MailMan delivering soon!
by Jonathan Rosenbaum via Thethinktank 21 Mar '23

21 Mar '23

Dear Thinkers & Researchers @ the Tank, In the next few days we will be migrating our discussion lists away from DreamHost to a modern MailMan software platform (mailman 3) hosted at our own server. This is an awesome milestone for us, and a long time in the making. As far back as 2015 (almost 8 years ago), I observed that the archives for TheThinkTank became unavailable when DreamHost updated their hardware. At that time, in a conversation with the subject line "Update on the Archives", I suggested that we should consider moving away from dependence on a third party hosting service. Ironically, that conversation does not exist in the current archives at DreamHost because all the data between January 17, 2015 to May 13, 2015 was lost by their system. However, I recovered those conversations from my personal email stash, and they are now included in the new archiving system called HyperKitty. Better Search Capability: Another issue we have frequently experienced over the years has been the unavailability of the search engine known as htdig (ht://Dig errors). We now have a new search engine called Xapian. Even when htdig was available, as I pointed out at our recent Tech meeting, the level of detail when performing searches with Xapian is like comparing the difference between the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Web Space Telescope. HyperKitty (Achiver): HyperKitty provides a modern frontend to MailMan. You can now create an account where you may associate your email addresses subscribed to bikecollectives.org discussion lists. When you are logged in to your account, one powerful feature, similar to google groups web interface or traditional online bulletin boards, is that you now have the ability to directly interact with email threads or create new ones without having to utilize your own email client. You can favorite and/or like discussions, and if you have a Gravatar ( https://wordpress.com/me ), it will be visible. Markdown capability is available, but it only works in HyperKitty, so if you want to experiment with this capability, keep in mind that people will see your markdown in normal emails. Directions can be found at https://docs.mailman3.org/projects/hyperkitty/en/latest/rendering.html under Rendering Rules. _Recommendation for digest subscribers:_ Because we now have this awesome capability, rather than replying directly to digest emails, please utilize the login capability of HyperKitty to easily jump into the parts of the threads you want to interact with. This avoids breaking up the thread, which makes the discussion easier for all to understand. Migration and New Home Considerations: After the migration, the web interface will be available at https://lists.bikecollectives.org/ and will no longer say "The list overview page has been disabled temporarily" as found at the current non-secure web interface at http://lists.bikecollectives.org/ . This should all happen, no later, than by Monday, March 20, 2023. The migration consists of changing the DNS addresses to our new email server and mailman 3 discussion list software. Usually in most parts of the world this is a fast process, but there are some DNS servers that are slow to update their cache. This means that some of you may experience the phenomenon where your emails will still end up at the DreamHost instance, and you continue to see the old website. If that is the case, you may want to consider using a different nameserver, like 1.1.1.1, and to ask your service provider to update their DNS servers. Because our email server is brand new, it doesn't have an established reputation for its IP address. However, fortunately our lists address, lists.bikecollectives.org, has a good reputation. Most likely, hopefully, we won't experience issues from larger services that scrutinize bulk email. However, we will be monitoring our logs carefully. Google (gmail), which represents a large percentage of TheThinkTank subscribers, rate limits the number of emails received by their service to 60 per/minute. Erring on the safe-side, we will rate limit emails we are sending out to 30 per/minute, which means emails sent to TheThinkTank should reach everyone in about 30 minutes. If you are experiencing issues after the change, please contact me: Jonathan Rosenbaum <bike(a)bikelover.org> . Other: It should be pointed out, that gmail users who are normal subscribers generally do not receive back a copy of the email they send out to MailMan, see https://wiki.list.org/x/4030680 for an explanation. However, gmail users who are normal subscribers should receive replies, as well as new threads. Other than that .. Yay!! -Jonathan ____________________________________ The ThinkTank mailing List Unsubscribe from this list here: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o…

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Bike measurements
by Claude Ferron via Thethinktank 12 Mar '23

12 Mar '23

Hello community, bonjour à tous.tes! I'm planning to put our bike inventory online and I was wondering what are the typical data that are relevant to inform potential buyers? What are the key dimensions you would suggest? What is considered a "Large bike" for exemple. Or let's say someone is 6ft tall... What information would it best for them to find. Would you recommend the buyer to measure it's inseam? Kinda looking for best practice here. Thanks all, merci! Claude Ferron La Cyclerie, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada Bike culture + Community workshop www.lacyclerie.ca ____________________________________ The ThinkTank mailing List Unsubscribe from this list here: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o…

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