- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Liability Insurance up in July
by Eric Montgomery 27 Mar '13

27 Mar '13

www.brockvillebikeministry.com is now in our second year. We supply youth ten to twenty years of age the opportunity to do a complete rebuild of the bike of their choice. We teach them weekly all summer long, feed them and supply them with lights, bell, locks, and a helmet along with their bile for free. We would like to get insurance quotes for this year. Is their group insurance available to.us.

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Looking for some volunteer testers
by Godwin ! 26 Mar '13

26 Mar '13

Hey folks, we've been hard at work over the past few weeks putting together a new website for Bike!Bike! and we are looking for people to try their best at breaking it (or just come up with ways to improve it). The site isn't just going to be for this year's conference but is an organization registry and will help organizer and retain information from all Bike!Bike!s, annual and region, past and future. We're looking for a mixture of people who have experience testing and don't, and also have experience running a Bike!Bike! conference and don't. We really just need people to create fake users, organizations, and conferences, register for conferences, administer them, ect. We need people to find bugs, but also look for ways to improve the site in any way. If you're interested, please keep the weight off this list and contact me directly, I'll give you all details you need. Thanks!!.godwin

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Volunteer Coordinator Position
by Tim Buckingham 26 Mar '13

26 Mar '13

As you can see, Broke Spoke is growing like a weed, we have been hitting this list hard the last few days. We are an all volunteer run organization and have the opportunity to create a short-term funded position. We have kicked it around a lot and are looking at a Volunteer Coordinator who will do a lot of behind the scenes work. Including: - Volunteer Recruitment - Volunteer Communications - Volunteer Trainings - Scheduling - etc Shop that have a position such as this or outreach coordinator shop manager, can you send me job descriptions? Cheers Tim

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Policy on Profiteering from Community Bike Shops
by Edward Kirkwood 25 Mar '13

25 Mar '13

I am curious if any of you have had problems with folks using community bike shops to run their own repair business? We currently have some folks who are abusing the privilege of purchasing parts with sweat equity volunteer time and then selling those parts to folks outside the shop. How does your shop police that? Allen Kirkwood

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Volunteer Background Checks
by Tim Buckingham 25 Mar '13

25 Mar '13

At Broke Spoke (Lexington) we are working to improve our volunteer process and how we create shift managers and dull out keys. What type of checks (if any) do other shops use prior to handing out shop keys to volunteers? Any background, employment history, references, etc? Some of these might be barriers as we work with a lot of folks who are in recovery centers, shelters, etc. Any help is greatly appreciated. Cheers Tim

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Sackville Bike Co-Op
by Michael Watkins 25 Mar '13

25 Mar '13

Hello Everyone I'm Michael Watkins one of the co-founders and coordinators of the Sackville Bike Co-op. After discussing some stuff with Amanda Hachey of La Bikery in Moncton, I was hoping to give everyone our Co-op's elevator speech while asking for some help. The Sackville Bike Co-op is a small not for profit startup run out of the Mount Allison University Students' Union looking to open our doors to the public this spring. Through the Co-op we will be providing students and members of the Sackville community with access to low cost rental bikes throughout the season, and in future we hope to start providing community workshops on bike repair, safety, and general maintenance. Through this co-op we hope to lessen our communities dependance on fossil fuels while simultaneously providing access to safe and healthy transportation for everyone, including those without alternate means. However, my current question/request is for advice on procuring a legally vetted waiver form to place the safety of our members into their own hands while they use our bicycles. If anyone on the mailing list can provide me with some advice, or better yet an already vetted form that would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for any help, and with any luck the Sackville Bike Co-op will be up and running before we know it. Thanks again -Michael --- Michael Watkins Mount Allison University '13 BA Double Major in History and Biology Sackville Bike Co-Op Coordinator Mount Allison Students' Administrative Council email: mewatkins(a)mta.ca Facebook: Sackville Bike Co-Op

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Wait list managment
by Patrick VDT 25 Mar '13

25 Mar '13

Hello everyone, Im curious to find out how people are managing wait lists for programs. More specifically, are you picking students for your programs or is it first come first served on a sign up list. If you are picking students, what criteria are you using? We are starting to get more attention than we want to handle at this point. So we have programing slots for 350 students but we have 5-600 students sign up for the wait list. Up until this point we have always done first come first served. But we are trying to avoid telling a kid : Thanks for signing up, we will see you in 8 months when we have an opening. Thanks Patrick

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Revolve Community Bike Shops seek Shop Manager
by Elizabeth Bejan 21 Mar '13

21 Mar '13

Sorry about the duplication...Job description is attached The Shop Manager will coordinate operations of the Revolve Community Bike Shops, located at 5100 Troost in Kansas City, MO and 554 Central Avenue; Kansas City, KS. The Shop Manager will primarily work out of the Kansas City, KS location. The Shop Manager will offer guidance and technical support in all areas of shop operations, including but not limited to: refurbishing bicycles for sale; tearing down bicycles for parts; maintaining inventory, equipment, and supplies; organizing volunteers; and administering business aspects of the shop. The Shop Manager will report directly to the Executive Director and help supervise the Part-Time Mechanic working at the 5100 Troost location. Revolve, Inc. (www.revolvekc.org) is a 501(c)3 organization that offers bicycle safety education and several Earn-A-Bike programs; in addition, Revolve sells donated, refurbished bicycles to support its mission of redistributing refurbished bicycles to those who cannot afford a bicycle. See photos and newsclips of what we do at: www.facebook.com/RevolveKC.org. Read a recent *Kansas City Star Magazine *cover story on us here: http://revolvekc.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/KC-Star-Mag-Article.pdf *Minimum Qualifications:* [image: *] Experience working on a wide range of bikes; familiarity with bikes and components from the1960s through the 1990s a must [image: *] Minimum of one year bike shop mechanic experience [image: *] Passion for bikes and bicycling as transportation *Desired Qualifications:* [image: *] Excellent shop organization skills [image: *] Strong written and verbal communication skills [image: *] Ability to work collaboratively with community members and community partners [image: *] Demonstrated ability to work with diverse people while observing sensitivities and differences [image: *] Ability to foster an environment of empowerment and cooperation [image: *] Experience organizing volunteers and staff [image: *] Familiarity with relevant safety and health issues [image: *] Experience in sustainable business practices [image: *] Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Docs office suite, and social media [image: *] *Ability to speak Spanish a huge plus* *Job Tasks:* [image: *] Build bicycles for sale from donated supplies of bikes and bike parts [image: *] Oversee shop operations, repair bikes, and conduct sales [image: *] Oversee volunteers [image: *] Maintain an organized and safe workspace [image: *] Manage the inventory of new and used equipment [image: *] Answer questions and provide information to the public about programs and services [image: *] Coordinate closely with staff and attend relevant meetings [image: *] Submit regularly scheduled report of activities and shop operations [image: *] Maintain updated records and files of bikes and inventory *Salary:* [image: *] Commensurate with experience. Manager will work a set schedule of 40 hours/week (generally Tuesday through Saturday), with occasional over-time. We are ready to pay to offer competitive pay to a bike mechanic who speaks Spanish. *Benefits: * [image: *] Discount on purchases of new bike-related items from bike store partner and discounts on used parts from Revolve [image: *] 13 Days of Paid Time Off per year for use as vacation, sick, and holiday pay (hours are proportional for first year) [image: *] F lexible Winter Schedule We'll put mechanically-inclined significant others to work as our PT Bike Mechanic. -- reuse, reduce, recycle, Revolve! Elizabeth Bejan, MSW Executive Director, Revolve 816-835-3310 (cell) www.facebook.com/RevolveKC.org www.revolvekc.org Revolve acts on the belief that the bicycle is the simple solution for healthy lifestyles, and affordable, earth-friendly transportation. We get Kansas City cycling!

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(no subject)
by Elizabeth Bejan 21 Mar '13

21 Mar '13

The Shop Manager will coordinate operations of the Revolve Community Bike Shops, located at 5100 Troost in Kansas City, MO and 554 Central Avenue; Kansas City, KS. The Shop Manager will primarily work out of the Kansas City, KS location. The Shop Manager will offer guidance and technical support in all areas of shop operations, including but not limited to: refurbishing bicycles for sale; tearing down bicycles for parts; maintaining inventory, equipment, and supplies; organizing volunteers; and administering business aspects of the shop. The Shop Manager will report directly to the Executive Director and help supervise the Part-Time Mechanic working at the 5100 Troost location. Revolve, Inc. (www.revolvekc.org) is a 501(c)3 organization that offers bicycle safety education and several Earn-A-Bike programs; in addition, Revolve sells donated, refurbished bicycles to support its mission of redistributing refurbished bicycles to those who cannot afford a bicycle. See photos and newsclips of what we do at: www.facebook.com/RevolveKC.org. Read a recent *Kansas City Star Magazine *cover story on us here: http://revolvekc.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/KC-Star-Mag-Article.pdf *Minimum Qualifications:* [image: *] Experience working on a wide range of bikes; familiarity with bikes and components from the1960s through the 1990s a must [image: *] Minimum of one year bike shop mechanic experience [image: *] Passion for bikes and bicycling as transportation *Desired Qualifications:* [image: *] Excellent shop organization skills [image: *] Strong written and verbal communication skills [image: *] Ability to work collaboratively with community members and community partners [image: *] Demonstrated ability to work with diverse people while observing sensitivities and differences [image: *] Ability to foster an environment of empowerment and cooperation [image: *] Experience organizing volunteers and staff [image: *] Familiarity with relevant safety and health issues [image: *] Experience in sustainable business practices [image: *] Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Docs office suite, and social media [image: *] *Ability to speak Spanish a huge plus* *Job Tasks:* [image: *] Build bicycles for sale from donated supplies of bikes and bike parts [image: *] Oversee shop operations, repair bikes, and conduct sales [image: *] Oversee volunteers [image: *] Maintain an organized and safe workspace [image: *] Manage the inventory of new and used equipment [image: *] Answer questions and provide information to the public about programs and services [image: *] Coordinate closely with staff and attend relevant meetings [image: *] Submit regularly scheduled report of activities and shop operations [image: *] Maintain updated records and files of bikes and inventory *Salary:* [image: *] Commensurate with experience. Manager will work a set schedule of 40 hours/week (generally Tuesday through Saturday), with occasional over-time. We are ready to pay to offer competitive pay to a bike mechanic who speaks Spanish. *Benefits: * [image: *] Discount on purchases of new bike-related items from bike store partner and discounts on used parts from Revolve [image: *] 13 Days of Paid Time Off per year for use as vacation, sick, and holiday pay (hours are proportional for first year) [image: *] F lexible Winter Schedule We'll put mechanically-inclined significant others to work as our PT Bike Mechanic. -- reuse, reduce, recycle, Revolve! Elizabeth Bejan, MSW Executive Director, Revolve 816-835-3310 (cell) www.facebook.com/RevolveKC.org www.revolvekc.org Revolve acts on the belief that the bicycle is the simple solution for healthy lifestyles, and affordable, earth-friendly transportation. We get Kansas City cycling!

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Hollering again - call on financial planning for community bike shops
by Mary Lauran Hall 18 Mar '13

18 Mar '13

Hey everybody, I'm giving a shout again just because, you know, the internet is overloaded with cats and you might have missed it. The Alliance is hosting a call on financial planning for community bike shops on Wednesday. All are welcome! Deets below. Feel free to join and/or pass along to someone who might benefit. *Financial Planning for Community Bike Shops* *Wednesday, March 20, 2013* *4:00 PM to 5:00 PM eastern* *Register online here<http://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/site/index.php/site/EventRegistration-…> * Financial planning and fundraising are challenging for all advocacy groups, but it can be particularly difficult for community bike shops, which deal with the seasonal increases and decreases of ridership as well as the cost of purchasing parts and tools. Join leaders from three community bike shops as they discuss key concepts of financial planning and give examples of how their shops have created stable funding streams. Please note that *this call will begin at 4 PM ET* instead of the normal 2 PM ET. Panelists will include: - Momoko Saunders, Bike Farm, Portland, OR - Rambod Behnam, Bikerowave, Los Angeles, CA - Nathan Wilkes, Yellow Bike Project, Austin, TX - ... and featuring Noah Chubb-Silverman of Reno Bike Project, who's going to share Reno's super detailed budget with us and will be around to answer questions. Ride on! Mary Lauran -- Mary Lauran Hall Communications Manager Alliance for Biking & Walking mlhall(a)peoplepoweredmovement.org (202) 449-9692 x2 P.O. Box 65150 Washington, DC 20035 *We've got big plans for 2013. Join or renew<http://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/site/index.php/membership/welcome/> with the Alliance today!*

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike System funding - Bike tax?
by scott＠gknightride.org 18 Mar '13

18 Mar '13

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Bike System funding - Bike tax?
by Ryan Kragerud 18 Mar '13

18 Mar '13

Hey there, Bicycle Longmont is working on a bike system funding project and we're in the research phase right now. Who out there is aware of innovative ways communities, states/provinces, are funding bike improvements? We've heard of Bike taxes, like in Colorado Springs where $4 is added to the price of every new bike sold, We've heard of options where local sales tax derrived from bike sales go toward infrastructure/bike projects. Also - Oregon and Maine have surcharges on traffic infractions that go toward statewide funds that include grants that make biking and walking to school safer and to programs for adult and children bike education. Anyone aware of other sources of info on this topic? Thanks, Ryan Kragerud, President Bicycle Longmont

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Wanted: Bicycle Mechanic/Educator at Reno Bike Project
by Reno Bikes 14 Mar '13

14 Mar '13

BICYCLE MECHAINC/EDUCATOR -- 20-30H/WEEK ABOUT RENO BIKE PROJECT Reno Bike Project (RBP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community bicycle shop and advocacy group committed to creating a nationally recognized, cycling-friendly community through advocacy, education, and cooperation in the Truckee Meadows. Since our inception in 2006, RBP has grown from a basement operation to a full cycling community center and advocacy group. We are constantly striving to achieve our mission of getting more people on bikes, and last year alone we distributed over 1,000 bikes back into the community through our shop and various programs. We sell used bikes, used and new parts, and have public workstations that provide affordable access to the tools and expertise cyclists need to maintain their own bikes. PROFILE This is not your typical Mechanic position in your typical shop. This job consists of two major roles; fixing bikes and teaching others to fix bikes, but you may be asked to assist with a wide scope of activities and you will be required to wear many different hats. We serve a wide range of people from bicycle hobbyist to college students to Reno's homeless population in repairing their bicycles, answering questions and other general customer service duties. You will be required to conduct repairs to the highest quality on a wide range of bicycles since we work on bikes of all varieties and ages. We feel that the repairs we carry out on our customers' bikes represent us as a shop; therefore any repair should be completed to the best of your ability. Besides operating a full service repair shop our organization is committed to helping people learn about bicycle repair/maintenance and offers 6 public workstations that are available during open hours for the public to utilize our tools and the knowledge of our staff to repair their own bike. People from all walks of life and skill levels use our shop to fix their bikes and sometimes that can be a challenge so patience and a good attitude are mandatory attributes for this job. If you don't deal with people well do not apply. But if you enjoy helping people one to one and wish help provide our community with a valuable resource this might be the job for you. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The following reflects management's definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. • Perform bicycle repair, maintenance, and walk-in services on customers' bicycles as needed. • Deliver professional, accessible, and helpful customer service to a diverse customer base. • Support daily bike shop operations. • Responsible for properly taking in all service work including correctly filling out service work orders, scheduling an appropriate amount of repairs and completing those repairs in a timely manner. • Advise and assist customers with their product selection without bias. • Develop and maintain knowledge and expertise of all merchandise in the shop to effectively assist customers with accurate information. • Assist with bike sales and any other bike floor duties as needed. • Maintain a clean and safe workplace. • Perform other duties as assigned by the bike shop manager. • Help with shop maintenance and construction projects. The candidate we seek will possess: • Excellent mechanical skills required (minimum two years hands-on, professional bike shop experience). • Strong customer service skills. • A self-directed, energetic, flexible and personable attitude. • Excellent organizational skills. • The ability to work independently and as part of a team. • The ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment and the ability to work some weekends and holidays to support business needs. COMPENSATION: Negotiable depending on skill level and experience. HOW TO APPLY please reply with resume noah(a)renobikeproject.com -- Wed-Fri 11am-6pm Sat 10am-4pm 541 E. 4th Street. Reno, NV 89512 775.323.4488 donate via paypal: http://www.renobikeproject.com/index.php/donate/ Follow us on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/renobikeproject/ Please let us know if you would like to unsubscribe to our email list.

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Community Bike Shop Revenue Stats (thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org)
by Matthew VanSlyke (Google Drive) 14 Mar '13

14 Mar '13

I've shared an item with you: Community Bike Shop Revenue Stats https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqIsLxDspWYcdFM1blZmeFNIMmJLNF… It's not an attachment -- it's stored online. To open this item, just click the link above.

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Shop Managers wanted for Bike Project
by Phil Graff 14 Mar '13

14 Mar '13

Hello, Bike-related employment opportunities! The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign is currently hiring for two shop manager positions: a part-time manager for our Downtown Urbana shop, and a full-time manager for the Campus Bicycle Shop. (The manager at the Campus Bicycle Shop will be a University of Illinois employee; the Campus Bicycle Shop is a collaboration with the University.) See both job announcements at http://www.thebikeproject.org/jobs/ . Below are vitals for each position, followed by the full text of the job announcements. The application deadline for both positions is 5 pm CDT, March 18, 2013. Part-time Shop Manager (Downtown Urbana location) http://www.thebikeproject.org/jobs/part-time-manager-2013/ Date Posted: March 8, 2013 Position: Part-time Shop Manager (20-25 hours/week) Organization: The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign Start Date: April 15–May 15, 2013 (negotiable; earlier preferred) Duration: One year (renewable annually) Location: Champaign-Urbana, IL Full Time Shop Manager (Campus location) http://www.thebikeproject.org/jobs/full-time-manager-2013/ Date Posted: March 8, 2013 Position: Full Time Shop Manager (40 hours/week) Organization: The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Start Date: April 15–May 15, 2013 (negotiable; earlier preferred) Duration: One year (renewable annually) Location: Champaign-Urbana, IL Text of the job announcements: ========================================================================== The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign Downtown Urbana Shop Manager Position Description Date Posted: March 8, 2013 Position: Part-time Shop Manager (20-25 hours/week) Organization: The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign Start Date: April 15–May 15, 2013 (negotiable; earlier preferred) Duration: One year (renewable annually) Location: Champaign-Urbana, IL The Shop Manager will coordinate operations of The Bike Project’s downtown Urbana shop. The Shop Manager will offer guidance and technical support in all areas of shop operations, including but not limited to: repairing and building bicycles; maintaining inventory, equipment, and supplies; organizing volunteers; and administering business aspects of the shop. The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign (www.thebikeproject.org) is a volunteer-run organization that offers space, tools, and support to repair bikes, share knowledge, hold classes, and advocate for bikes in Urbana-Champaign. We collaborate with community sustainability organizations, bike shops, and bicycle advocates in order to promote bicycle education in mechanical proficiency, commuter safety, and environmental awareness. Minimum Qualifications 1. Experience working on a wide range of bikes; familiarity with bikes and components from the1960s through the 1990s a must 2. Minimum of one year bike shop mechanic experience 3. Passion for bikes and bicycling as transportation Desired Qualifications 1. Excellent shop organization skills 2. Experience teaching bicycle repair techniques 3. Strong written and verbal communication skills 4. Ability to work collaboratively with community members and community partners 5. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse people while observing sensitivities and differences 6. Ability to foster an environment of empowerment and cooperation 7. Experience organizing volunteers and staff 8. Experience coordinating events 9. Familiarity with relevant safety and health issues 10. Experience in sustainable business practices 11. Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Adobe design products, Google Docs office suite, and social media Job Tasks: 1. Build bicycles for sale from donated supplies of bikes and bike parts 2. Oversee shop operations, repair bikes, and conduct sales 3. Maintain an organized and safe workspace 4. Manage the inventory of new and used equipment 5. Answer questions and provide information to the public about programs and services 6. Coordinate closely with staff and attend relevant meetings 7. Submit regularly scheduled report of activities and shop operations 8. Maintain updated records and files of bikes and inventory Wage: Rate is $15.00/hour. Manager will work a set schedule of 20 hours/week, with occasional additional time, up to 5 hours/week, negotiated as needed. Benefits: Discount on purchases of new bike-related items To Apply: Please submit the following documents in .doc or .pdf format by 5 pm CDT, March 18, 2013 to thebikeproject.apply(a)gmail.com: 1. A cover letter responding to the following prompt: “The Bike Project was founded in the spirit of Do-It-Yourself, inclusivity and cooperation. How does your experience relate to actively advancing these principles and what are your goals in this position?” 2. A resume 3. Three work-related references including names, current addresses and telephone numbers See more information and updates at: www.thebikeproject.org/jobs/part-time-manager-2013 See all Bike Project job announcements at: <http://www.thebikeproject.org/jobs> www.thebikeproject.org/jobs ========================================================================== University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign in collaboration with The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign Campus Bicycle Shop Manager Position Description Date Posted: March 8, 2013 Position: Full Time Shop Manager (40 hours/week) Organization: The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Start Date: April 15–May 15, 2013 (negotiable; earlier preferred) Duration: One year (renewable annually) Location: Champaign-Urbana, IL The Shop Manager will coordinate operations, workers, and volunteers in the Campus Bicycle Shop (CBS), a teaching, do-it-yourself bicycle repair shop. This position includes outreach and expansion of organizational presence on a University campus and in the surrounding community. Located on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the Campus Bicycle Shop is a collaboration between the University and The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign (TBP). The Bike Project ( www.thebikeproject.org) offers space, tools, and community to repair bikes, share knowledge, hold classes, and advocate for bikes in Urbana-Champaign. The volunteer-run organization collaborates with community sustainability organizations, bike shops, and bicycle advocates to promote bicycle education including mechanical proficiency, commuter safety, and environmental awareness. The Shop Manager will be an employee of the University of Illinois. The Shop Manager will work with TBP to carry out shop and outreach operations, liaison with various departments of the University of Illinois, and play a vital role in nurturing connections between the University and local community. Minimum Qualifications 1. Bachelor’s degree or higher 2. Minimum of one year experience fixing and maintaining bicycles in a community do-it-yourself environment 3. Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of bike repair and bike mechanics 4. Passion for bikes and bicycling as transportation Desired Qualifications 1. Experience organizing volunteers or staff 2. Experience coordinating events 3. Excellent written and verbal communication and public relations skills 4. Experience teaching 5. Familiarity with related sustainability, safety and health issues 6. Experience in sustainable business practices 7. Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Adobe design products, and Google Office programs 8. Ability to work collaboratively with students, staff, faculty and off-campus community members 9. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse people while observing sensitivities and differences 10. Ability to foster an environment of empowerment and cooperation Job Tasks 1. Oversee shop operations including shop upkeep, bike repair, and sales and safety 2. Recruit, schedule, and organize volunteers 3. Direct part-time student employees 4. Field inquiries from and provide logistical information to patrons about programs and services 5. Coordinate training seminars and workshops 6. Organize off-site events including volunteer recruitment, bicycle education, and promotions 7. Maintain event information and contacts in database 8. Act as liaison between TBP and the University units 9. Attend committee meetings and report on shop operations 10. Handle any monies, receipts and associated paperwork 11. Maintain inventory of new and used equipment and manage restocking from appropriate sources 12. Participate in assessing the needs of Campus Bicycle Shop and The Bike Project through giving and receiving feedback 13. Maintain updated records and files as well as policy and procedure manual Salary: $40,150/year. Employee will also receive unlimited access to city transit network with University ID card. To Apply: Please submit the following documents in .doc or .pdf format by 5 pm CDT, March 18, 2013 to thebikeproject.apply(a)gmail.com: 1. A cover letter responding to the following prompt: “The Bike Project was founded in the spirit of Do-It-Yourself, inclusivity and cooperation. How does your experience relate to actively advancing these principles and what are your goals in this position?” 2. A resume 3. Three work-related references including names, current addresses and telephone numbers See more information and updates at: www.thebikeproject.org/jobs/full-time-manager-2013 See all Bike Project job announcements at: www.thebikeproject.org/jobs<http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thebikeproject.org%2Fjobs&sa=D…> ==========================================================================

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Community Bike Shop Revenue
by Matthew VanSlyke 13 Mar '13

13 Mar '13

Hi All, I'm working up a budget for a new shop in New York State and I'm looking for a bit of info. I've put together a decently detailed business plan. I want to get a feel for how good (or bad) my numbers might be. So, a few questions: *Which, if any, of your programs/courses/trainings do you charge people for? * I anticipate running Earn-A-Bike, mechanics classes and a summer program - either on my own or in partnership with existing day camps for kids. I see NBW (Philly) does it as a revenue generator ( http://neighborhoodbikeworks.org/programs/summer-cycling-day-camp/). If you run similar programs, do they generate revenue? *What kind of sales volume do you have?* - I'm talking about repurposed bikes, parts and merchandise. Of course I anticipate the answer to this question to contain a lot of qualifiers like the size of your operation, your hours, number of staff, volume of inventory, geographic location, etc, etc, etc. I understand that but some ballpark numbers would help. Maybe an estimation of how many bikes you sell per month and approximately how much revenue is generated from the sale of parts. *How often do you offer mechanics classes?* Again I know this is very much dependent on staff and volunteer availability. I have estimated that with my 8 workstations I could offer a 10-12 week course (adults) for as many as 16 students (working in two-person teams) - provided I have at least 4 volunteer mechanics to assist. *How often do you offer Earn-A-Bike classes? *Once again, I know this is very much dependent on staff and volunteer availability. I like the curriculum you follow at Community Cycles ( http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Community_Cycles_Youth_…) and this is very similar to what I have in mind. So to you folks specifically and to others who also run EAB programs, is there any revenue generation here or is this strictly on the expenditure side of the equation for you? *How do you charge for service/repair work?* I anticipate using a sliding fee schedule and/or a list of suggested donations for the most common repairs. Can you ballpark the amount you receive for the most common repairs you perform? *How much revenue do you generate from open shop hours? *I know this is very much dependent on shop hours and available work space. But again, rough numbers will help me. I'm digging through the archives and obviously I'm finding a lot of really useful info. Thanks to all of you who have spent the time to post to the Wiki. It has been immensely helpful to me during this start up time. If you know of links that would help me get my own answers to these questions please pass them along. And if you can answer more specifically that would be excellent. Thanks so much, Matt -- *Matt VanSlyke* *Development Director New York Bicycling Coalition www.nybc.net 315-525-9554*

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Call next week: Financial planning for community bike shops
by Mary Lauran Hall 13 Mar '13

13 Mar '13

Hey Think Tank tinkerers, The Alliance is hosting a call on financial planning for community bike shops next week. All are welcome! Deets below. Feel free to join and/or pass along to someone who might benefit. I sent this out in an earlier chain, so if you're seeing this twice let's just call it deja vu. *Financial Planning for Community Bike Shops* *Wednesday, March 20, 2013* *4:00 PM to 5:00 PM eastern* *Register online here<http://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/site/index.php/site/EventRegistration-…> * Financial planning and fundraising are challenging for all advocacy groups, but it can be particularly difficult for community bike shops, which deal with the seasonal increases and decreases of ridership as well as the cost of purchasing parts and tools. Join leaders from three community bike shops as they discuss key concepts of financial planning and give examples of how their shops have created stable funding streams. Please note that *this call will begin at 4 PM ET* instead of the normal 2 PM ET. Panelists will include: - Momoko Saunders, Bike Farm, Portland, OR - Rambod Behnam, Bikerowave, Los Angeles, CA - Nathan Wilkes, Yellow Bike Project, Austin, TX - ... and featuring Noah Chubb-Silverman of Reno Bike Project, who's going to share Reno's super detailed budget with us and will be around to answer questions. Ride on! Mary Lauran -- Mary Lauran Hall Communications Manager Alliance for Biking & Walking mlhall(a)peoplepoweredmovement.org (202) 449-9692 x2 P.O. Box 65150 Washington, DC 20035 *We've got big plans for 2013. Join or renew<http://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/site/index.php/membership/welcome/> with the Alliance today!*

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Manger Position - Community Bike Project Omaha
by Stuart Shell 13 Mar '13

13 Mar '13

*Community Bike Project is seeking a part-time manager to oversee its bicycle service and retail operations in Omaha, Nebraska. Please see the attached description and respond to info(a)communitybikeproject.org.*

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Chatham Eco Fest
by Lyndy 11 Mar '13

11 Mar '13

Hello, I have been sending out emails left and right to reach out to Environmental Organizations of every kind across Pittsburgh, PA. Here is a formal invitation to those organizations in the surrounding area who would like to come join us! Chatham University is hosting our Eco Fest on Saturday, April 6th from 1-5pm, in celebration of our brand new, home made Bike Share program, sponsored by Free Ride! We want to reach out to local environmental organizations, clubs, businesses and small vendors to help expose and connect them to other organizations. We will provide spaces for individual organizations to establish their identity and to present their media or other displays. Our own Chatham students are invited as well as local student run Environmental organizations. We may not have enough tables for everybody so we suggest bringing a card table with you, as well as a blanket or lawn chairs. All tablers will be in our beautiful grassy quad. We encourage bringing information about past projects or campaigns to promote the Environmental Lifestyle. If you have a portfolio of sorts or just a spheal to tell visitors that would be awesome as well. In our Dilworth hall, housing for grad students and also Environmental professors, we will set aside a room to more intimately share past projects and discuss more ideas for promoting the Environmental Lifestyle in the future, through each organization’s individual focus. We invite your organization to come and reserve a space. Let us know if you are interested! ~Lyndy Palmer lpalmer(a)chatham.edu Chatham University Office of Sustainability Bike Works Mechanic chatham.edu 1 Woodland Rd Pittsburgh, PA 15232

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Bicycle Parking.
by Tigre Bici 05 Mar '13

05 Mar '13

Hello people. We are looking to implement some bike parking on campus but we just got the news that we won't be able to have the inverted U on stainless steel so we are looking for any insides on what kinf of material doesn't require a lot of maintance and can resist a lot of heavy use, the idea is to keep the inverted U's since are the once that we consider more reliable on securing the bikes. Any thoughts? Experiences? Saludos! Raquel Treviño -TigreBici

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Lyndy
by Lyndy 05 Mar '13

05 Mar '13

http://www.ffr-gmbh.de/crvknckq/ibiis

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Cycles for Change (St. Paul, MN) Hiring
by Jason Tanzman 05 Mar '13

05 Mar '13

Hey all, Cycles for Change <http://www.cyclesforchange.org>, in St. Paul, MN is hiring multiple staff positions. Some are seasonal, some are full-time year round, including the Development and Communications Director. Please consider applying today! Development and Communications Director<http://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/job-details?id=64212>- Full-time, year-round, salaried; open until filled. Bike Library Mechanic<http://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/job-details?id=64215>- 3/4-full time, year-round; open until filled. Public Relations and Community Organizing Assistant<http://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/job-details?id=64355>- Seasonal, through September; closing date 3/26/13. Repair and Retail Mechanic<http://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/job-details?id=63975>- Seasonal, through October 15. Closing date 3/20/13. Repair and Retail Associate<http://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/job-details?id=63973>- Seasonal, through September; Closing date 3/20/13 Feel free to email me or call 612-232-2737 with any questions you might have regarding any of these positions! Jason -- Development and Outreach Director 612-232-2737 (cell) 651-222-2080 (shop) www.cyclesforchange.org The mission of Cycles for Change is to be an open, accessible space to educate and empower people to use bicycles as transportation, helping to build a sustainable environment and community. Volunteer with us to help build a bicycling movement in the Twin Cities!

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Community Development Block Grants for bike co-ops?
by Eric Jojola 27 Feb '13

27 Feb '13

Hi All, Has anyone on this list written a (successful or unsuccessful) community development block grant application to start up a local bicycle co-op? I'm working on one now and would appreciate any advice or assistance in terms of the application. Thank you, Eric Jojola -- Eric Jojola <http://www.linkedin.com/in/jojolae> 909-556-8983

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Daniel S
by Daniel S 25 Feb '13

25 Feb '13

http://www.magnatekindia.com/bpurb/0.vc3om?yhjanxbpgtsu4b2wbr2/25/2013 2:28:42 PMDaniel S

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costa rica bike tour?
by sheila fitzgerald 25 Feb '13

25 Feb '13

hello! has anyone ever biked or spent time in costa rica? i am looking for DIY and bike adventures for a trip there in late july/early august. i found an org called Bici Rehab, which seems to be a community bike space, or at least project. has anyone ever heard of Bici Rehab? http://www.facebook.com/BiciRehab/info seeking information and ideas from fellow pedal powered people! thanks, sheila -- sheila fitzgerald http://troybikerescue.org

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[bikebikene] Save the Date!!! Bike Bike Northeast 2013
by Andrew L 24 Feb '13

24 Feb '13

Woop woop! this just in from the good folks in Worcester, MA Andrew TBR ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Greg Opperman <gopperman(a)gmail.com> Date: Sun, Feb 24, 2013 at 7:05 PM Subject: [bikebikene] Save the Date!!! Bike Bike Northeast 2013 To: bikebikene(a)lists.riseup.net You are cordially invited to *Bike! Bike! Northeast* on *September 6-8, 2013, *in* Worcester, Massachusetts.* * * We have lots of splendid plans, including scavenger hunts, group rides, workshops, shows, and more! Stay tuned for details. Come get energized for Bike! Bike! International. We'll be coordinating plans for the big show in October. If you have any preliminary thoughts, ideas, or feedback about the date, or anything else, let us know! You can receive news and updates on Bike! Bike! Northeast 2013 by signing up for our e-mail announcement list: http://eepurl.com/vS7Z5 XOXOXO, Worcester Earn a Bike -- ------__o ----_`\<,_ ---(_)/ (_) andrew lynn 518-573-7947

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Safety Workshops
by Cory Herc 23 Feb '13

23 Feb '13

Hello all! We're gearing up for our first Spring open, and are looking at our possibilities for running cycling safety workshops as a part of our spring/summer programming. So far, CANBIKE seems like one of the more prevalent options for broadly available bike-safety curricula, but we're curious about other options, and folks' experiences with different sorts of safety programs and workshops (as well as info about potential issues/insurance/liability, etc.). Any thoughts or experiences that might be helpful? We're a new co-op and this is our first season running these workshops. Thanks! -- *Cory Herc* *Operations Director - Coopérative La Bikery Co-operative* *120 Assomption Blvd., Moncton, NB* * * *www.labikery.ca*

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 78, Issue 14
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 22 Feb '13

22 Feb '13

Ours is $60.00 US/mo Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Geoff Heath" <mech(a)thewrench.ca> To: <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 78, Issue 14 Date: Fri, Feb 22, 2013 14:38 hey folx I'm wondering how much $$$ other non-profit shops (particularly Canadian ones) pay for general liability and Board of Dir. insurance. All the quotes I've gotten thus far seem unreasonably high for our lil operation. We don't do any organized riding on the street with youth, nor do we have any employees so I'd assumed it would be affordable. Is there such a thing as an altruistic insurance provider? Any advice or resources would be appreciated. Cheers Geoff @ The Bike Dump in Winnipeg --

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America Recycled Film!
by America reCycled 22 Feb '13

22 Feb '13

Hi Everybody, It's been awhile, but we are excited to announce that we are back together in New Orleans and production of the feature-length America Recycled film has officially begun! We have just released a trailer with lots of new footage alongside our fundraising campaign. Thank you for supporting us over the last two years as we've tried to share this dream. We remain committed to keeping America Recycled an independent project, and thanks to so much grassroots support, we're well on our way to releasing this film. Watch the trailer and learn how to help here: http://www.usaprojects.org/ project/america_recycled We are using United States Artists as our fundraising platform. They use a similar model to Kickstarter, but it's a non-profit organization dedicated to the arts, so all donations are tax-deductible. They also do an amazing job supporting artists working in all disciplines, finding creative partnerships and funding practices for projects that might not otherwise come to fruition. For example, America Recycled has received the USA Creative Vision Award! They selected us out of all artists who launched a fundraiser in January across all disciplines, and are contributing a $5,000 match fund. This means that every single donation is matched 100%, cutting down what we need to raise by almost half. It also means that donors get an award for double what they give. Asking for money is not our favorite part of this work-we'd rather just be telling stories. But this is a necessary part of the process at this point, and we need all the help we can get. There are plenty of ways to help out here, even if you aren't able to donate anything yourself. You can spread the word about the film and the campaign within your community. You can write about it around your social networking sites and make posts on relevant websites and blogs. You can email us about hosting a screening of our short films to raise some money or organize your own event locally to bring attention to the project. Even small emails and facebook/blog comments help out. This project has moved way beyond the point where it's just about the bicycle trip of two brothers. This story is about all of us who want to experiment with different ways of living in this country and believe in the power of community in making these dreams a reality. We still have a long way to go, but we can do it together. If you believe in this project, think about how you can help. And spread the word! - The Hussin Brothers (Noah and Tim)

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 78, Issue 14
by Geoff Heath 22 Feb '13

22 Feb '13

hey folx I'm wondering how much $$$ other non-profit shops (particularly Canadian ones) pay for general liability and Board of Dir. insurance. All the quotes I've gotten thus far seem unreasonably high for our lil operation. We don't do any organized riding on the street with youth, nor do we have any employees so I'd assumed it would be affordable. Is there such a thing as an altruistic insurance provider? Any advice or resources would be appreciated. Cheers Geoff @ The Bike Dump in Winnipeg --

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photo's of shops
by momoko saunders 21 Feb '13

21 Feb '13

Dear think tank, I've set up a flickr account to host bike collective photos. I have a dream of documenting the amazing thing we are doing. I'd love for everyone to contribute a photo of their bike shop, just so we can start to get an idea of who we're talking to, put a shop to the email address. also, seeing how shops are organized is fascinating and helpful! Please send 1-3 photos of your shop to: *merely32been(a)photos.flickr.com (it's just some secret email address you get with the account so you can easily upload photos, the name has nothing to do with anything)* Please make the title of the email "bike collective name" - "city", "state or province" "zip code", (country if you want to) You can view my first upload of portland's bike farm here<http://www.flickr.com/photos/93412361@N07/>, and hopefully, we can all see all the photo's uploading. http://www.flickr.com/photos/93412361@N07/ fun exercise, google image search "bike collective photos".<https://www.google.com/search?q=bike+collective+photos&hl=en&tbm=isch&tbo=u…> makes you smile. cheers, -momoko p.s. if you want the password to the flickr account just let me know.

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insurance for community bike program- workshops, rides, etc.
by Dave Baker 20 Feb '13

20 Feb '13

hello everyone, i am dave baker from the bike works in silver city, new mexico. i am a new addition to this list so i figured i would send out this query and see what ideas everyone has. i am looking for an insurance provider that offers a policy tuned for the type of work we do. we previously had insurance for a retail bike shop but it doesn't apply since retail shop customers generally don't enter the shop space and don't usually use the tools. we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs weekly free workshops that are open to the public. we also take kids on a weekly bike ride. in april, we are having a fundraising event in a local city park and the city is requiring that we get liability coverage for the day, which costs around $300. A year long policy would cover special events such as this and make much more sense. i am looking for feedback from other organizations that have dealt with this same issue. thanks, dave

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California Collectives in proximity to Long Beach
by Ryan Kragerud 19 Feb '13

19 Feb '13

Hey all, Nirve Bikes has fenders they're looking to get rid of. If your collective could use custom/cool fenders check em out at info(a)nirve.com Nirve Posted: Nirve Graeme - If you think you can use them, then give us a call or email - I would rather see them used than recycled. We have more than pictured here. info(at)nirve.com

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NIRVE overstocks
by Ryan Kragerud 19 Feb '13

19 Feb '13

I just saw a post on FB - Nirve is recycling lots of fenders. All y'all in CA should look them up.

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Special event liability insurance
by scott＠gknightride.org 07 Feb '13

07 Feb '13

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RBP 2013 Call for Art
by Reno Bikes 06 Feb '13

06 Feb '13

[image: Inline image 1] Greetings all, RBP is looking for artist interested in submitting for our annual We HeArt Bikes Bicycle Art Show. All submissions excepted and we would love to show off your work. http://www.renobikeproject.com/2013/02/rbp-call-for-art/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/renobikeproject/sets/72157626738005314/ Cheers, Noah -- Wed-Fri 11am-6pm Sat 10am-4pm 541 E. 4th Street. Reno, NV 89512 775.323.4488 donate via paypal: http://www.renobikeproject.com/index.php/donate/ Follow us on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/renobikeproject/ Please let us know if you would like to unsubscribe to our email list.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Trailer
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 03 Feb '13

03 Feb '13

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Trailer
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 30 Jan '13

30 Jan '13

Mark, I've seen your work on the web. I have respect for what you have done. Welding EMT will produce zinc gas; not healthy to breathe. Welding EMT can be done out of doors safely. Better to use furniture tubing, if possible. One can do well with drill & bolt construction. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Mark Rehder" <mark(a)re-cycles.ca> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bike Trailer Date: Tue, Jan 29, 2013 17:04 EMT is great, but of course don't try to weld it! A search through the archives should show my posts on some of the no-weld trailers I've built. I found that even 3/4" conduit has its limits in terms of flex... Mark On 2013-01-29, at 4:55 PM, summitcyclingcenter(a)yahoo.com wrote:EMT is inexpensive new and easy to bend. Possibly can be sourced from scrap yard or demo site. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Kevin Dwyer" <kevidwyer(a)gmail.com> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bike Trailer Date: Mon, Jan 28, 2013 07:23 I'd really like to see an open source cargo trailer developed. Single bed frames would seem to be an ideal base, easy/free to come by and capable of holding over 200lbs. Could be done as a workshop once or twice a year. Kevin Dwyer The Bicycle Collective SLC, UT On Sun, Jan 27, 2013 at 5:54 PM, Eric Montgomery <emontgo1017(a)gmail.com> wrote: On Jan 27, 2013 1:50 PM, <christopher(a)holisticcycles.com> wrote: I am using a tadpole trike with two wheels in front with disk brakes on each front wheel. I am lucky to be in Chicago land of some of the flattest earth on the planet. With lighter trailers I can use an upright bike with wide slicks and low pressure to get as much rubber to the ground. I do not go fast with over 400 pounds, a upright piano is about 500 pounds, I just take it easy. If you go slow and do not worry about your pace it is much easier to stop. If you get moving fast you are in trouble in so many ways. It would be nice to design brakes for the trailer to use it in places like St. Louis where down hills are part of life. I could figure out a system to have four wheels on the trailer with rim or disk brakes. My biggest problem was tongue weight and making the trailer balanced. PS plastic wheels can not take the side loads that metal spoked wheels can. Christopher Wallace Holistic Cycles140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes From: John Brown <johnsbrown(a)gmail.com> Date: Sat, January 26, 2013 7:42 am To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> What kind of additional braking do you add to haul 350-1200lbs on a trailer? On Fri, Jan 25, 2013 at 9:16 AM, <christopher(a)holisticcycles.com> wrote: I build trailers without welding at all, some handle up to 1200 pound. I weld other trailers because I can. My thoughts are this, if I am teaching kids to think about designing, engineering, constructing things; I want them to be able to do it in the future with the tools they or their parents may all ready have at home or tool they can buy inexpensively. Some kids may have a welder at home, More kids will have a drill. I built my trailers with a drill and a conduit bender. I normally haul 350 to 400 pounds of gear with it. It can be made small to haul groceries or large to carry a sofa. We are currently making one to carry 12 bikes and the gear to teach a mobile bicycle safety course at schools. Christopher WallaceHolistic Cycles 140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes From: Nozomi Ikuta <nozomi(a)affordablebikesrecyclery.com> Date: Wed, January 23, 2013 8:28 pm To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> That was my thought exactly -- this is where our thoughts headed when we thought about welding. Cargo trailers, that is! On Wed, Jan 23, 2013 at 5:20 PM, <christopher(a)holisticcycles.com> wrote: what about building trailers Christopher Wallace Holistic Cycles140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes From: "Bronwyn Potthoff" <bpotthoff(a)gwi.net> Date: Fri, January 18, 2013 8:55 am To: <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Hello, We’ve been unsuccessfully trying to secure insurance to initiate a welding/fabrication program through the Community Bicycle Center. Ideally, we’re helping youth develop technical job skills through creating low-rider and chopper bicycles --- but the point of the program is not about bikes, it’s about learning the welding and fabrication skills necessary to create a tricked-out ride. The major obstacle we hear from insurance companies is that we’re creating a high-risk “Frankenstein” product (or “functional art”) that is extremely hard to insure. As soon as we chop a bike, the manufacturer’s warranty is null and void (for good reason!) The actual welding with kids is not a huge issue – it’s what happens if a weld breaks or a kid injures him/herself going off jump with a bike that is not build to handle such stressors. Waivers and disclaimers will only go so far and are not bullet-proof. Because we’re a commercial entity, it’s obviously not covered under any homeowner’s insurance policy (which would be what covers you if you’re helping your nine year-old neighbor weld a sick mutant bike). Also, vocational school insurance functions differently – I checked that too. I may end up having to change the program so that our “product” is not a bike, but something less risky such as a static sculpture. Regardless, does anybody have any experience with securing insurance for commercial (aka nonprofit) welding work with kids during which a “product” gets fabricated? [Keep in mind, all programs are free AND the product created is also free --- no bill of sale is involved] I’ve touched base with other programs around the country that do similar work, but have not heard back. Thanks!! If it makes more sense to talk through this via phone, my number is 207 282 9700. Bronwyn Potthoff, Resource Development/Community Relations Director Community Bicycle Center(mailing) P.O. Box 783(shop) 284 Hill Street Biddeford, Maine 04005t: 207.282.9700 www.communitybike.net Providing Opportunities for Youth to Grow _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Teaching Riding Skills
by Rich Points 30 Jan '13

30 Jan '13

Hey All, Our EAB program is almost 7 years old. Over the years we've gotten pretty good at teaching bike mechanics to our EABers but we fall short when it comes to teaching riding skills. One of my goals for this year is to institute a riding component to the program. Are any of you teaching riding skills as part of your EAB or Build a Bike programs? If so we'd love to hear how you do it. 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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Working with Churches and other Religious Orgs to Collect Bikes
by Rich Points 30 Jan '13

30 Jan '13

Hey All, We're going to try something different this year by reaching out to local churches and religious organizations to collect bikes. Last year we had an unsolicited young man collect bikes for us as part of his confirmation. This was awesome and he collected about 40 bikes for us. I'm drafting a letter to send out to religious orgs in the county asking them to collect bikes for us. My goal is to find out what service projects the institutions already have in place, like confirmation, and see if we can piggy back those projects with bike collections. Have any of you worked with religious orgs to collect bikes? Please share any words of wisdom you might have. Thx 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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Bike Share Advice
by Lyndy 30 Jan '13

30 Jan '13

Hello, I am a student mechanic for a campus bike shop in Pittsburgh. We are starting a new bike share program to rent bikes by the semester/year to our students. We have a lot of interest gaining for this endeavor, from short-term international students, from commuters, from activists, environmentalists, poor students and out-of-state students (who left their bike at home). We are purchasing bikes from a bike recycle program which I am helping to fix up and make road worthy. The school is paying for 10 bikes, $50 per bike, to start up the program. The school is also paying for U-locks, front and back lights, small tool repair kits, and helmets (S/M/L). We have a bike shop with all the tools to take a bike part and repair minor pieces, like inner tubes and brake/shifter cables, and will outfit it with more consumer items as popularity grows (seat covers etc.). The idea is to give a bike to a student, as well as a lock and lights (purchase of a tool kit and helmet from us is optional, however a helmet with receipt is required), sign them up to the bike registry (to help with theft and bike identity), and orient them with the local bike trails, safe commuting routes, and local community. The whole idea it to encourage a bike community within the campus. I will have bikes to fix, cyclists to teach, and less students will be driving or using local transit. The only issue is we don't know what to charge for renting bikes. It will cost us (the campus) $150 to outfit a person with a bike and all the materials at first, but afterwards only about $50-75 per new person (same bike, new helmet, maybe new lights). What prices should we be charging students to rent a bike for? How much should cover the cost, and how much should be for a deposit (incentive to bring the bike back with minimal damage)? As a bike share program we want to be competitive. It costs about $200-300 for a brand new bike, or $100 or a crappy Wal-Mart bike, but we also want to cover the costs of the program. I was thinking of $50 deposit, $50 cover charge per semester, or $50 deposit, $100 charge per year (and less if returning customer). However, the sustainability director thinks we should charge more. Any ideas? ~Lyndy

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance_for_youth_welding_prog rams_thr ough bikes
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 29 Jan '13

29 Jan '13

Thanks for the hitch input Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: christopher(a)holisticcycles.com To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Insurance_for_youth_welding_prog rams_thr ough bikes Date: Sun, Jan 27, 2013 19:51 There are three trailer hitches I have used. For the larger loads I like to use the dual sided BOB trailer hitch, On some lighter trailers I like one sided hitches that have clamps on the rear triangle, only lightweight trailers should have one sided axle mounts. Christopher WallaceHolistic Cycles140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance_for_youth_welding_programs_thr ough bikes From: "summitcyclingcenter(a)yahoo.com" <summitcyclingcenter(a)yahoo.com> Date: Sat, January 26, 2013 5:44 pm To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> I've built a couple of simple bike trailers. Thanks for the photos. I really like your design. I would like to see your hitch and tow bar design. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: christopher(a)holisticcycles.com To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes Date: Fri, Jan 25, 2013 12:16 I build trailers without welding at all, some handle up to 1200 pound. I weld other trailers because I can. My thoughts are this, if I am teaching kids to think about designing, engineering, constructing things; I want them to be able to do it in the future with the tools they or their parents may all ready have at home or tool they can buy inexpensively. Some kids may have a welder at home, More kids will have a drill. I built my trailers with a drill and a conduit bender. I normally haul 350 to 400 pounds of gear with it. It can be made small to haul groceries or large to carry a sofa. We are currently making one to carry 12 bikes and the gear to teach a mobile bicycle safety course at schools. Christopher WallaceHolistic Cycles140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes From: Nozomi Ikuta <nozomi(a)affordablebikesrecyclery.com> Date: Wed, January 23, 2013 8:28 pm To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> That was my thought exactly -- this is where our thoughts headed when we thought about welding. Cargo trailers, that is! On Wed, Jan 23, 2013 at 5:20 PM, <christopher(a)holisticcycles.com> wrote: what about building trailers Christopher Wallace Holistic Cycles140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes From: "Bronwyn Potthoff" <bpotthoff(a)gwi.net> Date: Fri, January 18, 2013 8:55 am To: <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Hello, We’ve been unsuccessfully trying to secure insurance to initiate a welding/fabrication program through the Community Bicycle Center. Ideally, we’re helping youth develop technical job skills through creating low-rider and chopper bicycles --- but the point of the program is not about bikes, it’s about learning the welding and fabrication skills necessary to create a tricked-out ride. The major obstacle we hear from insurance companies is that we’re creating a high-risk “Frankenstein” product (or “functional art”) that is extremely hard to insure. As soon as we chop a bike, the manufacturer’s warranty is null and void (for good reason!) The actual welding with kids is not a huge issue – it’s what happens if a weld breaks or a kid injures him/herself going off jump with a bike that is not build to handle such stressors. Waivers and disclaimers will only go so far and are not bullet-proof. Because we’re a commercial entity, it’s obviously not covered under any homeowner’s insurance policy (which would be what covers you if you’re helping your nine year-old neighbor weld a sick mutant bike). Also, vocational school insurance functions differently – I checked that too. I may end up having to change the program so that our “product” is not a bike, but something less risky such as a static sculpture. Regardless, does anybody have any experience with securing insurance for commercial (aka nonprofit) welding work with kids during which a “product” gets fabricated? [Keep in mind, all programs are free AND the product created is also free --- no bill of sale is involved] I’ve touched base with other programs around the country that do similar work, but have not heard back. Thanks!! If it makes more sense to talk through this via phone, my number is 207 282 9700. Bronwyn Potthoff, Resource Development/Community Relations Director Community Bicycle Center(mailing) P.O. Box 783(shop) 284 Hill Street Biddeford, Maine 04005t: 207.282.9700 www.communitybike.net Providing Opportunities for Youth to Grow _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Youth Bike Summit - Speakers + Workshops
by Pasqualina Azzarello 29 Jan '13

29 Jan '13

Hi Everyone, We're pleased to announce this year's Youth Bike Summit program *schedule*<http://youthbikesummit2013.eventbrite.com/#>! We've got a great line up of workshops and *Enrique Penalosa*<http://www.streetfilms.org/riding-bogotas-bountiful-protected-bikeways/>will be presenting the Keynote address along with Local Spokes Youth Ambassador, Devlynn Chen. An invitation, information, and online resources can be found below. Thanks for helping us to spread the word! *WHEN:* February 15-17, 2013 *WHERE:* The New School in New York, NY *KEYNOTE:* Enrique Penalosa, former Mayor of Bogota, Colombia *COST:* 3 DAY PASS: $20/youth; $35/adult *tickets include meals for all three days Tickets can be purchased here: http://youthbikesummit2013-eac2.eventbrite.com/#<http://youthbikesummit2013-eac2.eventbrite.com/> More info can be found here: http://www.recycleabicycle.org/about-us/youth-bike-summit<http://www.recycleabicycle.org/about-us/youth-bike-summit> FB Invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/552149951465199/ YBS FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Youth-Bike-Summit/230384430374509?ref=ts&fre… YBS Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/youthbikesummit YBS Twitter Handle @youthbikesummit *YBS STEERING COMMITTEE:* Bike Works in Seattle, Bikes Not Bombs in Boston, Neighborhood Bike Works in Philadelphia, Cycles for Change in St. Paul, West Town Bikes in Chicago, and Recycle-A-Bicycle in New York City. We hope to see you at the Youth Bike Summit! Best, Pasqualina -- Pasqualina Azzarello Executive Director Recycle-A-Bicycle Ph: 718-858-2972 Fax: 718-858-6201 http://www.recycleabicycle.org Follow us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/pages/Recycle-A-Bicycle/62453932286> Follow us on Twitter <https://twitter.com/#!/RAB_NYC>

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Trailer
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 29 Jan '13

29 Jan '13

EMT is inexpensive new and easy to bend. Possibly can be sourced from scrap yard or demo site. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Kevin Dwyer" <kevidwyer(a)gmail.com> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Bike Trailer Date: Mon, Jan 28, 2013 07:23 I'd really like to see an open source cargo trailer developed. Single bed frames would seem to be an ideal base, easy/free to come by and capable of holding over 200lbs. Could be done as a workshop once or twice a year. Kevin Dwyer The Bicycle Collective SLC, UT On Sun, Jan 27, 2013 at 5:54 PM, Eric Montgomery <emontgo1017(a)gmail.com> wrote: On Jan 27, 2013 1:50 PM, <christopher(a)holisticcycles.com> wrote: I am using a tadpole trike with two wheels in front with disk brakes on each front wheel. I am lucky to be in Chicago land of some of the flattest earth on the planet. With lighter trailers I can use an upright bike with wide slicks and low pressure to get as much rubber to the ground. I do not go fast with over 400 pounds, a upright piano is about 500 pounds, I just take it easy. If you go slow and do not worry about your pace it is much easier to stop. If you get moving fast you are in trouble in so many ways. It would be nice to design brakes for the trailer to use it in places like St. Louis where down hills are part of life. I could figure out a system to have four wheels on the trailer with rim or disk brakes. My biggest problem was tongue weight and making the trailer balanced. PS plastic wheels can not take the side loads that metal spoked wheels can. Christopher Wallace Holistic Cycles140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes From: John Brown <johnsbrown(a)gmail.com> Date: Sat, January 26, 2013 7:42 am To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> What kind of additional braking do you add to haul 350-1200lbs on a trailer? On Fri, Jan 25, 2013 at 9:16 AM, <christopher(a)holisticcycles.com> wrote: I build trailers without welding at all, some handle up to 1200 pound. I weld other trailers because I can. My thoughts are this, if I am teaching kids to think about designing, engineering, constructing things; I want them to be able to do it in the future with the tools they or their parents may all ready have at home or tool they can buy inexpensively. Some kids may have a welder at home, More kids will have a drill. I built my trailers with a drill and a conduit bender. I normally haul 350 to 400 pounds of gear with it. It can be made small to haul groceries or large to carry a sofa. We are currently making one to carry 12 bikes and the gear to teach a mobile bicycle safety course at schools. Christopher WallaceHolistic Cycles 140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes From: Nozomi Ikuta <nozomi(a)affordablebikesrecyclery.com> Date: Wed, January 23, 2013 8:28 pm To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> That was my thought exactly -- this is where our thoughts headed when we thought about welding. Cargo trailers, that is! On Wed, Jan 23, 2013 at 5:20 PM, <christopher(a)holisticcycles.com> wrote: what about building trailers Christopher Wallace Holistic Cycles140 Harrison StOak Park, IL. 60304 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [TheThinkTank] Insurance for youth welding programs through bikes From: "Bronwyn Potthoff" <bpotthoff(a)gwi.net> Date: Fri, January 18, 2013 8:55 am To: <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Hello, We’ve been unsuccessfully trying to secure insurance to initiate a welding/fabrication program through the Community Bicycle Center. Ideally, we’re helping youth develop technical job skills through creating low-rider and chopper bicycles --- but the point of the program is not about bikes, it’s about learning the welding and fabrication skills necessary to create a tricked-out ride. The major obstacle we hear from insurance companies is that we’re creating a high-risk “Frankenstein” product (or “functional art”) that is extremely hard to insure. As soon as we chop a bike, the manufacturer’s warranty is null and void (for good reason!) The actual welding with kids is not a huge issue – it’s what happens if a weld breaks or a kid injures him/herself going off jump with a bike that is not build to handle such stressors. Waivers and disclaimers will only go so far and are not bullet-proof. Because we’re a commercial entity, it’s obviously not covered under any homeowner’s insurance policy (which would be what covers you if you’re helping your nine year-old neighbor weld a sick mutant bike). Also, vocational school insurance functions differently – I checked that too. I may end up having to change the program so that our “product” is not a bike, but something less risky such as a static sculpture. Regardless, does anybody have any experience with securing insurance for commercial (aka nonprofit) welding work with kids during which a “product” gets fabricated? [Keep in mind, all programs are free AND the product created is also free --- no bill of sale is involved] I’ve touched base with other programs around the country that do similar work, but have not heard back. Thanks!! If it makes more sense to talk through this via phone, my number is 207 282 9700. Bronwyn Potthoff, Resource Development/Community Relations Director Community Bicycle Center(mailing) P.O. Box 783(shop) 284 Hill Street Biddeford, Maine 04005t: 207.282.9700 www.communitybike.net Providing Opportunities for Youth to Grow _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Bike Trailer
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 29 Jan '13

29 Jan '13

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Bike Drives with Church Partners
by Jason Tanzman 29 Jan '13

29 Jan '13

Cycles for Change in St. Paul, Minnesota collects most of our bicycles through Bike Drives. Many of these have been coordinated in partnership with churches. We've found churches to be supportive of our work and focused on social justice. We've worked with a couple smaller churches and collected 20-30 bikes, and we also partnered with a much larger suburban church about 2 years ago and collected 150 bikes - which was almost more than we could handle. I highly recommend collaborating with churches for Bike Drives. In my experience, we've connected with a "social justice ministries" committee, rather than a youth doing service for confirmation, as Rich mentioned, but I'm sure both are opportunities to explore. Other groups we've worked with to coordinate Bike Drives include: business, including REI which has been an amazing partner, doing bike drives at each of their three metropolitan stores; a local Lions Club, which brought in 90 bikes; Eagle Scouts, who have done some very successful bike drives. This is from a few years ago, but Working Bikes Coop in Chicago had a pretty incredible operation coordinating dozens of Bike Drives and collecting bikes from throughout the Chicago metro area. Jason Tanzman -- Development and Outreach Director 612-232-2737 (cell) 651-222-2080 (shop) www.cyclesforchange.org The mission of Cycles for Change is to be an open, accessible space to educate and empower people to use bicycles as transportation, helping to build a sustainable environment and community. Volunteer with us to help build a bicycling movement in the Twin Cities!

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Deal with the devil!
by Scott Conlin 28 Jan '13

28 Jan '13

'Like' Ron. Well said. We find that kids are appreciative of any bike and we'd like to see more on them no matter where they are from. Riders who get free bikes many times start progressing toward better built bikes, because they find joy or utility in it. I think what we do here even in bike friendly Colorado as market expanding work. The big brands interested in just selling biles at $750+ could learn from this IMO. Scott Longmont, CO Recycle <recyclebikesforkids(a)gmail.com> wrote: >_______________________________________________ >Thethinktank mailing list >Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org >To manage your subscription, plase visit: >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Insurance_for_youth_welding_programs_thr ough bikes
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 27 Jan '13

27 Jan '13

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Deal with the devil!
by Doug Franz 27 Jan '13

27 Jan '13

Ron, thanks for the apology, but you’re right. I shouldn’t be telling kids their bike is worth 10 cents a pound. After all, it’s their bike! In general, I’m more sensitive than that, but I can always be better. The goal is to help them see the difference between Wally’s bikes and “bike shop” bikes, but they won’t hear the message if I bully them into it. Thank you for keeping me straight. Doug Franz, President BikeWorks_3_wText <http://coatesvillebikeworks.org/> coatesvillebikeworks.org like us on facebook! <http://www.facebook.com/CoatesvilleBikeWorks> http://www.facebook.com/CoatesvilleBikeWorks <mailto:doug@coatesvillebikeworks.org> doug(a)coatesvillebikeworks.org 610-383-4349 From: Recycle [mailto:recyclebikesforkids@gmail.com] Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2013 10:02 PM To: doug(a)coatesvillebikeworks.org; The Think Tank Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Deal with the devil! Doug. Thank you for the response. I shouldn't have taken you to task publicly. For that I apologize I do think there is a place for WM bikes, mainly as a stage bike for kids who will outgrow them in a season, I too struggle with those who feel entitled but that is parents not kids. Ron Sent from my iPhone

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Deal with the devil!
by Doug Franz 26 Jan '13

26 Jan '13

The strangest thing happened last night. I was at an open house for another charity here in Coatesville, talking up our charity because it's my job, and I was introduced to the District Manager of Wal*Mart. I'm not a Wal*Mart fan. I understand they fill a need in society, and obviously lots of people don't subscribe to my point of view or else they wouldn't be as successful as they are. But for me, I would rather give up other luxuries to afford the more expensive products at my neighborhood store than buy them from the Wal*Mart in town. I actually feel some joy when one of our kids asks me what his Wal*Mart bike is worth, and I answer "10 cents a pound!" Anyhow, this woman explained to me that Wal*Mart doesn't have a system for handling the bicycles that get returned to them or that arrive with defects from the manufacturer. She asked me if they could be sent to us as a donation. I explained to her that we accept bicycle donations, but typically the Wal*Mart bikes get stripped for parts and recycled. She asked if they could send them to us anyhow. I pointed out that we incur some costs in the processing of this material, and if we decide to fix some of them up there is the costs of the parts. She asked if they could send a check along with the bikes. So, we made a deal. Wal*Mart stores in her district will send us bikes they can't use, along with $20 per bicycle. We have 35 bikes arriving next week. This will be interesting. . . . Doug Franz, President BikeWorks_3_wText coatesvillebikeworks.org <http://coatesvillebikeworks.org/> like us on facebook! http://www.facebook.com/CoatesvilleBikeWorks doug(a)coatesvillebikeworks.org 610-383-4349 I respect your right to manage the amount of email you receive. If you want to be removed from this email list, please reply to ONLY ME, with "unsubscribe" in the subject line.

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