- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Bike Talk Radio - What to do with the nice stuff?
by Brad Gavigan 01 Jun '09

01 Jun '09

Hello, The crew here at Bike Talk radio have been following your discussion about what to do with the nice stuff that is donated to the collectives. We would like to recap and share this discussion on our show this weekend. Would anyone be interested in calling in this Saturday morning and sharing your thoughts? We would like to present a wide range of viewpoints - so basically the more people we hear from the better. We can arrange to call you if that works. Please send me an email if you are interested and please include your name (and how to pronounce it if needed) and a phone number where we can reach you Saturday morning between 10 and noon Pacific Time. Be prepared to tell us about your collective as well. We want to help spread the word. Best regards, Brad Gavigan gavigan(a)mac.com 310-795-4300 Hear Bike Talk! live on www.killradio.org, 10am-noon Saturdays (Los Angeles PDT). Call in at (213) 252-0998. Hear the podcast at kpfk.org: http://www.kpfk.org/programs/170-bike-talk.html See what's new with us at www.biketalk.us

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Re: [TheThinkTank] 2009 bicycle plan update
by info＠re-cycles.ca 01 Jun '09

01 Jun '09

We would appreciate it if biketalk could maintain their own mailing list and stop posting to TheThinkTank list as none of their posts have had ANY relevance to our organization. (The vast majority of the other posts are relevant to us.) Chris Wells (Email Handler & one of many Volunteer Head Mechanics) re-Cycles Bicycle Co-op 477 Bronson Ave. Ottawa info(a)re-cycles.ca http://www.re-cycles.ca/ --- On Sat, 5/30/09, bike talk <livebiketalk(a)gmail.com> wrote: > From: bike talk <livebiketalk(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [TheThinkTank] 2009 bicycle plan update > To: > Received: Saturday, May 30, 2009, 1:58 PM > See attachment. > > -- > please let us know if you want to be taken off this list. > Hear Bike Talk! live on www.killradio.org, > 10am-noon Saturdays. Call in at (213) 252-0998. Hear the > podcast at kpfk.org: http://www.kpfk.org/programs/170-bike-talk.html > See what's new with us at www.biketalk.us > > > > -----Inline Attachment Follows----- > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)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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2009 bicycle plan update
by bike talk 30 May '09

30 May '09

See attachment. -- please let us know if you want to be taken off this list. Hear Bike Talk! live on www.killradio.org, 10am-noon Saturdays. Call in at (213) 252-0998. Hear the podcast at kpfk.org: http://www.kpfk.org/programs/170-bike-talk.html See what's new with us at www.biketalk.us

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Any suggestions for keeping track of volunteers?
by Alex Rosenblatt 28 May '09

28 May '09

Hello all, We are currently restructuring our organization and looking to up our efficiency. We have trouble keeping our paper based volunteer system up to date. We acquired a computer, and would like to set up an in-shop database system. Ideally, this would have a sign-in/sign-out function that records time spend in shop, which could be cross referenced with the volunteers contact information. This would eliminate paper use and cut out the extra step of manually entering information. I have checked out the Bicycle Kitchen's Freehub software, but I would prefer to have something that is locally based and easily customizable. How do your shops manage volunteer tracking? Any suggestions? Thanks a ton, Alex Rosenblatt Recycle Ithaca's Bicycles

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bikes (and suits) on planes
by Bob Giordano 27 May '09

27 May '09

could try using your bike frame as a hanger for a jacket, put into a hanging bag, hung at the front of the plane in the closet. creative use of 'bike parts' if one is asked. wheels in carry on. could it work? Boson Au wrote: > Hi everyone, sorry for this potential spam but I don't really have any > other > resources to ask... > > I'm going to be in columbia, Missouri from next saturday on for the week > and > was wondering what options do I have of renting a bike there? will it > make > more sense for me to just suck up the large baggage fee and bring my own?

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Bike options in Columbia, Missouri...
by Boson Au 26 May '09

26 May '09

Hi everyone, sorry for this potential spam but I don't really have any other resources to ask... I'm going to be in columbia, Missouri from next saturday on for the week and was wondering what options do I have of renting a bike there? will it make more sense for me to just suck up the large baggage fee and bring my own?

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Re: [TheThinkTank] What to do with the nice stuff?
by Joshua Goran 24 May '09

24 May '09

I know that the co-op I am most familiar with, Ohio City Bike Co-op in Cleveland, OH has a showcase(s) or bin that the good parts go in, and it is used along with work-trading so that you can ONLY buy the good parts with labor, so that people can't just come in, flash money, and take all the goods that could be used as incentive for volunteers. That system makes the most sense to me. Josh On May 12, 2009, at 4:08 PM, thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org wrote: > What to do with the nice stuff?

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FW: VICTORY! Council supports Bikeways funding
by bike talk 22 May '09

22 May '09

sorry to those of you who aren't local to Los Angeles, but here's what's going on in L.A. We're going to have a few interviews with Boulder bike people from superfan Brad Gavigan and rolling reporter Alesa Byers, including Alex from B-cycle, a bicycle share program, http://bcycle.com/ and a reportback on the bikeways funding, tomorrow 10-noon on killradio.org. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 20 May 2009 17:37:27 -0400 From: aurisha(a)la-bike.org <nickrichert(a)hotmail.com> Subject: VICTORY! Council supports Bikeways funding [image: Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition]<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102586892667&s=9406&e=001RWKJjFF1j2vGA4zfEmJ-6gKy…> VICTORY! Your voices were heard! Council proposes motions to preserve Bikeways Thank you to all who wrote letters, made phone calls, attended and spoke out to save Bikeways at the Special Council Meeting on Monday, May 18th. It was due to your quick action and attention to this matter that City Council members Ed Reyes and Wendy Greuel both issued motions that are intended to assure the fate of Bikeway's funding. More discussion will be held during upcoming Transportation Committee meetings and Budget and Finance Committee, so there are no guarantees yet, but it should mean all of the Bikeways positions and projects are safe for the next budget year. We will continue to keep you updated. For more information on the meeting and outcome please go to: la.streetsblog.org <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102586892667&s=9406&e=001RWKJjFF1j2sbaulEU7NlLQav…> laist.com<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102586892667&s=9406&e=001RWKJjFF1j2s-5atId9ve0nBC…> Thank you for taking action to preserve Bike Programs in LA! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BECOME AN LACBC MEMBER AND SUPPORT LOCAL ADVOCACY!!! We rely on your memberships to continue to work on issues that are important to you, such as this one. Consider it a contribution to your future. BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102586892667&s=9406&e=001RWKJjFF1j2vsZj1xdY0Vz1MI…> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Forward email<http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?m=1101346331824&ea=nickrichert@ho…> [image: Safe Unsubscribe]<http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?v=001_D6q8SmIH1rsbFWGoTNs9MJiDTciL…> This email was sent to nickrichert(a)hotmail.com by aurisha(a)la-bike.org. Update Profile/Email Address<http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?v=001_D6q8SmIH1rsbFWGoTNs9MJiDTciL…>| Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe<http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?v=001_D6q8SmIH1rsbFWGoTNs9MJiDTciL…>™ | Privacy Policy <http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp>. Email Marketing <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=news01> by <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=news01> Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition | 634 S. Spring Street | Suite 821 | Los Angeles | CA | 90014 ------------------------------ check out the rest of the Windows Live™. More than mail–Windows Live™ goes way beyond your inbox. More than messages<http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowslive/> -- please let us know if you want to be taken off this list. Hear Bike Talk! live on www.killradio.org, 10am-noon Saturdays. Call in at (213) 252-0998. Hear the podcast at kpfk.org: http://www.kpfk.org/programs/170-bike-talk.html See what's new with us at www.biketalk.us

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501(c)(3) application?
by Boson Au 19 May '09

19 May '09

Hi everyone, we here at Baltimore's Velocipede Bike Project are in the middle of applying for 501(c)(3). We're actually a little apprehensive about Part IV of the Application and was wondering if other collectives out there who do have this status can help out. Specifically, we're not 100% sure how to go about writing a "Narrative Description of Activities"... here's what the application says: ---- Part IV. Narrative Description of Your Activities Describe completely and in detail your past, present, and planned activities. Do not refer to or repeat the purposes in your organizing document. You may refer to other parts of the application rather than repeat information provided elsewhere. For each past, present, or planned activity, include information that answersthe following questions. * What is the activity? * Who conducts the activity? * When is the activity conducted? * Where is the activity conducted (for example: Los Angeles and San Francisco, California)? * How does the activity further your exempt purposes? * What percentage of your total time is allocated to the activity? * How is the activity funded? (This should agree with the financial data in Part IX.) * List any alternate names under which you operate, including any “aka” (also known as) or “dba” (doing business as) names. If you have a website, you may attach a paper copy to support your narrative description of activities. ---- We at Velocipede was wondering if there are other collectives that have already done this part and could show us your answers just as an example. We're not 100% sure how detailed we should go, etc... any help is appreciated. thanks in advance. if you don't want to spam the list please feel free to email me directly at boson.au(a)gmail.com -Boson Au Velocipede Bike Project Baltimore, MD

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Still Looking for a PHP/MySQL programmer to help with the Bike Collective Database Project
by Rich Points 18 May '09

18 May '09

Hey All, As some of you know I've started building a web based database project that I call the Bike Collective Database Project (BCDP). When complete this system will help facilitate * Stronger program support * Stronger volunteer coordination * Stronger member/donor communications * Stronger fundraising * Stronger administration * Stronger inventory management * Stronger development * Stronger service * Stronger reporting/board communications * Transportable to other collective sites At this point I've built the system out as far as my skills allow. To finish the project I need a PHP/MySQL programmer. I've done several craigs posts here locally and no one has stepped up. If you or someone you know is good with PHP/MySQL and has some free time please get in touch with me. Thanks -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019 (W) 720-565-0155 (H) Donate your old car to Community Cycles http://communitycycles.org/get-involved/donatecar.html

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Re: [TheThinkTank] bike bike 09?
by Brentmore1234＠aol.com 18 May '09

18 May '09

boo whoo - Minneapolis already has a ton of cyclists and bike shops galore. If Bike!Bike! were really ambitious it would hold it's conference in a city that really needed some work as far as training and resources were concerned. Given that I'm from Louisville, Ky we could really use something big like that here. Just my two cents. I'm on this list and I never comment, so now I'm going to. **************Recession-proof vacation ideas. Find free things to do in the U.S. (http://travel.aol.com/travel-ideas/domestic/national-tourism-week?ncid=emlc…)

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FW: URGENT ACTION: LADOT TO CUT BIKEWAYS!
by bike talk 17 May '09

17 May '09

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: nick richert <nickrichert(a)hotmail.com> Date: 2009/5/16 Subject: FW: URGENT ACTION: LADOT TO CUT BIKEWAYS! To: livebiketalk(a)gmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 16 May 2009 21:12:22 -0400 From: aurisha(a)la-bike.org <nickrichert(a)hotmail.com> Subject: URGENT ACTION: LADOT TO CUT BIKEWAYS! [image: Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition]<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102583179406&s=9406&e=001K8e-SQWyG_WGmQg0GF1c2U4o…> URGENT ALERT!!! LADOT THREATENS TO CUT THE ENTIRE BIKEWAYS DEPARTMENT!! BIKE PROJECTS WOULD BE CUT!! Los Angeles is facing a perilous budget crisis. All city departments are being asked to submit plans on how they will cut spending, and LADOT have proposed to eliminate the entire Bikeways staff. Not just lay off some people, but cut it altogether. TAKE ACTION!! 2 things you can do to save LA bike projects: 1) ATTEND MONDAYS COUNCIL MEETING NEED CYCLISTS TO ATTEND AND GIVE PUBLIC COMMENT TO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY May 18, 10 am! Get there by 9:30am to sign up for public comment. WHEN: Monday, May 18, 10:00AM WHERE: City Hall Council Chambers. 200 N. Spring Street 90012, Room 340 2) WRITE EMAILS AND CALL- 1st THING MONDAY MORNING BEFORE THE MEETING to LADOT, the Budget and Finance Committee Members and to the Mayor. see below for contact information Background: A May 4th Inter-departmental Correspondence titled Shared Responsibility and Sacrifice signed by LADOT General Manager Rita Robinson and addressed to the Budget and Finance Committee, contains the following text under the heading, Transit Capital Programming: "Discontinue bikeways function, including bicycle path maintenance, bicycle programs, and school bicycle and transit education. Discontinue work on Safe Routes to School." Numerous bicycle projects are underway which will be curtailed or compromised by this short-sighted move, including: · The update of the city's Bicycle Plan, already behind schedule. · Numerous bike lane projects. · The Expo Bikeway, in which the city must complete its environmental review by the end of the year (to keep pace with the light rail project) or the bikeway may be delayed for years. · The Sharrows study, which should lead to an implementation plan for this much-needed bikeway enhancement. Some talking points: · With more people riding bikes than ever before, with a vibrant cycling culture developing and with congestion and climate change consequences screaming at us, this is exactly the wrong time to cut the entire bikeways staff. · This city faces rising health problems, obesity and high pollution problems. Encouraging cycling is an easy and cost-effective way to start reducing these problems. · Cycling is not being prioritized in Los Angeles, if there is no staff at all to work on more infrastructure to create safer streets for ALL users, more injury and deaths will occur. TAKE ACTION! ATTEND THE MEETING and/or WRITE EMAILS AND CALL IN ON MONDAY!!! NEED YOUR VOICES IN NUMBERS!! Contact info: Mayor Villaraigosa (213) 978-0600 mayor(a)lacity.org Rita Robinson Fax: 213 972-8410 rita.robinson(a)lacity.org Budget and Finance Committee Members: Councilmember Bernard C. Parks, Chair (213)-473-7008 councilmember.parks(a)lacity.org Councilmember Wendy Greuel (213)-473-7002 councilmember.greuel(a)lacity.org Councilmember Bill Rosendahl (213)-473-7011 councilman.rosendahl(a)lacity.org Councilmember Jose Huizar (213)-473-7014 councilmember.huizar(a)lacity.org Councilmember Greig Smith (213)-473-7012 councilmember.smith(a)lacity.org Forward email<http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?m=1101346331824&ea=nickrichert@ho…> [image: Safe Unsubscribe]<http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?v=001_D6q8SmIH1rsbFWGoTNs9MJiDTciL…> This email was sent to nickrichert(a)hotmail.com by aurisha(a)la-bike.org. Update Profile/Email Address<http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?v=001_D6q8SmIH1rsbFWGoTNs9MJiDTciL…>| Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe<http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?v=001_D6q8SmIH1rsbFWGoTNs9MJiDTciL…>™ | Privacy Policy <http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp>. Email Marketing <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=news01> by <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=news01> Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition | 634 S. Spring Street | Suite 821 | Los Angeles | CA | 90014 ------------------------------ Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync. Check it out!<http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t1_allup_explore_012009> -- please let me know if you want to be taken off this list. Hear Bike Talk! live on www.killradio.org, 10am-noon Saturdays. Hear the podcast at kpfk.org: http://www.kpfk.org/programs/170-bike-talk.html See what's new with us at www.biketalk.us

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pedal tech- trailers and such
by Bob Giordano 16 May '09

16 May '09

We've updated our 'pedal tech' page, with pictures of: no weld bike trailers, instructions for making a trailer our of crutches, 4-wheel bike pulling haywagon, bike ferry (2 canoes with platform carrying 8 bikes across river), parking rack made from bike frames, etc. http://freecycles.org/pedaltechnology.html and it's almost out of date already- in the last week, there have been some 4-wheel dual seater bikes made from frames and no welding. recumbents too (but with welding). lots of fun with bike frames and parts and ideas! -- Bob Giordano Free Cycles Missoula 541.7284 Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation www.strans.org, mist(a)strans.org, 406.880.6834

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bike bike 09?
by Boson Au 15 May '09

15 May '09

pardon me but is there a website up for bike bike 09 in Minneapolis?

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Why tribes, not money or factories, will change the world - Ted Talks, Seth Godin (2009)
by Doug Franz 15 May '09

15 May '09

This presentation makes me think a lot about what we are all doing, changing the world. It’s a very interesting and insightful presentation. Please watch it. Doug Franz President Coatesville Community Bike Works Feed: TEDTalks (video) Posted on: Sunday, May 10, 2009 10:34 PM Author: Seth Godin Subject: TEDTalks : Why tribes, not money or factories, will change the world - Seth Godin (2009) Seth Godin argues the Internet has ended mass marketing and revived a human social unit from the distant past: tribes. Founded on shared ideas and values, tribes give ordinary people the power to lead and make big change. He urges us to do so. <http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/TEDTalks_video/~4/KSp4GlqIQHc> View <http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TEDTalks_video/~3/KSp4GlqIQHc/538> article... Enclosures: <http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TEDTalks_video/~5/-MeVD1nobbg/SethGodin_2009…> SethGodin_2009.mp4 (57 MB) <http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TEDTalks_video/~5/-MeVD1nobbg/SethGodin_2009…> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TEDTalks_video/~5/-MeVD1nobbg/SethGodin_2009…

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Learning Spanish in the shop
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 15 May '09

15 May '09

Does anyone have any good resources for learning Spanish? Specifically ones that might be good for learning mechanical terms and language, for use in our shop? I'm ashamed to admit I've made it this far with barely passing abilities in Spanish speaking. I'd personally love to make my interactions in the shop more open and welcoming to folks who aren't as proficient in English, and we're working as a shop to move in that direction. Do any of you know of any good bike mechanic books written in Spanish? I'm thinking that may help as well. Any resources or things you've found helpful in teaching the staff bikespeak in another language? Thanks!

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mobile shop- bed frame on wheels
by Bob Giordano 15 May '09

15 May '09

an easy trailer to make (weld or no weld) is to put the front end of a bike onto a bed frame, and attach 2 rear wheels (with forks or rear triangles). we use that and also a long john bike to go to mobile workshops. by the way, it's been a great money generator- we charge a sliding fee: $45 an hour for non-profits, up to $75 an hour to businesses. free for groups with no budget at all. we carry basic stuff, and stay away from major overhauls- instead giving out our brochure or suggesting local retail shops if they do not want to learn themselves. -bob giordano, free cycles missoula >> Are there other shops out there with mobile shop rigs that might have some good tips for me, or maybe a list of the tools and parts that you carry and how you store them? >> That would be great! >> Thanks, >> Scott >> Free Ride!

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mobile shop
by Scott Gibson 15 May '09

15 May '09

Here in Pittsburgh we are working on a new internship program partnering with a youth employment non-profit called Urban Youth Action. It is called the Mobile Bike Repair Project. It will be a 6 week paid summer job for 4 youth. We will train them and then have them haul out a mobile shop to public events like farmers markets, fairs and festivals to fix up bikes and give out helmets. I started a new thread for this because we are in process of getting together our mobile shop and I need some help. We just ordered a Bikes At Work trailer and I am thinking about what will be on it and how we will store it. Are there other shops out there with mobile shop rigs that might have some good tips for me, or maybe a list of the tools and parts that you carry and how you store them? That would be great! Thanks, Scott Free Ride!

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Collaborations between your organization and others?
by Will Wolfe 14 May '09

14 May '09

I'm here in Austin Texas where the future is looking strong for Austin's Bike Collective Community. With the help of The Austin Yellow Bike Project and a non-profit student housing cooperative, College Houses Inc. we are building a community shop from the ground up, raised from the earth for the sole purpose of providing a space for the people to learn the mysteries of the bicycle. We are still raising money to get a few more tools on the shelf. Check out the recent press and please spread the message to all interested parties. front page! http://www.dailytexanonline.com/21st-street-co-op-expands-bike-shop-1.17444… more about us and a PayPal account courtesy of the wonderful folks at Yellow Bike. http://www.austinyellowbike.org/shop_21st_street.htm Come and see us sometime here in Austin, -Will Wolfe --- On Tue, 5/12/09, rachael spiewak <rachael(a)sopobikes.org> wrote: From: rachael spiewak <rachael(a)sopobikes.org> Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Collaborations between your organization and others? To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 2:55 PM Here are a few: International Rescue Committee -- they send us teenage interns from their job readiness program. This is one of our favorite partnerships. One of our first IRC interns made our documentary, which helped us score grant $$ and helps make new shop participants feel like they already know us (oh, you're the girl from the video I watched!), and he's working on creating a community bike shop in Clarkston (where IRC and a bunch of other refugee and immigrant resettlement services agencies are located, so you can imagine how powerful a community bike shop would be in that town). Metro Atlanta Taskforce for the Homeless -- we got a bike shop going in their facility through their onsite Americorps program and with the help of another one of our teen interns. There's kind of a long story about a Whole Foods 5% Day/store boycott that has to do with this project buried in our blog. Atlanta Bike Coalition -- here's one for partnering with your local bike advocacy organization. We work together all the time on whatever it is that we're up to. A good example would be a blinky light giveaway put on by ABC that took place at Sopo. We also use each other's communication channels to get the word out about events and issues that should cut across memberships. Morehouse College's Office of Community Service -- we started recruiting our summer Youth Mentors through this office. Wonderroot Community Arts Center -- we have our meetings at this facility, they put on benefits for us in their show space, we're borrowing their veggie oil bus to get to Bike!Bike! this year, we help each other with nonprofit management issues, and more. Other area co-ops -- most of them are good about including us at networking luncheons at the food co-op, radio shows about co-ops on our community radiostation, collecting donations for us (REI mostly), etc. Hope that helps!! Rachael//Sopo On Mon, May 11, 2009 at 9:07 PM, <veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com> wrote: Howdy all, Hope the spring to summer transition is greeting all of you with good weather and lots of competent willing volunteers to handle the influx of traffic.... I'd love to hear about collaborations you've found with outside organizations, either bike related or not. What potential sources for programming and resources have you come across? I'm interested in hearing both successes and failures. Thanks! josh Community Cycles Boulder, CO _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)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.… -- Sopo Bicycle Cooperative 404-425-9989 www.sopobikes.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Hours of operation: Tues, Wed, & Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm Sat & Sun 2 pm - 6 pm -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)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] mobile shop
by recyclebicycle＠verizon.net 14 May '09

14 May '09

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Yes! magazine article on community bike shops
by Dave Bourgeois 13 May '09

13 May '09

Here's some good press for all of us: http://yesmagazine.org/article.asp?id=3441 Bike Kitchens: Building Community, Bikes by Rob Forbes

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Re: [TheThinkTank] NYTimes.com: In German Suburb, Life Goes On Without Cars
by tom emm 13 May '09

13 May '09

On Wed, May 13, 2009 at 1:31 PM, Tom Emm <tom48236(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > > --- On Wed, 5/13/09, tom48236(a)yahoo.com <tom48236(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > From: tom48236(a)yahoo.com <tom48236(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: NYTimes.com: In German Suburb, Life Goes On Without Cars > To: tom48236(a)yahoo.com > Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 1:25 PM > > This page was sent to you by: tom48236(a)yahoo.com > Message from sender: > hey there , take a look at this. > > SCIENCE / ENVIRONMENT | May 12, 2009 > In German Suburb, Life Goes On Without Cars > By ELISABETH ROSENTHAL > A young development in Vauban illustrates a trend of planning communities to > thrive without automobiles. > > > 1. Vitamins Found to Curb Exercise Benefits > 2. Op-Ed Columnist: Rogue Diva of Doom > 3. Op-Ed Columnist: They Had It Made > 4. In German Suburb, Life Goes On Without Cars > 5. Spirits of The Times: Absinthes to Go Mad Over > > » Go to Complete List > > Advertisement > 500 Days of Summer, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel. This > is not a love story. This is a story about love. > Watch the new trailer! > Click here to view trailer > > Copyright 2009 The New York Times Company | Privacy Policy >

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Job Opening for Shop Manager at Community Cycles Boulder Colorado
by Rich Points 13 May '09

13 May '09

Community Bike Shop Manager Community Cycles http://CommunityCycles.org in Boulder, Colorado is looking to hire a full time shop manager. The ideal candidate has several years of bicycle shop, mechanical, retail, managerial and non profit experience. Experience working with youth a plus, and a familiarity with older bicycles and parts is required. General responsibilities include but are not limited to: * Run and oversee our community bike shop and its programs * Manage youth and adult volunteers * Inventory and Ordering * Oversee sales and their promotion, including daily/petty cash management * Report to the board * Checking in repairs/estimates * Quality Control * Bilingual Spanish/English a plus $24,000 Annual Salary We will be accepting resumes until May 27th. Send resumes, references and inquiries to resume(a)communitycycles.org <mailto:resume@communitycycles.org> Please paste your resume into the email body as well as an attachment. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019 (W) 720-565-0155 (H) Donate your old car to Community Cycles http://communitycycles.org/get-involved/donatecar.html

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how to deal with enthusiastic but 'wrong' volunteer mechanics?
by Bob Giordano 13 May '09

13 May '09

We also have created a team like atmosphere, and everyone helps everyone out. Yes, it can be tough to correct someone in front of another, so language and tone are important. Nothing wrong with saying something like, 'oh, here's a tip i've learned, it could be done this way...' training, info sharing, books, classes all help. Sometimes when I see that somone is vesting a lot of time in helping others, i'll ask them later if there is anything about bike mechanics that they are curious about or want to learn. That opens doors to more learning by all. >> ________________________________ >> Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 22:10:53 -0600 >> From: veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com >> To: thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> Subject: [TheThinkTank] how to deal with enthusiastic but wrong >> volunteer >> mechanics? >> >> Sorry for dominating the emails, folks. Community Cycles is in all kinds >> of >> transition, and we're looking for help. >> >> I don't know all the details right now, so I'll keep this general. >> >> We've been lucky enough to have a volunteer show up who's very motivated >> and >> enthusiastic about our mission and our programs. This person has gotten >> really involved in existing programs and even helped work on and start a >> new >> one. >> Recently, this person was asked by another shop visitor a mechanical >> question, since it was clear that the volunteer was more staff like, and >> less client. The answer given was very incorrect (one of the details I'm >> missing is what the quesiton/answer were), but this was witnessed by >> another >> very competent experienced mechanic, who was uncomfortable correcting >> the >> misstatement in front of the group. >> In another situation, the same volunteer was seen making very basic >> mistakes when working alone on a bike. From what I understand, the big >> one >> was being asked to install cables on a bike, and neglecting to include >> housing. >> >> We would like to continue having this person as a part of our team, but >> we >> also need to make sure the advice and work they do is correct, safe, and >> appropriate. >> >> One other wrinkle, is that the two incidents were witnessed by two >> different >> staff members, both very skilled mechanics. >> >> How to approach the volunteer? Any help or experience you folks have >> would >> be greatly appreciated. >> >> Thanks! >> >> josh.

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how to deal with enthusiastic but wrong volunteer mechanics?
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 13 May '09

13 May '09

Sorry for dominating the emails, folks. Community Cycles is in all kinds of transition, and we're looking for help. I don't know all the details right now, so I'll keep this general. We've been lucky enough to have a volunteer show up who's very motivated and enthusiastic about our mission and our programs. This person has gotten really involved in existing programs and even helped work on and start a new one. Recently, this person was asked by another shop visitor a mechanical question, since it was clear that the volunteer was more staff like, and less client. The answer given was very incorrect (one of the details I'm missing is what the quesiton/answer were), but this was witnessed by another very competent experienced mechanic, who was uncomfortable correcting the misstatement in front of the group. In another situation, the same volunteer was seen making very basic mistakes when working alone on a bike. From what I understand, the big one was being asked to install cables on a bike, and neglecting to include housing. We would like to continue having this person as a part of our team, but we also need to make sure the advice and work they do is correct, safe, and appropriate. One other wrinkle, is that the two incidents were witnessed by two different staff members, both very skilled mechanics. How to approach the volunteer? Any help or experience you folks have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! josh.

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What to do with the nice stuff?
by Jonathan Morrison 12 May '09

12 May '09

Everyone wants the nice bikes / parts, only those that don't know any better aren't savy yet (and that never lasts long if they hang around a shop). So what does your shop do with the nice stuff in regards to work-trade? We are trying to develop a policy in SLC. I have heard some shops don't allow trade over a certain dollar value... I have heard some shops set work-trade at an unskilled labor rate of $5... Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Executive Director Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective 2312 S. West Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84115 w: 801-328-2453 c: 801-688-0183 f: 801-466-3856 www.slcbikecollective.org Get Addicted to Crank! http://www.slcbikecollective.org/crank/ The mission of the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective is to promote cycling as an effective and sustainable form of transportation and as a cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier, and safer society. The Bicycle Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on children and lower income households.

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Collaborations between your organization and others?
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 12 May '09

12 May '09

Howdy all, Hope the spring to summer transition is greeting all of you with good weather and lots of competent willing volunteers to handle the influx of traffic... I'd love to hear about collaborations you've found with outside organizations, either bike related or not. What potential sources for programming and resources have you come across? I'm interested in hearing both successes and failures. Thanks! josh Community Cycles Boulder, CO

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Collaborations between your organization and others?
by james blesdoe 12 May '09

12 May '09

??summer influx ?? in sunny so cal we never get a rest we are booked, and have been for a year, one week out it's a mad house --- On Mon, 5/11/09, veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com <veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com <veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Collaborations between your organization and others? To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 6:07 PM Howdy all, Hope the spring to summer transition is greeting all of you with good weather and lots of competent willing volunteers to handle the influx of traffic... I'd love to hear about collaborations you've found with outside organizations, either bike related or not. What potential sources for programming and resources have you come across? I'm interested in hearing both successes and failures. Thanks! josh Community Cycles Boulder, CO -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)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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Why tribes, not money or factories, will change the world - TED talks, Seth Godin (2009)
by Doug Franz 11 May '09

11 May '09

This presentation makes me think a lot about what we are all doing, changing the world. It’s a very interesting and insightful presentation. Please watch it. Doug Franz President Coatesville Community Bike Works Feed: TEDTalks (video) Posted on: Sunday, May 10, 2009 10:34 PM Author: Seth Godin Subject: TEDTalks : Why tribes, not money or factories, will change the world - Seth Godin (2009) Seth Godin argues the Internet has ended mass marketing and revived a human social unit from the distant past: tribes. Founded on shared ideas and values, tribes give ordinary people the power to lead and make big change. He urges us to do so. <http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/TEDTalks_video/~4/KSp4GlqIQHc> View <http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TEDTalks_video/~3/KSp4GlqIQHc/538> article... Enclosures: <http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TEDTalks_video/~5/-MeVD1nobbg/SethGodin_2009…> SethGodin_2009.mp4 (57 MB) <http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TEDTalks_video/~5/-MeVD1nobbg/SethGodin_2009…> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TEDTalks_video/~5/-MeVD1nobbg/SethGodin_2009…

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Seth Godin on the tribes we lead | Video on TED.com
by hitrim＠yahoo.com 11 May '09

11 May '09

*Please note, the sender's email address has not been verified. This presentation makes me think a lot about what we are all doing, changing the world. Itâs a very interesting and insightful presentation. Please watch it. Doug Franz President Coatesville Community Bike Works ******************** If you are having trouble with any of the links in this message, or if the URL's are not appearing as links, please follow the instructions at the bottom of this email. Title: Seth Godin on the tribes we lead | Video on TED.com Copy and paste the following into your Web browser to access the sent link: http://www.emailthis.clickability.com/et/emailThis?clickMap=viewThis&etMail… $summary Copy and paste the following into your Web browser to SAVE THIS link: http://www.savethis.clickability.com/st/saveThisPopupApp?clickMap=saveFromE… Copy and paste the following into your Web browser to forward this link: http://www.emailthis.clickability.com/et/emailThis?clickMap=forward&etMailT… ******************** Email pages from any Web site you visit - add the EMAIL THIS button to your browser, copy and paste the following into your Web browser: http://www.emailthis.clickability.com/et/emailThis?clickMap=browserButtons&…" ********************* Instructions: ----------------------------------------- If your e-mail program doesn't recognize Web addresses: 1. With your mouse, highlight the Web Address above. Be sure to highlight the entire Web address, even if it spans more than one line in your email. 2. Select Copy from the Edit menu at the top of your screen. 3. Launch your Web browser. 4. Paste the address into your Web browser by selecting Paste from the Edit menu. 5. Click Go or press Enter or Return on your keyboard. ********************

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Re: [TheThinkTank] diluting the market
by james blesdoe 11 May '09

11 May '09

your friend is wrong if a person gets one of the junkers from you and starts riding they will need new stuff or a new bike later and go to a bike shop, spending money, If you replace a car driver with a bike rider the new rider will spend money in bike shops. no instead of diluting the market, even if you give the bikes away you are adding to the cycling world and creating more chances for the bike shops to do business. --- On Sun, 5/10/09, Liza Mattana <pedals2people(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: Liza Mattana <pedals2people(a)gmail.com> Subject: [TheThinkTank] diluting the market To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> Date: Sunday, May 10, 2009, 8:13 AM Hey, I have a question about reselling bikes and what to charge people. We're located in Spokane, WA and the bike "boom" is just starting to hit us. Those great deals on craiglsist and at Goodwill don't exist any more. We accept some quality bike donations from people, mostly older mtn bikes, and we sell some as-is and some refurbished. We sell these bike for around $75-100. A friend of ours who works at a bike shop in town said that with our low prices, we were diluting the market. Do you all think this is right? In our defense, we feel these bikes are donated and we want to pass on a good deal. We don't want to squeeze people for every penny. thanks, Liza -- Liza Mattana president www.pedals2people.org Spokane, WA -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)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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diluting the market
by Liza Mattana 10 May '09

10 May '09

Hey, I have a question about reselling bikes and what to charge people. We're located in Spokane, WA and the bike "boom" is just starting to hit us. Those great deals on craiglsist and at Goodwill don't exist any more. We accept some quality bike donations from people, mostly older mtn bikes, and we sell some as-is and some refurbished. We sell these bike for around $75-100. A friend of ours who works at a bike shop in town said that with our low prices, we were diluting the market. Do you all think this is right? In our defense, we feel these bikes are donated and we want to pass on a good deal. We don't want to squeeze people for every penny. thanks, Liza -- Liza Mattana president www.pedals2people.org Spokane, WA

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Work Bench Types
by Rich Points 06 May '09

06 May '09

Community Cycles is expanding into a larger space, not to be confused with "enough" space, our main shop area will now be about 1,000sqft. As we reconfigure the shop we're trying to determine what kind of work benches to go with. Right now we have one main 8 ft bench with a pegboard where the common every day tools are kept, screw drivers, allen keys, box wrenches... This bench also has a vice and stores crates of parts below. We keep other specialty tools like crown race pullers and the like out of the mix and require them to be checked out. We've seen quite a few shops who have smaller benches with a set of dedicated tools at each, Salt Lake, Fort Collins, Bike Kitchen San Fran... We've also seen places like Free Ride in Pittsburgh that have one super long bench with dedicated sections. I can see the benefits of both set ups. At the same time I realize the configuration of a building often dictates how you set up the shop. We've got a 24ft wall where we can put the bench(s) in the new shop. I envision each work station requiring 6 X 10ft which would allow four stations in the space. The individual benches would be 2.5ft wide and 3-4ft long. A long bench would have pegboard the whole way and each work station could be marked by colors or something. Small individual benches can be moved for special events or large bike donations whereas the long bench is somewhat permanent. I see the long bench as a way to maximize the storage space. What do you guys think? Is there a perfect work bench for a bike coop with a little bit of space? Ride On! -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019 (W) 720-565-0155 (H) Donate your old car to Community Cycles http://communitycycles.org/get-involved/donatecar.html

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Tax implications of paying people
by Urban Bike Project Wilmington, DE 06 May '09

06 May '09

Hello! Thanks to everyone who replied to the fork storage question, it was really helpful to see photographs. Now for another issue. We may get funding/reimbursement for rehabbing bikes, then distributing them in a free bike program. There is currently not enough time or space in the shop to do this during regular shop hours. What we thought to do was pay mechanics an hourly or per bike stipend to come in when we're closed and work on the free bikes. What sort of things do we have to keep track of/worry about in regards to the money. There could be any number of people working on the bikes and I would hate to, tax-wise, consider each of them an employee, especially when the per year total would probably be a few hundred dollars at most. Is it enough to keep track of who we paid and where the money went and put the onus on our mechanics to report it on their personal tax return? Thanks! Brian Urban Bike Project of Wilmington -a 501(c)3 non-profit bike shop- 1908 N. Market Street (entrance is in the parking lot behind the building) Wilmington, DE 19802 Hours: Thursday 6:30-9:00 Saturday 1:00-4:00 Visit us online at http://urbanbikeproject.org

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Today's Bike Talk!
by bike talk 02 May '09

02 May '09

With Todd "wildman" Lyons, Bobby Carter, "flatland" rider, and Michelle Mowery, Senior Project Coordinator in the Project Grants, Bikeways and Enhancement Division of the *Los Angeles* Department of Transportation. PLUS news on the LA City Council Meeting yesterday on bikes, specifically the hummer incident and bike funding in LA. Chickenleather intends to provide audio from the meeting. Stephen Box' blog is here: http://soapboxla.blogspot.com/ Also: upcoming rides and events, like the AIDS/Lifecycle benefit at Bike oven next Saturday. -- please let me know if you want to be taken off this list. Hear Bike Talk! live on www.killradio.org, 10am-noon Saturdays. Hear the podcast at kpfk.org: http://www.kpfk.org/programs/170-bike-talk.html See what's new with us at www.biketalk.us

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the time: 10am
by bike talk 01 May '09

01 May '09

forgot the time of the meeting: 10am. also, http://tinyurl.com/dm2jtz for description -- please let me know if you want to be taken off this list. Hear Bike Talk! live on www.killradio.org, 10am-noon Saturdays. Hear the podcast at kpfk.org: http://www.kpfk.org/programs/170-bike-talk.html See what's new with us at www.biketalk.us

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Cycling tent
by Amber Barnes 01 May '09

01 May '09

Saw this while perusing for a solo tent and thought some of ya'll might find it interesting too. It's a bike touring tent that actually uses your frame and wheels in lieu of tent poles. http://www.rei.com/product/732405

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Support Cyclists at Van Nuys Meeting today
by bike talk 01 May '09

01 May '09

Today, Cyclists needed at the City Council meeting to protest the way the LAPD treats cyclists on the streets and the LAPDs failure to support cyclists safety on our streets. 6262 VAN NUYS BOULEVARD (3 blocks north of the Orange Line) LA, CA 91401 Contact info for this ride: Stephen Box - 323.962.6540 Bike Talk Tomorrow: "wildman" Todd Lyons, Flatlander Bobby Carter, Michelle Mowery, Senior Project Coordinator in the Project Grants, Bikeways and Enhancement Division of the *Los Angeles* Department of Transportation, and you. -- please let me know if you want to be taken off this list. Hear Bike Talk! live on www.killradio.org, 10am-noon Saturdays. Hear the podcast at kpfk.org: http://www.kpfk.org/programs/170-bike-talk.html See what's new with us at www.biketalk.us

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Insurance
by 1304bikes 01 May '09

01 May '09

Hi all, we here at 1304bikes in Raleigh are getting ready to possibly move out from the building of our fiscal sponsor. We have applied for our own 501(c)(3) status, and are going to start shopping around for insurance. The thing is, we have no idea what to look for in coverage, and what is an acceptable price range. If anyone would be willing to share how much they pay a year and what it covers, we would greatly appreciate it. We are incorporated as a non-profit, and all our bikes are either given away to children, earned through our Adult EAB program, or given out through other established non-profits. We do not sell anything, and don't have a business license, so we may not need any sort of business insurance if such a things exists. Thanks for the help! for 1304bikes, -Doug -- 1304bikes 2419 Mayview Rd. Raleigh, NC 1304bikes.org

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Insurance
by JGammell＠holmesmurphy.com 29 Apr '09

29 Apr '09

Greetings, Doug & Others - I sit on the board of the Des Moines Bicycle Collective, and by day I am an insurance broker focusing on bicycle retailers & related business. I'll share my thoughts to the group, and please feel free to comment. Anyone that hangs a shingle in business exposes themselves to liability in varying degrees, from simple slip & falls on premises, to more complex & costly products liability exposures. Even as a non-profit that doesn't necessarily accept payment for a manufacture a product , there is a payment of sorts in the form of volunteerism for product. Ultimately, an organization that puts a product in the hands of the public bears some product liability. Here in DSM, we sell/give away a number of older & vintage bikes, and the manufacturers of these bikes have long since ceased to exist. That makes your local co-op the last stop in who's responsible for that bike if someone is injured. As with any business endeavor, I would recommend purchasing insurance to cover this exposure. Insurance pricing from co-op to co-op can fluctuate based on any number of variables: square footage, type & age of building you're in, city, state, limits of coverage, etc. Directly comparing pricing can be a little misleading. Most co-ops would fall into a range of 800-1300 for Property & Liability coverage. More importantly, though, is that you're confident that the policy you choose has the coverage you need (coverage for other people's property, personal effects, property off premises, etc.) and is competitively priced for your location/city/state. The only way to do so is to get quotes from multiple carriers. You're not only protecting the co-op as a sustainable entity, but the board members and volunteers. I hope you find the information helpful. Don't hesitate to respond with questions. Regards - Jed Gammell jed gammell, cic account executive & bicycle program director - \o/ holmes murphy & associates p) 515.223.6853 f) 515.221.7155 "it is not enough to understand, or to see clearly. the future will be shaped in the arena of human activity, by those willing to commit their minds and their bodies to the task." - robert kennedy >From: "1304bikes" <1304bikes(a)gmail.com> >To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> >Date: April 29, 2009 08:01:03 AM CDT >Subject: [TheThinkTank] Insurance > >Hi all, we here at 1304bikes in Raleigh are getting ready to possibly move >out from the building of our fiscal sponsor. We have applied for our own >501(c)(3) status, and are going to start shopping around for insurance. The >thing is, we have no idea what to look for in coverage, and what is an >acceptable price range. If anyone would be willing to share how much they >pay a year and what it covers, we would greatly appreciate it. > >We are incorporated as a non-profit, and all our bikes are either given away >to children, earned through our Adult EAB program, or given out through >other established non-profits. We do not sell anything, and don't have a >business license, so we may not need any sort of business insurance if such >a things exists. > >Thanks for the help! > >for 1304bikes, >-Doug > >-- >1304bikes >2419 Mayview Rd. >Raleigh, NC >1304bikes.org >

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Storing Bicycle Forks
by Urban Bike Project Wilmington, DE 29 Apr '09

29 Apr '09

Who's got a good way of keeping forks organized and accessible? We've been hanging them on water pipes, but most people cannot reach and its hard to tell what size they are looking up from the ground. Thanks, Brian Urban Bike Project of Wilmington -a 501(c)3 non-profit bike shop- 1908 N. Market Street (entrance is in the parking lot behind the building) Wilmington, DE 19802 Hours: Thursday 6:30-9:00 Saturday 1:00-4:00 Visit us online at http://urbanbikeproject.org

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Re: [TheThinkTank] How to welcome Hispanic women if LGBTQ issues are culturally taboo?
by Mario Bruzzone 28 Apr '09

28 Apr '09

I think Krista's on the right track. One of the tenets of community organizing and activism--and I believe strongly that everyone in the community bike shop movement is engendering social change--is that you can't address every injustice in a community at one time. You pick your first battle, learn from it, and apply the lessons from the struggle to the next battle. That said, shops ought to proscribe behaviors, not attitudes. Our proscribed behaviors are shaped by our politics, obviously, but our reach and ability to foment substantive change in our community cannot be limited to the narrow group of us who both share a common ethos and worldview *and* feel empowered enough to act. This applies even at the most basic level of most of our shops as a change in the economics of transportation; and moreso for shops whose mission, stated or otherwise, reaches broader. In a practical sense, it means that you do outreach to both the gender-disempowered community and the Latino community at once--but not as if they are the same community. LGBTQQI folks in our shops are not allowed to condescend to non-English speakers or persons of color, nor to make them feel unwelcome; Latinos in our shops are not allowed to make homophobic statements nor to practice other sexist or discursively violent behaviors. Hell, LGBTQQI folks are not allowed to make homophobic statements, and Latinos are not allowed to condescend to others based on English-speaking ability, color, or national origin. (Both happen.) Part of having a safe space is making it safe for people who do not share our politics to be *exposed* to our politics, so long as they do not through action or attitude create atmospheres that reinforce the systems of privilege that our shops are, at current, actively working to oppose. Within the situation that Josh described briefly before, if you have a core group working on a specific space-safe night for the gender-disempowered, *and* the shop or this group feels that the night is under-utilized by Latino women, that group needs to work hard to make their night accessible to the Latino community without changing the underlying value that drives the space on that night: You make flyers in Spanish that speak to Latino women in your community; you have Spanish-speaking mechanics *every* week; your website has information in Spanish; you have sensitivity to differential gender dynamics in the Latino communities that you want to link up with. You repeatedly encourage and invite your repeat patrons to become involved in operating the shop. You do *not* make any certain groups of women or trans folk feel unwelcome on the night that is there to combat gendered power-knowledge. People of any and every ethnicity will come to your shop and never come back because you don't match the conception they had of you in their heads, and that is ok. Finally, it is imperative that when incidents do occur--and they will--that the people in the shop be able to explain, in non-accusatory and non-violent methods of communication, why certain actions aren't acceptable at the shop. Not just that they aren't, but *why*--even people who practice discursive violence are adults, and it does little good to lecture or harangue or condescend. I feel strongly that as long as people are willing to abide by shop rules, they are welcome in the shop. Again, it's not attitudes or politics that we proscribe, not people, but behaviors. Mario Bruzzone San Francisco

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How to welcome Hispanic women if LGBTQ issues are culturally taboo?
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 27 Apr '09

27 Apr '09

Howdy folks, Community Cycles has a team of very motivated people working to get a women and trans bike night started here in Boulder. We're ironing out the last logistical issues, and have hit upon another potentially major one. We've heard from a volunteer who's hispanic herself, and deeply connected with a lot of our lower income hispanic residents that homosexuality and transgenderedness is pretty taboo in Latino culture/Catholocism. (Of course, this is a broad statement, and not intended by me or by her to implicate every Catholic person, or all those of Hispanic descent in some sort of homophobic conspiracy.) I'm wondering how those of you with a night or time set aside for women and/or trans people have overcome the taboo of queer folk and Latino "conservatism" in this regard? Any resources you can point us towards? Advertising for the night itself will definitely include both "women" and "trans" in the language, so how to provide or present a welcoming environment if someone is uncomfortable or even against something like homosexuality? I'm confident that we can handle the in-shop issues of innapropriate comments, awkwardness, etc. I'm more interested in hearing about the initial outreach steps. Any input is highly welcome. Thanks! josh.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Calling all artists! - Helmet Design Competition deadline extended- May 4th!
by adam schwartz 27 Apr '09

27 Apr '09

The Renaissance Youth Bike Shop and The Engaged University are proud to announce this special design competition. Please see attachment for details, registration deadline has been extended to May 4th. Last chance to apply and have your work featured! > > Please help us spread the word by sharing this with anyone who may be > interested. Thanks. > > -- > Adam Schwartz > Program Coordinator, Renaissance Youth Bike Shop > The Engaged University > 6200 Sheridan Street, Riverdale, MD > adamgs(a)umd.edu > (301) 405-3213 > * > > *P.S. (Text only version below.) > * > HEADS UP! ReDefine the Helmet Competition* > > *Calling all artists of all ages, backgrounds and descriptions to showcase > your talents. > Your charge is to Re-invent, Re-define and Re-brand the bike helmet to save > lives. > Design is the extra sizzle and awesomesauce that can change minds and > shift actions. > We are reaching out to others with ideas and imaginative design skills. > Can you help to redefine bike helmets as an essential fashion statement?* > > *To Submit: *Contact Adam or Noma @ The Renaissance Youth Bike Shop to > register, submit designs and receive special prototype helmet canvas. > > *Concept Designs due May 4th, 2009 > Completed helmets due May 22nd, 2009 > ** > Award & Exhibition Opportunities: *You could be eligible for a 25% > creator’s commission on a custom line of helmets offered for sale at local > shops. Selected entries will also be featured in Art-O-Matic 2009, on > our University-linked website and in many other broadcast and print media. > > *Eligibility:* Any resident of Washington, D.C. metro area, Maryland, > Virginia > *Judging criteria: *Youth appeal, humor, and audacity rule. Vibrant > colors, powerful letterforms and character renderings welcome. Creative > pastiche, sampling o.k. Please, no copywrite or trademark violations. > Collaborations encouraged. A fully realized, completed helmet is a necessary > part of the final entry. > *Jurors: *Youth and staff at The Engaged University ( > http://www.engagedu.umd.edu) > * > Who we are: *The Renaissance Youth Bike Shop (a project of The Engaged > University @ UMCP). We are a youth-based, bike recycling shop and > afterschool program that uses the bicycle as a catalyst to enhance the lives > of young people through educational, recreational and entrepreneurial > hands-on learning opportunities. > > *Contact us! * > • Adam Schwartz, 301-405-3213, adamgs(a)umd.edu > • Noma Mpofu, 301-405-2285, nmpofu(a)umd.edu > >

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Bicycle V. Hummer incident
by bike talk 26 Apr '09

26 Apr '09

A hummer drove over three bicycles in Hollywood Friday morning, crushing the bikes and injuring at least one rider, who was taken to the ER. According to some of the people at the scene, the officer who pulled over the driver made the comment, “I would have done the same thing.” The driver was not charged or cited. Krista, Sarah, and Tarsis, who were there, talk about it on Bike Talk 4/25. You can hear it by downloading at: https://download.yousendit.com/WnBSVWRwQk5waFJMWEE9PQ at 21:55 and at www.kpfk.org tomorrow after it's uploaded. Alex Thompson writes about it here: http://www.westsidebikeside.com/hummer-hits-cyclist-officer-cho-sympathizes… The Midnight Ridazz thread: http://midnightridazz.com/forums.php?topicId=9064 There will be a police commission SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2009 9:00 A.M. PARKER CENTER, ROOM 146 150 NORTH LOS ANGELES STREET LOS ANGELES, CA 90012 <http://www.lapdonline.org/assets/pdf/042809SpecialBoardMeetingAgenda%5B1%5D…> There will be a ride to the meeting. Read about it here: http://midnightridazz.com/viewStory.php?storyId=2803 The board meeting format is here: http://www.lapdonline.org/ assets/pdf/042809SpecialBoardMeetingAgenda%5B1%5D.pdf And from bike activist Stephen Box: Friday - STORM the BASTILLE! We ride to City Hall to call on the City Council of Los Angeles, the largest City in the most populated State in the most powerful Country in the World, to make safety on the streets a priority! Join us for the Call to Action! The ride http://midnightridazz.com/viewStory.php?storyId=2804 The discussion http://midnightridazz.com/forums.php?topicId=9082&pgnum=1 Of the two events, if you have to choose, please join us for the Storm the Bastille, it will be big, it will be public, it will be televised, it will be powerful! Stephen Box 323-962-6540 office 323-864-7586 cell http://twitter.com/BikeWriters http://tinyurl.com/ck9uvc http://BikeWritersCollective.com <http://www.bikewriterscollective.com/> <http://midnightridazz.com/forums.php?topicId=9064><http://midnightridazz.com/forums.php?topicId=9064>

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bike talk wants to keep up with you on Twitter
by Twitter 26 Apr '09

26 Apr '09

To find out more about Twitter, visit the link below: http://twitter.com/i/d70f825198721dd8ef98c569ae24bb56571c71ce Thanks, -The Twitter Team About Twitter Twitter is a unique approach to communication and networking based on the simple concept of status. What are you doing? What are your friends doing—right now? With Twitter, you may answer this question over SMS or the Web and the responses are shared between contacts. This message was sent by a Twitter user who entered your email address. If you'd prefer not to receive emails when other people invite you to Twitter, click here: http://twitter.com/i/optout/7c48cb107eda9c6576dca90aee923cb23466c4b6

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Bike Talk today!
by bike talk 25 Apr '09

25 Apr '09

Hi, Call in today, 10 am-noon, with your bike news, events, info, or questions. There's a lot going on, so maybe you know something about it. (213) 252-0998, or my #, (310) 428-4222 -- please let me know if you want to be taken off this list. Hear Bike Talk! on kpfk: http://www.kpfk.org/programs/170-bike-talk.html or see what's new with us at biketalk.us

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Service projects at your organizations?
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 24 Apr '09

24 Apr '09

Hey All, Hope everything is going well for everyone as spring rears it's green head, and the snow melts away... We've had a few groups contact us looking to do some type of service project. In the past, we've cobbled together something for the kids to do (so far, the groups have all been classrooms, or extracurricular groups, etc) based on the shop's needs that week or that day. I'd really love to package the options for service project groups, so that we have some things for them to do planned out ahead of time, so when groups call, we can just pull out that project and work on it. I'm wondering if any of you have something like this that's planned out ahead of time, or do you just see what's needed and work on that? Thanks! josh.

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Announcing MoBo Board Elections for 2009-2010
by MoBo Bicycle Co-op 23 Apr '09

23 Apr '09

Attention all MoBo members: As you may know, the current governing body of the co-op is the interim board. This May, MoBo will have its first ever election to determine who will be on the official board for 2008-2009. The highest nine vote-getters will be winners of the one year term. The only eligibility requirements are membership in good standing (having paid the twenty dollar membership fee for the year) and a dedication to the co-op and the co-op's mission and vision (please see Mobobicyclecoop.org for both!). The responsibilities of the board include both the day-to-day running of the co-op and long term planning for its future. These are exciting times for MoBo and the cycling community; becoming a board member is a surefire way of being right in the thick of it and maintaining the co-op's momentum. Everyone who wants to give back as much as they can to the co-op is encouraged to run, as a hearty dose of participatory democracy will be healthy for the co-op. Not to scare anyone off, but know that board members are required to attend a two hour board meeting every other week, and actively participate in or chair at least one committee; it is a serious time commitment. Board members are required to log 20 hours each month in the volunteer binder. The election itself will be held by secret ballot during open shop hours on Sunday May 17, Tuesday May 19, and Wednesday May 20. During these days, ballots will be given to any paid member who so desires. The member's name will then be crossed off a list to prevent double voting. Any member who has joined prior to the election's beginning may vote; memberships may be renewed at any point. To declare candidacy or to ask any questions, e-mail mobogovernance(a)gmail.com by May 9 at 5 PM. Include your full name, contact info, and a platform statement. Names of candidates and their statements will be posted in the co-op and on the website as they are submitted, but no declarations of candidacy will be accepted after May 9 at 5 PM. Please be brief and positive- suggested prompts are "What experience do you have with MoBo?", "Where do you see MoBo going?", and "How do you feel you can contribute to MoBo?". Please attach a recent picture of yourself. Platforms may not be longer than one single spaced page, including a picture. We are really looking forward to seeing your platforms! Our best, The Governance Committee -- MoBo Bicycle Co-op a project of The Village Green Foundation 1415 Knowlton Ave Northside Cincinnati, OH

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Fwd: PDF copy of the RFI
by bike talk 21 Apr '09

21 Apr '09

Email from a supporter: On February 25, 2009 the City of Los Angeles issued a Request for Information for a Public Bicycle-Sharing Program for Los Angeles. Letters of Interest were due on April 2, 2009 and they are currently under review at the City of Los Angeles D.O.T. offices. If you would like to see a public bicycle sharing program here in Los Angeles please write a letter of support to the Bicycle Program Senior Project Coordinator asap. The coordinator is planning to report to the Transportation Committee sometime in May or June. Please keep your messages professional and positive. Despite the numerous issues that frustrate cyclists in Los Angeles this city office has talented, good people who are trying to help our cause. They need our support to improve cycling conditions in the city. Please mention that you are writing in support of a Public Bicycle-Sharing Program for Los Angeles. Mail letters of support to: G. Michelle Mowery Sr. Project Coordinator - Bicycle Program Mail Stop 753 100 S. Main Street, 10th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90012 http://www.bicyclela.org/ Email letters of support to: Michelle.Mowery(a)lacity.org Attached please find a copy of the RFI in PDF format. It would be cool to include this on our site for people who are interested to review. Thanks, Brad Gavigan gavigan(a)mac.com -- please let me know if you want to be taken off this list. Hear Bike Talk! on kpfk: http://www.kpfk.org/programs/170-bike-talk.html or see what's new with us at biketalk.us

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