- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

getting and holding onto volunteers?
by rachael spiewak 23 Jul '07

23 Jul '07

hiya, folks. something sopo's always struggled with is finding volunteers and convincing them to stay. many people who visit our shop would rather have a hands on demonstration than look up how to do repairs in our manuals. we tried having a few bike maintenance 101 classes to get people feeling like they have the capacity to help others with basic repairs, but that didn't stick. does anyone have ideas or experience in this department? or is it sufficient for us to tell people that reading about repairs in our manuals is part of their process at our shop? i tend to doubt the success rate of the last one. i'm thinking food incentives might be a good idea. love/peace/bicyclegrease, rachael

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Start-up question.
by Andrew Bushaw 20 Jul '07

20 Jul '07

Hello, I'm currently working in a collective to start a community bike shop in Fargo, ND. So far so good, we have a fiscal agent that is very well respected in the community and is very hands off. We have many interested volunteers, an agreement with our favorite LBS to get their old tools and quite possibly their used bike inventory. We have quite a bit of community support and really feel like we can make this work. However, we have had difficulty procuring space. We as a city are currently going through a period of "downtown revitalization" which is gentrifying many possible locations. Downtown is strategically located between two cities and three college campuses, so we would really like to make that our home. Does anyone have any experience partnering with other organizations? Does anyone have any good ways to talk to property owners who are holding out to develop into office or condo space? What are the incentives to rent/donate space to us? Also, we are beginning our grant writing and are wondering if anyone has an approximation as to how much we can reasonably write for, who are friendly foundations, ect. Is there any shop that is funded in some way other than through grants? Thanks, Andrew

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(no subject)
by Free Ride 19 Jul '07

19 Jul '07

Hello Bike Bikers!! So, things are really gelling here with the conference. I just had one quick update, well maybe a question. So, after the conference, a friend and I are helping organize a bike tour, to Bedford, PA to take a tour of the Cannondale factory, and I was wondering if there was any interest out there in Bike Bike World. Basically, the factory is about 100 miles from Pittsburgh, and Cannondale is excited to host us. I haven't taken the tour, but apparently there are some cool machines that test things like frame strength and components. The wheelbuilders are supposed to be a trip! The actual tour only takes an hour, but they even said they'd be willing to give a more in depth type workshop for us, for example, how they weld, or paint, etc. The friend who is helping out works seasonally for them. Some logistics. It's going to be a bit intensive, so a decent bike would be required. I haven't done this ride, but it is Western Pennsylvania (Northern Appalachia) and I imagine it to be very hilly. We were thinking of leaving the morning of Monday August 13 and returning to Pittsburgh on Wed August 15. Day one would be 80 miles (the first 20 or so on rail-trail: flat!), day 2 would be 20 miles to Cannondale, take the tour, then 20 miles back toward PGH, day three would be 80 miles or so back into PGH. This is self supported (ie we aint carrying or providing anything other than good folks), and the overnights would be camping style. Sorry this is so last minute, cause I know many of you have already made travel plans, but we just worked some of this out. If you are interested, please contact me soonish so that i can get an idea on how many folks to expect, tell Cannondale, etc. Also, contact me if there are any questions as well. Please respond to erokore(a)bike-pgh.org if you are interested. Thanks! -erok

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bring photos of your shop!
by rachael spiewak 17 Jul '07

17 Jul '07

Hi, everyone.. Something we're interested in at Sopo is learning about how everyone arranges their spaces.. how you set up your tools, workspaces, components storage, office areas, and whatever else you've got in there. It would be great if everyone could bring some photos to share. Two wheels good, rachael

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Business Plan for Community Bike Shop
by Claire Stoscheck 17 Jul '07

17 Jul '07

Hi all... Sibley Bike Depot of St. Paul MN is a community/public bike shop getting kicked out of a neighborhood which is in the process of being gentrified. We are currently looking for new spaces, and uncertain of how we can afford new rent ranges...and are looking to write some kind of business plan to make sure what we get ourselves into is actually at least moderately sustainable. Do any of your shops have a busines plan or something of the sort you could send me so we can use it as an outline to base ours off of? We'd really appreciate any advice we can get... Thanks so much, Claire with Sibley Bike Depot (www.bikeped.org ---sorry the site is down right now) On 7/5/07, baglady(a)riseup.net <baglady(a)riseup.net> wrote: > > Hello Everyone, > > There are a whole 36 days left until Bike Bike!!!! > > Can you believe it!!! > > In such a little bit of time you, and hundreds (maybe) of your compatriots > in recycled bicycle love, will be getting together for three action packed > days of workshops, presentations, networking, bike rides, movies, and > dance parties. > > So what does this mean? > > It means that if you want to do a workshop we need to hear from you > ASAP!!!!!! > > Please send us a description a brief description including > a) subject matter, > b) workshop format, and c) any facilities preferences/av needs > > Please submit your name, the organization you are representing (if > applica- > ble), full contact information, and a short biography of yourself and/or > your organization. > Please send in your proposals via email to workshops(a)bike-pgh.org, and in- > clude the word "Proposal" in the subject line. > > If we have already spoken and confirmed whatever workshop you are doing > please send us a description paragraph that we can put on the website. > > We especially need people to help facilitate workshops for the Bike 101 > day. We need people to lead workshops/discussions on recruiting > volunteers, programming (EAB for adults & kids, different models) how to > get & keep a space, intro to legal stuff (501C3 status, fiscal sponsorship > etc) getting donations of tools & bikes, organizational models and more. > And what we would really love is for all the shops that are just starting > ujp to tell us what they want to learn in Bike 101 day, so that we can be > sure we have relevant workshops. Also, we would love it if you wanted to > help us organize this day and correspond with the people facilitating > workshops. > > In the coming days we will have a tentative list up of all the 20+ > workshops up on the website bikebike.org > > Also, PlEaSe PLeaSe pLeAse send us your registration forms. We need to > know how many people are coming so we can arrange housing, bike loans, > cook sufficient food and schedule enough workshops for everyone. If you > didnt get a registration form you can download it at bikebike.org. > > If you have questions you can call us at Free Ride at 412 731 4094 or > e-mail general questions to freeride(a)bike-pgh.org and workshop questions > to workshops(a)bike-pgh.org > > See you in 36 days or earlier if you want to come early and help set it > all up and also help us prepare loaner bikes. > > Bike On, > Your fellow bicycle lovers at Free Ride! > > bikebike.org > _______________________________________________ > thethinktank mailing list > thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >

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Re: [TheThinkTank] giving away free bikes?
by omar bhimji 16 Jul '07

16 Jul '07

http://pedalpower.org/?q=education#FREE%20BIKE%20PROGRAM -- omar pedal depot project manager p 604.708.4992 f 604.879.2453 e learn(a)pedalpower.org

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Job posting from Bike Works in Seattle
by Free Ride 16 Jul '07

16 Jul '07

Position Announcement: Outreach & Community Events Coordinator Bike Works is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build sustainable communities by educating youth and promoting bicycling. Our programs include Earn-a-Bike for youth, Summer Bike Camp, Neighborhood Rides, YouthVentures bike clubs, Community Bike Shop, Annual Kids Bike Swap, bike exports, and more. Primary Responsibilities: 1. Community Building: Organizing Community and Family Events & Outreach (50%): The Bike Works Outreach & Community Events Coordinator will build the capacity of the organization by organizing community and family events, spearheading community engagement projects, conducting community outreach. 2. Volunteer Development & Recruitment (20%): The Bike Works Outreach & Community Events Coordinator will cultivate new volunteer recruitment and continue to develop on-going volunteer relationships. 3. Fund Development (20%): The Bike Works Outreach & Community Events Coordinator will Work in partnership with Assistant Director and Executive Director to support Bike Works Fund Development. 4. Program Planning (10%): The Bike Works Outreach & Community Events Coordinator participate in agency-wide planning and staff development processes, such as strategic planning, by collaborating with all staff and Board members through regular staff and Board meetings. Hours & Term of Service: • The Outreach and Community Events Coordinator will generally be expected to work from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, and occasionally on evenings or weekends when programs are scheduled. Sound Youth AmeriCorps Members make a commitment to serve full-time for 10 months, averaging at least 32 hours per week. Members spend the majority of their service time each week at the site project. Member also participate in ongoing training, dialogue and community service activities as a corps, throughout the AmeriCorps year. Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Qualifications: 1. An enthusiasm for the project and the ability to motivate others. 2. Knowledge of volunteer/grassroots organizing and a loyalty to community-based initiatives. 3. A desire to serve hands-on and in a classroom, bike shop, and office. 4. Basic bike maintenance and tool use skills or the genuine desire to learn. 5. A commitment to the concept of environmental sustainability, 6. Ability to self-motivate and self-direct on individual projects. 7. Skill and comfort working with youth of all backgrounds. 8. The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. 9. The ability to serve a flexible schedule including weekends and evenings when necessary. 10. A respect for and commitment to diversity, teamwork, and progressive social values. 11. 18 years of age or older by the completion of the program. 12. U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident. 13. Possession of high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving education award. 14. Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying. 15. Must successfully pass criminal history background check through Bike Works. 16. Regular and reliable attendance. Preferred Qualifications: • Experience in the bicycle industry/community and/or in youth development. • Medical experience: CPR, First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, etc. • Familiarity with Seattle and the Southeast sector in particular • Valid WA state driver’s license Benefits of Service: • Opportunity to gain skills in the field of nonprofit management/leadership, community building, outreach, organizing community and family events, volunteer development & recruitment, and fund development. • Become an integral member of the Bike Works community of staff, Board members and volunteers • Transferable skills, including volunteer management training, community outreach, organizational development, project management, facilitation with groups of youth, and experience with computer systems and programs, especially Microsoft Word, Excel and Access • Networking opportunities with other nonprofits, community organizations, and schools • Opportunities for additional leadership and responsibilities depending on individual’s interests • In exchange for 1,700 hours of service over the 12 month term, full time Sound Youth AmeriCorps Members receive a %11,500 living allowance and an education award in the amount of $4,725 (upon completion of the year of service). Health care is also provided, if needed. Limited childcare benefits are provided, if eligible. To Apply: We need to hire for this position immediately, we strongly encourage any interested applicants to contact us ASAP. Email or mail cover letter and resume to Melanie at development(a)bikeworks.org. Bike Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to the development of a diverse, multicultural staff and volunteer base. Women, minorities and people of color are encouraged to apply. Bike Works 3709 S. Ferdinand St. Seattle, WA 98118 206-725-9408 http://www.bikeworks.org "Building sustainable communities by educating youth and promoting bicycling."

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Running list of shops on the website
by freeride＠bike-pgh.org 13 Jul '07

13 Jul '07

Dearest Bike Bikers, Just a quick note to throw out some exciting news. We have posted the running list (growing daily) of shops and projects on the bikebike.org website, under the "about" section. It's looking pretty impressive! This is the list of shops that have either sent in their registration forms, committed to a workshop, or verbally told us they were coming. Please check it out and make sure that there are no mistakes. If your shop isn't on that list, it can be in one easy step! All you have to do is send in your registration forms! Also, there is this really cool forum on the website that nobody seems to be posting to. It's a great resource, and a great place to ask questions, because there is a good chance that someone else has the same question. Also, we are trying to encourage folks to bring their own bikes, it's less that we have to get ready. Fortunately, Free Ride is open Thursday Nite, so if you arrive that day, feel free to come in, check out the shop, and help get some loaner bikes in working order. We understand that there will be a bunch of people flying in and won't be able bring a bike. If you do need a loaner bike, we'd really appreciate it if you brought a lock with you, as we have more bikes than locks. Thanks and we're getting really excited for this. -erok Free Ride, Pittsburgh -------------------------------------------------------------------- myhosting.com - Premium Microsoft® Windows® and Linux web and application hosting - http://link.myhosting.com/myhosting

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Re: [TheThinkTank] 36 days till Bike Bike!!!!!
by Bill Wright 11 Jul '07

11 Jul '07

Hi, I would like to help with the Bike 101 classes, but I can not attend. The good news is we wrote a book about Recycled Bikes and loaning them out! It is called "Anybody's Library Bike Book" and is available at www.Lulu.com . The book covers a lot of the subjects you will be addressing, and some specific ones about fixing hundreds of bikes, and dealing with hundreds of participants of all stripes! We have loaned out over 4000 bikes, been doing this for over 8 years now! You can check out the book and what we are doing at www.librarybikes.org . I'll send a flier when I get home, (on bike vacation) and stay tuned for the release of thousands of Public Bikes in Paris! The world is ready for a trendy bike lifestyle, I feel it. Bill Burton, Director, LibraryBikes.org p.s. Maybe we can get someone from our group out there to talk about what we have been doing, maybe one of the mechanics for the Bike 101 day. Bill >From: baglady(a)riseup.net >Reply-To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> >To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> >Subject: [TheThinkTank] 36 days till Bike Bike!!!!! >Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2007 15:59:40 -0700 (PDT) > >Hello Everyone, > >There are a whole 36 days left until Bike Bike!!!! > >Can you believe it!!! > >In such a little bit of time you, and hundreds (maybe) of your compatriots >in recycled bicycle love, will be getting together for three action packed >days of workshops, presentations, networking, bike rides, movies, and >dance parties. > >So what does this mean? > >It means that if you want to do a workshop we need to hear from you >ASAP!!!!!! > >Please send us a description a brief description including >a) subject matter, >b) workshop format, and c) any facilities preferences/av needs > >Please submit your name, the organization you are representing (if applica- >ble), full contact information, and a short biography of yourself and/or >your organization. >Please send in your proposals via email to workshops(a)bike-pgh.org, and in- >clude the word Proposal in the subject line. > >If we have already spoken and confirmed whatever workshop you are doing >please send us a description paragraph that we can put on the website. > >We especially need people to help facilitate workshops for the Bike 101 >day. We need people to lead workshops/discussions on recruiting >volunteers, programming (EAB for adults & kids, different models) how to >get & keep a space, intro to legal stuff (501C3 status, fiscal sponsorship >etc) getting donations of tools & bikes, organizational models and more. >And what we would really love is for all the shops that are just starting >ujp to tell us what they want to learn in Bike 101 day, so that we can be >sure we have relevant workshops. Also, we would love it if you wanted to >help us organize this day and correspond with the people facilitating >workshops. > >In the coming days we will have a tentative list up of all the 20+ >workshops up on the website bikebike.org > >Also, PlEaSe PLeaSe pLeAse send us your registration forms. We need to >know how many people are coming so we can arrange housing, bike loans, >cook sufficient food and schedule enough workshops for everyone. If you >didnt get a registration form you can download it at bikebike.org. > >If you have questions you can call us at Free Ride at 412 731 4094 or >e-mail general questions to freeride(a)bike-pgh.org and workshop questions >to workshops(a)bike-pgh.org > >See you in 36 days or earlier if you want to come early and help set it >all up and also help us prepare loaner bikes. > >Bike On, >Your fellow bicycle lovers at Free Ride! > >bikebike.org >_______________________________________________ >thethinktank mailing list >thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _________________________________________________________________ Need a brain boost? Recharge with a stimulating game. Play now! http://club.live.com/home.aspx?icid=club_hotmailtextlink1

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nyc or philly to pittsburgh on 2 wheels anyone??
by andrew L. 10 Jul '07

10 Jul '07

hi all. i wanna formally throw out an invite for a ride to bike bike from philly. i will be coming from nyc via chinatown bus to philly and then... workin on it: http://breathingplanet.pbwiki.com/bikeridetopittsburgh i dont know exact dates yet, but likely will be leaving NYC on Monday. I may stop off at my parents farm for a day on the way. not sure yet. if y'all dont know about bikely.com (shown in the link above), its a really cool tool for searching, planning, and sharing rides. be in touch if there is interest!! thanks. andrew -- http://www.breathingplanet.net ------------------------------ andrew lynn | fon: 518-573-7947 | skype/aim: destroyallandrew

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change of email for mailing list
by sparkltingting＠aol.com 10 Jul '07

10 Jul '07

?hello bike!bike! ?the email for CAT, the coalition for appropriate transportation, should be changed so that i can directly receive it instead of the office- our old one is: carfreecat(a)gmail.com, please change it to sparkltingting(a)aol.com. ?thanks ?p.s SO EXCITED FOR BIKE!BIKE! ?!!! ?hannae ________________________________________________________________________ AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] bikebike! travel.. nyc-->pgh
by freeride＠bike-pgh.org 09 Jul '07

09 Jul '07

It seems yinz worked it out, but there is a china town bus from nyc to pgh as well. although it is always a risky, not very dependale situation, it is only $35 and you can take a bike. if you use it, let us know how it went. http://ebusticket.com -e Original Message: ----------------- From: danny wood rocknroll lazer abortone(a)graffiti.net Date: Sat, 7 Jul 2007 13:57:20 +0800 To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] bikebike! travel.. nyc-->pgh hey rachael! this is danny from tallahassee! i'll also be in NYC right before bike bike, as might some of the rest of the Krank It Up crew... we should travel to pittsburgh together! ----- Original Message ----- From: "rachael spiewak" To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org Subject: [TheThinkTank] bikebike! travel.. nyc-->pgh Date: Fri, 6 Jul 2007 12:36:50 -0400 hi, friends. my bike and i will be in nyc right before bikebike!. can i hitch a ride with anyone or does anyone know a good bus or train i could take? thanks!! rachael sopo bikes atl, ga _______________________________________________ thethinktank mailing list thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives .org -- Powered By Outblaze -------------------------------------------------------------------- myhosting.com - Premium Microsoft® Windows® and Linux web and application hosting - http://link.myhosting.com/myhosting

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One month left!
by freeride＠bike-pgh.org 07 Jul '07

07 Jul '07

Hello Bike Bikers! We're only a month away, can you believe it? We just got through a huge 10-day bike festival here in Pittsburgh, so now it's crunch time for the Bike Bike Conference of Community Bike Projects. A lot has happened since our last communique, and we think we are going to put on one fine conference. There's already a local buzz around your arrival and everyone is real excited to meet yinz!! Aside from the workshops and discussions during the day (more info below), the local cycling community is helping plan some events to show you how to have fun, Rustbelt Style! The party people are planning dance party, the alleycat people, an alleycat, as well as some chiller themed rides to show you around. Check out this recent article for a little intro into Pittsburgh bike culture, a bit of hype for Bike Bike, and some photos of fellow Free Riders, Rich, Morgan, Jessica, and Erok. www.popcitymedia.com/features/0627summerbike.aspx First, the nitty gritty. Make sure to check out the website, www.bikebike.org. It's been updated with lots of goodies like a list of workshops, both confirmed and proposed, as well as some info on coming into town. Be sure to check out (and use) the forums that were set up to help us all communicate cross-continent, answer questions, etc. You need to log in to use this now, to combat the spam, but post, post away! Second, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE send us your registration forms. It will help us out immensely in finding you a place to stay. The folks who send in the forms will receive priority in housing locations, so we can't stress the importance of this. The Registration Form is downloadable from the website, and we are requesting one per person. You can either mail, fax, or email the form back to us. All info is on the site. Also, if your shop didn't receive our invitation packet, please email us at freeride(a)bike-pgh.org, and we'll be sure to get one in the mail. We tried really hard to get as many shops as we knew about, but so many have sprouted up in the past few years, that it was really difficult to find everyone, reaffirming the importance of this conference!! Bring a bike if you can. We know it won't be easy for everyone, especially for those flying in, to bring a bike, but it will be really helpful. We're going to try to get a bunch reasonably ready for folks. If you have any interest in coming early to help out (hint hint), we're definitely going to need folks to build up some bikes. If you do want to come early, contact us! That's all for now. Stay tuned as we'll be sending out more and more info in the coming month. ...AND SEND IN THOSE REGISTRATION FORMS!!! -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web.com - Microsoft® Exchange solutions from a leading provider - http://link.mail2web.com/Business/Exchange

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Re: [TheThinkTank] bikebike! travel.. nyc-->pgh
by danny wood rocknroll lazer 06 Jul '07

06 Jul '07

hey rachael! this is danny from tallahassee! i'll also be in NYC right before bike bike, as might some of the rest of the Krank It Up crew... we should travel to pittsburgh together! ----- Original Message ----- From: "rachael spiewak" To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org Subject: [TheThinkTank] bikebike! travel.. nyc-->pgh Date: Fri, 6 Jul 2007 12:36:50 -0400 hi, friends. my bike and i will be in nyc right before bikebike!. can i hitch a ride with anyone or does anyone know a good bus or train i could take? thanks!! rachael sopo bikes atl, ga _______________________________________________ thethinktank mailing list thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… -- Powered By Outblaze

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bikebike! travel.. nyc-->pgh
by rachael spiewak 06 Jul '07

06 Jul '07

hi, friends. my bike and i will be in nyc right before bikebike!. can i hitch a ride with anyone or does anyone know a good bus or train i could take? thanks!! rachael sopo bikes atl, ga

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Volunteer tracking programs
by Jonathan Morrison 05 Jul '07

05 Jul '07

Who wrote this? http://www.ybdb.austinyellowbike.org/ -- Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Project Coordinator 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

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You're Invited!
by Jim Sheehan 02 Jul '07

02 Jul '07

Jim Sheehan has sent you an invitation to 'Audubon Party for the Planet' -- click here to view the invitation and submit your response: http://www.joinliveearth.org/page/event/detail/wxy --- Hi, Jim from the Ohio City Bike Co-op here; I'm doing an unprecedented thing for me, and sending this to everyone I email (Sorry if you consider this "spam") because I think it's important that folks get together on this -- especially after reading Al Gore's Op-Ed in the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/01/opinion/01gore.html Some of you are not in Cleveland, but look at this invitation anyway, please, and if you're not, I think you can find an event near you by clicking on the "find an event" at the top, by "event central"... I feel strongly that we can all learn something from this kind of event, so here's the boilerplate from Live Earth, and if I don't see you (with your bicycle, I hope !) at Great Lakes Brewery on Saturday, I hope you will attend an event near you if you can: You've been invited to attend Audubon Party for the Planet. Go to http://www.joinliveearth.org/page/event/detail/wxy#rsvp to RSVP. I hope you'll do something fun and meaningful for the planet this Saturday -- if not by attending a Live Earth party, then by riding your bike somewhere! Jim Sheehan

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Re: [TheThinkTank] BICAS HIRING !
by troy neiman 30 Jun '07

30 Jun '07

looks great! thanks ellie ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ellie Kaszniak" To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org Subject: [TheThinkTank] BICAS HIRING ! Date: Sat, 30 Jun 2007 08:20:14 -0700 BICAS, a collectively run non-profit BICYCLE recycling and education center, hiring part time. Community Mechanic/Educator to assist customers, help with classes, build bikes, coordinate volunteers, etc. Some mechanical knowledge encouraged, teaching experience and bilingual a plus. Diversity of age, gender, ethnicity encouraged. Contact bicasunderground(a)yahoo.com or 44 W. 6th St (drop in or mail) for resumes, #628-7950 for questions. www.bicas.org. I tried to post this on the bike collectives web page and was not able to submit the form. perhaps someone can help get this on there? thanks so much, ellie k / bicas _________________________________________________________________ Get a preview of Live Earth, the hottest event this summer - only on MSN http://liveearth.msn.com?source=msntaglineliveearthhm _______________________________________________ thethinktank mailing list thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… -- We've Got Your Name at http://www.mail.com! Get a FREE E-mail Account Today - Choose From 100+ Domains

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BICAS HIRING !
by Ellie Kaszniak 30 Jun '07

30 Jun '07

BICAS, a collectively run non-profit BICYCLE recycling and education center, hiring part time. Community Mechanic/Educator to assist customers, help with classes, build bikes, coordinate volunteers, etc. Some mechanical knowledge encouraged, teaching experience and bilingual a plus. Diversity of age, gender, ethnicity encouraged. Contact bicasunderground(a)yahoo.com or 44 W. 6th St (drop in or mail) for resumes, #628-7950 for questions. www.bicas.org. I tried to post this on the bike collectives web page and was not able to submit the form. perhaps someone can help get this on there? thanks so much, ellie k / bicas _________________________________________________________________ Get a preview of Live Earth, the hottest event this summer - only on MSN http://liveearth.msn.com?source=msntaglineliveearthhm

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Disposing of used simple green
by troy neiman 22 Jun '07

22 Jun '07

well, we here at bicas use a sink which drains into a bucket. the used simple green usually ends up in there and then we pour the bucket, when full onto our mesquite tree in front. i never would have thought but we have been doing it long before i was involved here. the tree loves it and has grown from just a 4 foot shrub into a full grown 25 foot tree in 5 or 6 years. maybe simple green, grease and hand cleaner act as a growth hormones or something. also we try to encourage that people first dilute the easy green, use minimal amounts of the stuff if soaking parts is absolutely necessary and also reuse it if possible as many times as we can. troybicas ----- Original Message ----- From: "Andy Dyson" To: "The Think Tank" Subject: [TheThinkTank] Disposing of used simple green Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2007 19:39:21 -0400 Ah, friendly simple green. Such a nice name. Is there anything you can do to this stuff to feel better about disposing of it. What do you guys do? . -- Andrew C. Dyson Executive Director Neighborhood Bike Works Increasing opportunities for youth through bicycling Check our Web Site: http://www.neighborhoodbikeworks.org Neighborhood Bike Works 3916 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104 Office: (215) 386-0316 Cell: (215) 873-6695 FAX: (215) 386-7288 _______________________________________________ thethinktank mailing list thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… -- Get a Free E-mail Account at Mail.com! Choose From 100+ Personalized Domains Visit http://www.mail.com today

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Better Lubrication
by BovineOaks＠aol.com 22 Jun '07

22 Jun '07

I did a few years of research on chain lubrication. Purple extreme one of the best out of a few good ones. They also make a soy/citrus solvent that is stunning. The worst was ProGold which is a chlorinated paraffin. Chlorine is not a good thing to bind with any product. Chlorine makes it last as a toxin for far too long. Christopher Wallace Chicago ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

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Getting 501(c)3 Status
by Jay Varner 21 Jun '07

21 Jun '07

We at the Sopo Bike Co-op in Atlanta really enjoy and cherish our status as a 501(c)3. We have made our application available for others to use as an example. You can find it on the Bikecollectives' Wiki: http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=IRS_Form_1023

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Disposing of used simple green
by troy neiman 20 Jun '07

20 Jun '07

well, we here at bicas use a sink which drains into a bucket. the used simple green usually ends up in there and then we pour the bucket, when full onto our mesquite tree in front. i never would have thought but we have been doing it long before i was involved here. the tree loves it and has grown from just a 4 foot shrub into a full grown 25 foot tree in 5 or 6 years. maybe simple green, grease and hand cleaner act as a growth hormones or something. also we try to encourage that people first dilute the easy green, use minimal amounts of the stuff if soaking parts is absolutely necessary and also reuse it if possible as many times as we can. troybicas ----- Original Message ----- From: "Andy Dyson" To: "The Think Tank" Subject: [TheThinkTank] Disposing of used simple green Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2007 19:39:21 -0400 Ah, friendly simple green. Such a nice name. Is there anything you can do to this stuff to feel better about disposing of it. What do you guys do? . -- Andrew C. Dyson Executive Director Neighborhood Bike Works Increasing opportunities for youth through bicycling Check our Web Site: http://www.neighborhoodbikeworks.org Neighborhood Bike Works 3916 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104 Office: (215) 386-0316 Cell: (215) 873-6695 FAX: (215) 386-7288 _______________________________________________ thethinktank mailing list thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… -- Get a Free E-mail Account at Mail.com! Choose From 100+ Personalized Domains Visit http://www.mail.com today

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Earn-a-bike Jobs
by Jonathan Morrison 08 Jun '07

08 Jun '07

We are going to be hiring part-time Earn-a-bike instructors for this summer. Does anyone have a good example job posting? Does anyone have a list of things to look for and things to avoid? Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Project Coordinator 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

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Miami Bike Cooperative
by CAT Director 21 May '07

21 May '07

Is there a bike cooperative in Miami? -- Steve Schmitt CAT Director director(a)car-free.org 60 West Broad Street #97 Bethlehem, PA 18018 610 954 5744 http://www.car-free.org

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Great Job! (Re: 3rd Ward on Now)
by Eric Estlund 18 May '07

18 May '07

Great little clip on the #rd Ward Bike Shop in TX on PBS, mostly highlighting the Earn-A-Bike. Good job getting the message out! Eric SLC Bike Collective

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Re: [TheThinkTank] We need your addresses for Bike Bike
by davebauer＠mfire.com 18 May '07

18 May '07

Recycle Bicycles 7196 S. Poplar St. Centennial, CO 80112 Thanks! > Hello Bike Bikers!! > > Pure excitement is coming your way!!!! The bee-yoo-tiful > posters that we have printed for the Bike! Bike! > conference are hot off the silkscreening press and ready > to enter your mailbox (along with other information). > And we ain't talking about your virtual mailbox, we're > talking about that one with the little red flag, that a > real person delivers mail too. Therefore we need your > shop's address. If it is in the BOOP directory, we > already have it. However, if you have moved or or not > listed in the directory please e-mail it to us ASAP. > Please send all addresses to freeride(a)bike-pgh.org. Sorry > to individuals on the list, but we only have the > resources to send the posters to shops or bike > organizations that can publicly display the poster. > > The poster package will also include registration forms > and a workshop proposal form. These can also be found > online at bikebike.org. > > As for folks who may want one of the posters for > themselves, you're going to have to wait for the > conference when we'll have more available. > > Our Hills Await your Wheels, > Free Ride! Bike Coop > > > _______________________________________________ > thethinktank mailing list > thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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Interbike Registration now open
by Jonathan Morrison 17 May '07

17 May '07

All, It is free if you register before the deadline, $25 per person afterwards. http://www.interbike.com -- Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Project Coordinator 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

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volunteer solutions compiled and posted online
by rachael spiewak 16 May '07

16 May '07

I put everyone's suggestions on the bike collective wiki here<http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Volunteers> . feel free to edit the content and formatting! anecdotal info would be a good addition, too! enjoy! rachael

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Re: [TheThinkTank] [community-bike] getting and holding onto volunteers?
by rachael spiewak 16 May '07

16 May '07

our bicycle blender was completed tonight, which led to improved volunteer morale. i think it had something to do with the rum.. love, rachael

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getting stuff (volunteers and bikes)
by depot 15 May '07

15 May '07

for volunteers, i cheat - we get kids from highschool work-experience programs all through the school year, and full time volunteers for 3 months at a time from katimavik, a canada-wide youth volunteer program (the bike dump could probably get on this). with so many young, energetic bodies in the workshop, community volunteers come in and are blown away by how much is going on. they like the social aspect of it (jonathan was right on), enjoy being in the shop and come back. we invite them to parties, drag them out to critical mass, encourage them to bring in music, etc. as for stuff, after running around after donations for years we're stacked to the tits and having to turn people away. after a while, enough people know about what you're doing and want to support it that storage space and processing becomes a bigger problem than sourcing donations. but in the interim, churches and schools (bike drives), universities (end of year student clear out), large appartment buildings (they clean out their bike rooms once every couple of years), bike shops, community groups (the knights of columbus helped organize a bike drive for us last year and we got 450 bikes in one day), are all good sources for donated bikes. hope that helps, omar bhimji project manager pedal bike depot p. 604.708.4992

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Sopo Bikes Delivers First Adult Trike, Rider on Road to Wellness
by rachael spiewak 14 May '07

14 May '07

Sopo Bicycle Cooperative FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Rachael Spiewak Tel: 404-392-4597 Email: rachael(a)sopobikes.org TRICYCLE DELIVERED, RIDER ON ROAD TO HEALTH, HAPPINESS May 14, 2007 -- Last Sunday, Sopo Bicycle Cooperative volunteers Rachael Spiewak and Jason Deck delivered a bright green refurbished adult tricycle to Marie Fievet. According to her doctor, Fievet's life depends on whether she begins to exercise. Weight and a limited range of motion prevented Fievet from getting started. Now, atop three wheels, and sporting her favorite color, Fievet is pedaling towards wellness. Fievet's doctor told her to take small steps towards exercising each day, which is "easier said than done," according to Fievet. Income also limits her options. Fievet tried riding an ordinary bicycle, but balancing was a challenge. Fievet reached out to Sopo, and when the organization agreed to help, she exclaimed, "I don't know how I will ever be able to thank you for caring enough!" Building this tricycle was a community effort. The frame was found on McClendon Avenue and traded to Sopo for a set of wheels, which were used for a float in peace demonstration. The frame was painted by Tito Sands, and the head badge was printed by IFO Signs. Many Sopo volunteers, including 10 year old Sophie Deck, turned wrenches, repacked bearings, and rubbed rust from the metal. Jason Deck, who is working on Sopo's second tricycle for his teenage son, put on the finishing touches and helped make the delivery. Visit www.velospace.org/node/3100 for pictures. Sopo Bicycle Cooperative is developing a sustainable alternative cycles distribution program. Sopo is seeking community partners for this project, including human services agencies, advocates, and motivated individuals. Sopo is also seeking more shop volunteers who can be present during regular shop hours. Sopo Bicycle Cooperative is a 501(c)3 nonprofit bicycle workshop. Sopo's mission is to create equitable access to bicycling by providing low-cost bicycle maintenance services and education. The shop is located in the East Atlanta Village at 465-C Flat Shoals Avenue, which is situated behind the main strip of shops. Operating hours are Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7 pm until 10 pm and Saturday afternoons from 2 pm until 5 pm. Visit www.sopobikes.org for more information. END

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youth bike program curricula needed!
by rachael spiewak 09 May '07

09 May '07

hiya, everyone! the good news is that sopo will be hosting a free teen night for our kids this summer.. with funding! we've got most things sorted out, but what we could really use are your curricula if you've got 'em. it would be easy to run through the list of basic to advanced bike maintenance skills over the course of the summer, but if you've developed something more creative and/or effective, and you're willing to share, that would be spectacular. of course, we'd acknowledge you in all communications about the program (on our website, in press releases, etc). likewise, if anyone wants a copy of the proposal we wrote, i would be happy to email it to you. two wheels good, rachael

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4th Annual Pedal Pusher Film Festival
by Jonathan Morrison 08 May '07

08 May '07

The *4th Annual Pedal Pusher Film Festival* is coming to town. Tell your friends, tell your neighbors, tell your Great-Aunt Dora. See what happens when cutting edge directors meet up with the people who push pedals- fixed gears, road bikes, cruisers, mountain bikes, and more. The movies are intense and the bike work is incredible. This is an event you don't want to miss. *Where:* The Depot <http://www.depotslc.com/> * (at the Gateway) *When:* May 19th, Doors open @ 7:30pm *Tickets:* $10 Advance or $12 Day Of (Purchase tickets at The Depot<http://www.depotslc.com/>or the Community Bike Shop <http://www.slcbikecollective.org/content/view/14/27/>) *Valet Bike Parking:* Free! So ride your bike down! A benefit for the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective, The Fourth Annual Pedal Pusher Film Festival will include an exclusive preview of the short films that have packed the houses in Tokyo, New York, AND San Francisco. Followed by local musicians, track stand competitions, give-aways and the biggest party of the summer. *More info:* www.slcbikecollective.org or call *801-FAT-BIKE*

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Wiki Spam: Solution?
by Jonathan Morrison 06 May '07

06 May '07

The Joy of a wiki is that no one needs to log in to make changes, the downside is that no one needs to log in to make changes. Recently on the Bike Collective Wiki people some [insert politically incorrect term] has been messing up the content and adding wiki-spam. Gibberish that helps sites rank and be stumbled on by unsuspecting vicitms. While this is easy to clean up, it is time consuming to keep on monitoring it. So I propose we mandate a log on for the wiki, anyone can create one, but that will prevent scripts from auto-inserting into the pages. What does everyone think? http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/ -- Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Project Coordinator 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

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Re: [TheThinkTank] youth bike program curricula needed!
by BICAS 05 May '07

05 May '07

Hey Rachel, I would be happy to send you our build-a-bike curriculum and yes, I would be interested to get a copy of your proposal. A teen night? I love it! We are working on getting funding for a teen riding group, doing bike tours, and some races and such. What's your mailing address? Take care, Daniela love, peace, and bicycle grease~ your friends at B.I.C.A.S. http://www.bicas.org ----- Original Message ---- From: rachael spiewak <rachael(a)sopobikes.org> To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org>; community-bike(a)yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, May 4, 2007 2:42:21 PM Subject: [TheThinkTank] youth bike program curricula needed! hiya, everyone! the good news is that sopo will be hosting a free teen night for our kids this summer.. with funding! we've got most things sorted out, but what we could really use are your curricula if you've got 'em. it would be easy to run through the list of basic to advanced bike maintenance skills over the course of the summer, but if you've developed something more creative and/or effective, and you're willing to share, that would be spectacular. of course, we'd acknowledge you in all communications about the program (on our website, in press releases, etc). likewise, if anyone wants a copy of the proposal we wrote, i would be happy to email it to you. two wheels good, rachael _______________________________________________ thethinktank mailing list thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Diamonds
by Eric Estlund 05 May '07

05 May '07

Diamonds!!!!! http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Diamond_Handlebar_Wrap Thought this might be fun for folks. Plus there are a few glamor shots of my sexy left hand and arm.... Eric of the SLC

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labor pool party
by Tom Anderson-Monterosso 30 Apr '07

30 Apr '07

Hi everyone, Jonathan Morrison recently added a job postings board to the Bike Collective Network website. Bike projects with specific openings and bike people looking for work may submit ads using the form on the site. I think this is a great new feature and hope it proves useful. Thanks again to Jonathan for getting it up there. Here's the link: http://www.bikecollectives.org/component/option,com_classifieds/ Cheers, tom a-m

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Help a small town with a yellow bike project
by Andy Dyson 25 Apr '07

25 Apr '07

Here's something some of you might be able to help with... Mark Carlson from the Montanan town of Choteau (pop 1500) called because (believe it or not) they are interested in having a yellow bike program in their town which is about 50 miles north west of Great Falls. These bikes would be used by the locals and by tourists, and they want to know what is involved in setting up this sort of thing. I said that we at NBW hadn't done that, but we had provided bikes for a couple of programs such as the one at the Bryn Mawr Library, for a dorm at Haverford college and and at a college in NJ. I suggested he call people in Missoula because that's a big bike town, and he said he already had and was waiting for someone to get back to him. Any of you have any experience with Yellow bike programs? If so, please contact Mark if you have time, because this is a chance to get some people on bikes who are reaching out to the bike culture. I'm not able to take any more time on this right now. Mark Carlson (406) 590-5438 forwardscout1991(a)yahoo.com Peace, Andy -- Andrew C. Dyson Executive Director Neighborhood Bike Works 3916 Locust Walk Philadelphia PA 19104 (215) 386-0316 (215) 873-6695 (Cell) (215) 386-7288 (FAX) www.neighborhoodbikeworks.org

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Re: [TheThinkTank] BICAS Hiring !
by BICAS 17 Apr '07

17 Apr '07

it might be nice to send this out to the collective and ask people to send it out on the other listservs they are part of...just an idea. love, peace, and bicycle grease~ your friends at B.I.C.A.S. http://www.bicas.org ----- Original Message ---- From: Ellie Kaszniak <misselliek(a)hotmail.com> To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org Sent: Monday, April 16, 2007 4:54:10 PM Subject: [TheThinkTank] BICAS Hiring ! BICAS (Bicycle Inter-Community Action and Salvage) hiring new staff member to join our collective. Looking for self-motivated, creative, and organized individual with a specific interest in our bicycle art programs. Teaching experience a plus. Please inquire for specifics of position or more information about our organization. 520-628-7950, www.bicas.org, bicasunderground(a)yahoo.com _________________________________________________________________ Get a FREE Web site, company branded e-mail and more from Microsoft Office Live! http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/mcrssaub0050001411mrt/direct/01/ _______________________________________________ thethinktank mailing list thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Re: [TheThinkTank] QBP Accounts
by troy neiman 16 Apr '07

16 Apr '07

we here at bicas had first a JandB account and now have a QBP account. we have been using almost strictly the QBP for the last year or so. the benifits of JB are that its easier to get an account and i think the free freight minimum is less than QBP, also they have good deals and generally are a bit cheaper. the benifits of QBP are that they have almost everything you could need for parts and tools. i have had good experiences with both companys. troy ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jonathan Morrison" To: "The Think Tank" Subject: [TheThinkTank] QBP Accounts Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2007 12:44:47 -0600 Who has one? -- Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Project Coordinator 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 _______________________________________________ thethinktank mailing list thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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BICAS Hiring !
by Ellie Kaszniak 16 Apr '07

16 Apr '07

BICAS (Bicycle Inter-Community Action and Salvage) hiring new staff member to join our collective. Looking for self-motivated, creative, and organized individual with a specific interest in our bicycle art programs. Teaching experience a plus. Please inquire for specifics of position or more information about our organization. 520-628-7950, www.bicas.org, bicasunderground(a)yahoo.com _________________________________________________________________ Get a FREE Web site, company branded e-mail and more from Microsoft Office Live! http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/mcrssaub0050001411mrt/direct/01/

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QBP Accounts
by Jonathan Morrison 16 Apr '07

16 Apr '07

Who has one? -- Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Project Coordinator 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

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bikebike bulletin board - help us plan!
by Jessica McPherson 13 Apr '07

13 Apr '07

Hey everyone, So, we want to try out a new forum for planning and discussing the BikeBike conference. Jonathan Morrison has created an online bulletin board as part of the website. You can reach it here: http://www.bikebike.org/index.php?option=com_joomlaboard&Itemid=34 and through a link on the front page of the www.bikebike.org website. its exciting contents currently include... * WORKSHOP PLANNING - A major purpose of the forum is for long-distance collaboration on workshop planning - so take a look & please contribute your ideas to the "proposed workshops" topic. * GENERAL SUGGESTIONS FOR BIKEBIKE! - if you have ideas for content that isn't a workshop, logistics, format, extra-curriculars, pretty much anything else about the conference, suggest it here. *GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT BIKEBIKE! - can be posted under this heading on the bulletin board. So come help us plan! It's gonna be great! Just to be clear for folks who have been tracking the conference for a few years now- in the past there has been an email list. We have one again this year - bikebike(a)lists.bikecollectives.org. We plan to use it mainly for announcements, and use the bulletin board for actual discussion because it is a more organized forum. We will send all announcements to this list (thethinktank) as well; the bikebike list is for people who ONLY want bikebike info. thanks! Jessica, Free Ride! Bicycle Collective ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for earth-friendly autos? Browse Top Cars by "Green Rating" at Yahoo! Autos' Green Center. http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/

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call for workshops, bike!bike! 2007
by Jessica McPherson 18 Mar '07

18 Mar '07

Hey everyone, we are sending the call out to plan workshops for Bike!Bike! 2007 - forward as appropriate! -Jessica, Free Ride Bicycle Coop WHAT IS BIKE! BIKE!? Bike!Bike! is, an annual gathering and conference of Community and Non-Profit Bike shops and projects. In 2007 the fourth annual Bike!Bike! Conference will by hosted by the Free Ride collective in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It all started in New Orleans back in 2003 when the Plan B Coop invited 50 or so people from across the country to gather and discuss, network, collaborate, brainstorm and all around geek out about their recycled bike projects. It has since grown, attracting bike projects from the U.S. and Canada. This year we at Free Ride! hope to expand the conference to be beneficial for both small bicycle cooperatives that are just starting up, as well as larger recycled bike organizations that are well established. At this time new community bike projects are starting up all across the continent and bringing new ideas and energy to the field, but there are also well-established projects with the benefit of years of experience. We hope for Bike!Bike! to provide a forum for cross-pollination to the benefit of all. For more information, see: www.bikebike.org. WHAT ARE WORKSHOPS? As in years past, this year the Bike Bike agenda will be a collaborative effort from those involved in community bike projects all across the country. We seek volunteers to lead workshops, discussions, and skill-shares on all aspects of community bike project work. To create the vibrant exchange of ideas that BikeBike has historically offered, we need a diversity of voices from different geographic regions, experience levels, organizational models, and program focus areas so step up and get involved! Topics can range from programs, community engagement, administration, fundraising, bike mechanics, etc.. Some sample ideas from the Free Ride planning committee: Youth Employment, Incorporating Arts Education, Sending Bikes Globally, Collaboration with bike advocacy organizations, Earn-A-Bike programs-(funding,curriculum etc), Bicycle Education in Schools, University Collaborations, Non-Profit Status, mechanical skills workshops (3-speeds, trailers, welding, etc.), and more. Free Rides workshop space and tools will be available. The first day of the conference will be Bike Project 101, geared towards those who are just starting out in the endeavor of building a community bike project. It will include basic workshops on topics such as: finding a space, introduction to programs (earn-a-bike, adult or kids classes, etc.), fundraising, models for organization (collective, co-op, volunteers, etc), and legal questions (insurance, non-profit affiliation, etc.). We seek members of established projects who are willing to facilitate an introductory workshop on some aspect of bike project organization on this first day of the conference. If you or your program does something particularly well- share that with the country! If theres a challenge, innovation, or issue you think is particularly relevant to bike program work- study up and offer to lead a workshop! Workshop format is at the discretion of the organizer; it may range from facilitated discussions, participatory skills-sharing, or more formal presentations by an individual or group. Please plan at a minimum to be prepared to facilitate a group discussion, and well-informed on the subject. This year we are also looking beyond the bicycling community to bring in expertise we can benefit from in community bike project work. Topics might include anti-racism training, working with youth, legal aspects, etc. Please contact us with any suggestions for topics or individuals who might be expert presenters/facilitators for such workshops. HOW DO I SUBMIT A PROPOSAL? To propose a workshop, send a brief description including subject matter, workshop format, and any facilities preferences by May 15, 2007. Please submit your name, the organization you are representing (if applicable), full contact information, one reference (professional or personal), and a short biography of yourself and/or your organization. Please submit early, so that if we have duplicate/similar proposals we can connect folks and encourage collaboration. Please send in your proposals via email to workshops(a)bike-pgh.org, and include the word Proposal in the subject line. If electronic submission is not possible, please use the mailing address listed below. Free Ride! will compile the agenda and notify people regarding the status of their proposals by July 1. Free Ride! Bike!Bike! Workshop Committee 214 N. Lexington Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 OTHER CONFERENCE PLANSGET INVOLVED! There is a bulletin board set up on the www.bikebike.org site for discussion & collaborative planning across the miles for this years conference, please visit! Free Ride!s planning committee has a short list of ideas already: a professional Anti-Racist Training, a Think Tank to work on a community bike shop presentation for Interbike, a Think Tank to work on the Community Bike Shop wiki, a hands-on project to take advantage of the convergence of good mechanics all in one place, a merch swap, and extra-curriculars like bike rides, movies, and parties. If you are interested in organizing or helping out with any of these activities, please email workshops(a)bike-pgh.org with your interests, or call Free Ride! at 412-731-4094. If you can offer help with conference basics such as food or publicity, email freeride(a)bike-pgh.org. Thanks and we look forward to hosting yinz! (thats Pittsburh-ese for you-all), Free Ride Recycled Bike Coop ____________________________________________________________________________________ Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check. Try the Yahoo! Mail Beta. http://advision.webevents.yahoo.com/mailbeta/newmail_tools.html

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us social forum .. presentation by bicycle co-op/collective folks?
by rachael spiewak 15 Mar '07

15 Mar '07

so the us social forum <http://www.ussf2007.org/> is being held in atlanta, and i just got an email about the deadline for proposals being extended. i thought, i'll run that by the bike co-op/collective folks and see if all y'all want to come up with something. if not, no worries. just thought i'd put it out there. by the way, if you're coming to the forum, you can crash with me. here's the info i got: USSF Proposals now being accepted Deadline Extended to April 27, 2007 People world-wide know that another world is needed. The Social Forum movement believes that is possible. At the US Social Forum people from all over the country will gather to think about what kind of world is needed and how we can get there. The US Social Forum is a very special kind of gathering: one that has never taken place in this country up to now. It isn't a conference with an agenda and a program of events; it's a gathering whose participants produce our own agenda and our own programs. Please help us to organize the United States Social Forum. To be successful, the Social Forum needs you, your energy and your creativity. We need you to develop a presentation, involve as many people as you can in organizing it and then explain and submit it to the Program Committee. We explain the details in the Call but keep one thing in mind: Even if you have doubts about whether an event will be approved or meets the criteria, go ahead and talk about it and try to get other organizations involved with it and then submit. The mere process of planning, thinking, talking and preliminary organizing will move you, the people you're working with and the rest of us forward. The moment you think of an idea, you are already participating in the Social Forum. Español http://www.ussf2007.org/en/node/add/content_ussf_2007_session_propos -rachael

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sopo invades berlin
by rachael spiewak 03 Mar '07

03 Mar '07

yesterday i met with the girls who are working on creating a bike cooperative in berlin. the economic and governmental structures are different, which means different things for the way they will collect money and how they may or may not register themselves, but the principles, values, philosophies, and politics, as well as the decision making processes and concerns about privilege and power reflect what i think a lot of us are more or less experiencing (not that i can speak for everyone, but i think it is a reasonable generalization). it was really great to share with them, and i am trying to convince them to come to bikebike. also, there is a european bikebike kind of thing happening this spring in italy i think. it seems that what is helpful to people i meet who want to know about sopo is to tell the whole story of how things happened (and i know that my version of the story is different from that of the other organizers), so i am thinking about writing my version down and maybe collecting the stories of others and then assembling it into a zine or some other publication. anyone got friends at ak press? haha. anyway.. i just wanted to share that we are everywhere, doing good, and making the world a better place. hooray! two wheels good, rachael

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National Bike Summit
by Jonathan Morrison 26 Feb '07

26 Feb '07

I signed up to go, is anyone else going to attend? -- Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Project Coordinator 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

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New Site design
by Jonathan Morrison 22 Feb '07

22 Feb '07

The Bike Collective Network just had a face lift.... http://www.bikecollectives.org/content/view/16/44/ -- Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Project Coordinator 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

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Collectives and Power Inequality
by Graham Stewart 20 Feb '07

20 Feb '07

I know many shops and projects out there have a policy of trying to eliminate barriers based on race, gender, age, class, etc. Part of this approach is often using a collective and consensus based decision making process. Some of this is stuff the Bike-dump is dealing with and some of it is purely hypothetical. Also, my opinions and concerns may not be the same as those shared by other people at the Bike Dump. Some questions to start discussion: 1. Who here tries to run a shop which eliminates power inequality by employing ideas like consensus based decision making within a collective? 2. How to you determine membership in the collective? How do you deal with the inside/outside nature of decision making? What if a person with an un-treated mental illness or serious addiction regularly contributes to the shop and wants to be part of decision making or be trusted with money? 3. No matter what structures exist, power heirarchies naturally seem to evolve. Often they are based on experience or skills and many people do not consider this totally bad. How do you distinguish between a power heirarchy based on experience and qualification versus one based on prejudices about gender, age, or percieved trustworthiness? Any thoughts or suggestions which fall outside my questions are welcome too. Graham at the Bike Dump

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