- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 184, Issue 2
by Dylan Horne 07 Feb '22

07 Feb '22

Here are the reference sheets we provide for Earn A BIke folks. -Dylan On Wed, Feb 2, 2022 at 4:03 PM < thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> wrote: > Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to > thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > thethinktank-owner(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." > Today's Topics: > > 1. Earn A Bike Programs (Dylan Horne) > 2. Re: Earn A Bike Programs (cyclista(a)inventati.org) > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Dylan Horne <dylanrosshorne(a)gmail.com> > To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2022 06:13:47 -0500 > Subject: [TheThinkTank] Earn A Bike Programs > Hi Y'all, > > At The Pedal Factory in Salisbury, NC, we developed a worksheet for > Earn-A-Bike folks to work through (attached). The worksheet guides them > through our shop mission, basic bike maintenance skills, how to select a > bike, learning the parts of the bike and common tools, as well as safe > riding techniques. They also complete 3 volunteer tasks around the shop, as > their sweat equity contribution. Depending on the need for that day, it > could be cleaning up, sorting parts, unloading the trailer, moving bikes, > or whatever special task might need to be done. They also breakdown one > bike, usually a junker, to get salvageable parts for our used parts > inventory, and to introduce them to turning wrenches. It's much easier to > have people take bikes apart than to try and teach each of them the ins and > outs of fixing up whole bikes. > > We have volunteers prepare bikes that are potential earn-a-bikes, usually > department store bikes that we value around $100. More expensive bikes can > be earned, but the participant must volunteer additional hours/tasks to > make up the difference, or pay the difference. The volunteers get the bikes > to 90-95% ready to go, so that we can check over the bike with the > Earn-A-Bike participant and fix a thing or two and get them on their way. > Once the worksheet is completed, the participant earns their chosen bike, a > helmet, lights and a lock. We take each person on a safety ride to insure > safe riding techniques and to answer additional questions. > > Folks must sign up for Earn-A-Bikes and we have two slots each open shop > day for Earn-A-Bikes. About 60% of people actually come back for their > allotted time. Having folks sign up helps us to manage our time, as well as > reducing the amount of folks that just want to walk in and get a free bike. > We tell folks that it takes 6-8 hours to complete (2 shop days), but some > folks are really proficient and can finish it in 4 hours or so. > > Before this, we had a set amount of volunteer hours that must be > completed to earn a bike. We decided to switch to the worksheet to keep > folks focused on what they needed to accomplish, increasing most folks' > ability to work independently. We also created some reference materials > that contain the answers to the worksheets, so folks have a nice laminated > guide to go by. When we had an hour based system, a lot of staff and > volunteer time was spent trying to get people focused on productive things > instead of just waiting to get the hours. > > We have a similar program for youth, with a similar worksheet that they > work through. We don't require youth to complete volunteer tasks or > breakdown bikes, but some participate in these ways voluntarily. > > In 2021, 88 people completed earn-a-bikes. The worksheet system was really > helpful in delivering uniform requirements and expectations for all > participants. It also provides a great way for us to track the demographics > and how many people utilize this service. > > Thanks, > Dylan > > -- > Dylan Horne, Ph.D. > They / Them > freewheelingdylan.wordpress.com > > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: cyclista(a)inventati.org > To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Wed, 02 Feb 2022 16:26:58 +0000 > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Earn A Bike Programs > Dylan, I love the idea of a worksheet to keep participants focused and a > workbook to reference for basic things; having basic reference > materials, for instance hanging at each workstand, could also de-center > the instructor in potentially useful ways. > > Are the reference materials handy to upload as well? That would be > interesting to see. > > ~cyclista Nicholas > > On 2022-02-02 11:13, Dylan Horne wrote: > > Hi Y'all, > > > > At The Pedal Factory in Salisbury, NC, we developed a worksheet for > > Earn-A-Bike folks to work through (attached). The worksheet guides them > > through our shop mission, basic bike maintenance skills, how to select > > a > > bike, learning the parts of the bike and common tools, as well as safe > > riding techniques. They also complete 3 volunteer tasks around the > > shop, as > > their sweat equity contribution. Depending on the need for that day, it > > could be cleaning up, sorting parts, unloading the trailer, moving > > bikes, > > or whatever special task might need to be done. They also breakdown one > > bike, usually a junker, to get salvageable parts for our used parts > > inventory, and to introduce them to turning wrenches. It's much easier > > to > > have people take bikes apart than to try and teach each of them the ins > > and > > outs of fixing up whole bikes. > > > > We have volunteers prepare bikes that are potential earn-a-bikes, > > usually > > department store bikes that we value around $100. More expensive bikes > > can > > be earned, but the participant must volunteer additional hours/tasks to > > make up the difference, or pay the difference. The volunteers get the > > bikes > > to 90-95% ready to go, so that we can check over the bike with the > > Earn-A-Bike participant and fix a thing or two and get them on their > > way. > > Once the worksheet is completed, the participant earns their chosen > > bike, a > > helmet, lights and a lock. We take each person on a safety ride to > > insure > > safe riding techniques and to answer additional questions. > > > > Folks must sign up for Earn-A-Bikes and we have two slots each open > > shop > > day for Earn-A-Bikes. About 60% of people actually come back for their > > allotted time. Having folks sign up helps us to manage our time, as > > well as > > reducing the amount of folks that just want to walk in and get a free > > bike. > > We tell folks that it takes 6-8 hours to complete (2 shop days), but > > some > > folks are really proficient and can finish it in 4 hours or so. > > > > Before this, we had a set amount of volunteer hours that must be > > completed to earn a bike. We decided to switch to the worksheet to keep > > folks focused on what they needed to accomplish, increasing most folks' > > ability to work independently. We also created some reference materials > > that contain the answers to the worksheets, so folks have a nice > > laminated > > guide to go by. When we had an hour based system, a lot of staff and > > volunteer time was spent trying to get people focused on productive > > things > > instead of just waiting to get the hours. > > > > We have a similar program for youth, with a similar worksheet that they > > work through. We don't require youth to complete volunteer tasks or > > breakdown bikes, but some participate in these ways voluntarily. > > > > In 2021, 88 people completed earn-a-bikes. The worksheet system was > > really > > helpful in delivering uniform requirements and expectations for all > > participants. It also provides a great way for us to track the > > demographics > > and how many people utilize this service. > > > > Thanks, > > Dylan > > > > ____________________________________ > > > > The ThinkTank mailing List > > > > Unsubscribe from this list here: > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o… > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > -- Dylan Horne, Ph.D. They / Them freewheelingdylan.wordpress.com

1 0

National Safety Policy
by eric＠bikeerie.org 03 Feb '22

03 Feb '22

Hello Fellow Tankers, On the League of American Bicyclists <https://bikeleague.org/content/top-12-actions-national-roadway-safety-strat…> website there is a posting on a future policy on the National Safety Policy. When the new president started talking about Build Back Better my thoughts went to bike lanes, education, safety infrastructure, etc. Not too sure if or when any of that will occur. The important event that I wanted to get out to everyone is the League is providing a webinar on the details on implementation. I couldn’t find anything for a link to it except on Instagram as shown below: Thank you to all the keep this forum going. Eric Brozell BikeErie.org BOD

1 0

Earn A Bike Programs
by Dylan Horne 02 Feb '22

02 Feb '22

Hi Y'all, At The Pedal Factory in Salisbury, NC, we developed a worksheet for Earn-A-Bike folks to work through (attached). The worksheet guides them through our shop mission, basic bike maintenance skills, how to select a bike, learning the parts of the bike and common tools, as well as safe riding techniques. They also complete 3 volunteer tasks around the shop, as their sweat equity contribution. Depending on the need for that day, it could be cleaning up, sorting parts, unloading the trailer, moving bikes, or whatever special task might need to be done. They also breakdown one bike, usually a junker, to get salvageable parts for our used parts inventory, and to introduce them to turning wrenches. It's much easier to have people take bikes apart than to try and teach each of them the ins and outs of fixing up whole bikes. We have volunteers prepare bikes that are potential earn-a-bikes, usually department store bikes that we value around $100. More expensive bikes can be earned, but the participant must volunteer additional hours/tasks to make up the difference, or pay the difference. The volunteers get the bikes to 90-95% ready to go, so that we can check over the bike with the Earn-A-Bike participant and fix a thing or two and get them on their way. Once the worksheet is completed, the participant earns their chosen bike, a helmet, lights and a lock. We take each person on a safety ride to insure safe riding techniques and to answer additional questions. Folks must sign up for Earn-A-Bikes and we have two slots each open shop day for Earn-A-Bikes. About 60% of people actually come back for their allotted time. Having folks sign up helps us to manage our time, as well as reducing the amount of folks that just want to walk in and get a free bike. We tell folks that it takes 6-8 hours to complete (2 shop days), but some folks are really proficient and can finish it in 4 hours or so. Before this, we had a set amount of volunteer hours that must be completed to earn a bike. We decided to switch to the worksheet to keep folks focused on what they needed to accomplish, increasing most folks' ability to work independently. We also created some reference materials that contain the answers to the worksheets, so folks have a nice laminated guide to go by. When we had an hour based system, a lot of staff and volunteer time was spent trying to get people focused on productive things instead of just waiting to get the hours. We have a similar program for youth, with a similar worksheet that they work through. We don't require youth to complete volunteer tasks or breakdown bikes, but some participate in these ways voluntarily. In 2021, 88 people completed earn-a-bikes. The worksheet system was really helpful in delivering uniform requirements and expectations for all participants. It also provides a great way for us to track the demographics and how many people utilize this service. Thanks, Dylan -- Dylan Horne, Ph.D. They / Them freewheelingdylan.wordpress.com

3 2

Volunteer Management Technology
by Bayley VanderCrowd 31 Jan '22

31 Jan '22

Hi Thinktank! I’d like to share how we track our volunteers and see how others track them. We’re looking for something more integrated. Are there any commercial off the shelf software you use? Maybe we’re missing something easier and better. With that said, Vélocity Bicycle Coop in Alexandria Virginia does the following: -We use a Google form for volunteer shifts. -We use a Slack channel to communicate to the others when we’ll be volunteering -We use Meetup.com for volunteer nights. (If anyone is interested in setting up a meetup group for free, we have a free group to giveaway. Just LMK!) -We use a Google form to track what hours volunteers have performed. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. Thank you everyone! Bayley Vanderpoel Board Member Velocity Bicycle Coop Alexandria, VA -- Bayley Vanderpoel VéloCity Bicycle Cooperative Bayley.Vanderpoel(a)velocitycoop.org 703-863-4464

3 2

Hiring: Bike Church in Santa Cruz, CA
by Bike Church Santa Cruz 26 Jan '22

26 Jan '22

Hi all, We are hiring! Our shop is run collectively, everyone is paid the same, which is $15 an hour, and this is only a part time opportunity, about 6-20 hours per week. Just thought I'd throw it out there and see if anyone is in town and looking for a part-time labor of love. :) See full description here: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/npo/d/santa-cruz-community-bicycle-shop-hi… If interested please apply by February 1. Thanks! Nik

1 0

Job Opening: Community Programs Manager at Working Bikes in Chicago
by Anna Henschel 25 Jan '22

25 Jan '22

Hi Everyone, After 3 wonderful years at Working Bikes I'll be leaving my post as Community Programs Manager at Working Bikes at the end of February and looking for something great to take over the position. The position involves working with and instructing a big group of incredibly dedicated and hardworking volunteers, managing the local donation program (last year we fixed up and donated 1348 bikes for Chicagoans!), helping to coordinate the shipment of bikes to international partners (over 6500 in 2021!), planning community events, and more. The CPM works with other staff to help support all aspects of the organization and is a very well supported position. There's always something new going on, so there's never a dull day. The position is full time, Tuesday-Saturday, and comes with great benefits. Health insurance, paid holidays, vacation, and sick time! I wouldn't be leaving the job if I could find a way to take it with me on my cross country move, but alas, that's not an option. Take a look at job description linked below and feel free to reach out if you have any questions Community Programs Manager <https://workingbikes.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Community-Programs-Mana…> Anna -- *Anna Henschel, Community Programs Manager, Working Bikes* 2434 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60608 773-657-8419 Pronouns: She/Her/Hers anna(a)workingbikes.org

2 1

Job Opportunity: Bike Mechanic and Program Director
by lori newton 25 Jan '22

25 Jan '22

Hey everyone, The Windsor Bike Kitchen is seeking a shop manager and program director to help us deliver on our vision of more people cycling for everyday transportation in Windsor-Essex. The successful candidate will have a passion for cycling, possess solid wrenching skills, and have a desire to connect community through outreach and the delivery of our cycling programs. The position is full time, currently Tuesday to Saturday — paying $20/hr with generous health benefits and access to transportation. We’re located in Canada’s southernmost region on the south side of the Detroit River. We’ll keep the application open until the position is filled. You can check us out here: https://bikewindsoressex.com/the-bike-kitchen-is-hiring-2/ <https://bikewindsoressex.com/the-bike-kitchen-is-hiring-2/> Thanks everybody, wishing you all the best in 2022! Lori Newton (she/her) Executive Director Bike Windsor Essex + The Bike Kitchen www.bikewindsoressex.com 628 Monmouth Road Windsor, ON N8Y 3L1 226.216.5200

1 0

Bicycle disaster response teams
by Collapsing Biosphere 17 Jan '22

17 Jan '22

Hello hello! I live in North Carolina where hurricanes are increasing in force and reach. I'm looking for any stories or practical advice related to organizing bicycle based disaster response teams. -- I've read all available information on the Disaster Relief Trials in the Pacific Northwest. -- I've found a few stories from post-hurricane Sandy, Harvey, and Ida. -- I've NOT been able to find practical information/theory on the actual use of bicycles in post-hurricane, fire, or flood situation. If anyone would like to open this conversation with me I'd be very grateful. Disaster Relief Trials - https://scholarsbank.uoregon.edu/xmlui/handle/1794/18475 International bicycle rider solidarity, Joshua

2 1

Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 183, Issue 5
by Lawrence Mohammed 17 Jan '22

17 Jan '22

If it's helpful....here's how our gift economy model has evolved * Idea #1 [there was no external support or funding at this stage - just me running an experiment on my weekends] o This was literally a large mason jar where people could donate after having received a bike service or a lesson in bike maintenance (originally, there were four courses; intro, basic, intermediate, advanced) o I didn't differentiate between parts (many new) or labour o Results + Takings after 8months (weekends only) came to around £2000, once parts were factored in, this more than halved + Only those well versed with cycling (and some mechanical knowledge) knew the value of servicing. The perceived value of maintenance training varied even more widely + Some people HATED the donation jar and idea of 'pay what you feel', some loved it. Most people who hated it appeared time poor and cash rich [I felt they wanted a simple transaction] * Idea #2 [now with some funding] o parts had to be paid for, even used parts [these have been fully cleaned, inspected, lubed/etc and where necessary - fitted, test ridden and removed - i.e not just a box of random parts that have been stripped and left] o there was now a bank account [people were given details and left to pay as and when they felt like it and how much they felt] o Results + A glass jar gave pressure for people for give then and there, also some people don't use cash (others only use cash) - for those who use cash, this has and will always be acceptable too + I refused to ask people to tick boxes on what disability they had or what ethnic group or sexual orientation or age they were...for same reasons previously given + Gifting roughly doubled * Idea #3 [how it's been running for the last couple years] o We have a 'value list' for servicing and training clearly laid out on the door of the workshop and (less clearly!) on the website o People pay what and when they feel called to. There are no demands for payment. If people ask why we operate this way, I explain about 'gift economics' and sharing economies (the workshop is adjacent to some of the most expensive bits of real estate in London - yet also within 15minutes walk of some of the poorest with 2nd highest rate of homelessness and child deprivation in the whole country) o If people haven't gifted anything and said they would, I will sometimes send them an email or call a few weeks later. Sometimes they've forgotten, sometimes they just won't want to gift anything...in almost five years of trading, a only a few people have done this. We're known as the highest quality bike servicing enterprise in the area (we've serviced bikes for Olympic Medal winners) and our training is also second to none o We also have Paypal (linked to our account) and Coupay. We are considering adding a crypto account for Etherium and Bitcoin when the business scales up o Results + From servicing, _we take roughly 85-90% of what a 'normal' workshop would make_. We gift bikes to victims of crime whenever we can (building up bikes from scratch is good practice for volunteers) and our community knows and likes what we do with many high earners 'overpaying' for the value of services and many people gifting parts and offering to gift skills and services (which often, we can gift on by bridging community connections) + We're the ONLY workshop that has not yet been broken into in the area. + Funding largely comes from revenue, not grants/donations, but this is good as it doesn't require intensive form filling....we are looking at digitising impact measurement and added value though In service, *Lawrence Mohammed* CEO and Founder Pro Bike Service C.I.C. *+44 (0)77 222 58587* *probikeservice.co.uk <https://probikeservice.co.uk>* /::Olympic Park Site:: Pro Bike Service C.I.C. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Canalside, Hackney Bridge London E15 2SJ *map location <https://what3words.com/cuts.porch.logic>* / On 14/01/2022 21:03, thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org wrote: > Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to > thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > thethinktank-owner(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Earn-a-Bike Programs (Nicole Muratore) > (cyclista(a)inventati.org) > 2. Re: Budget Bikes (cyclista(a)inventati.org) > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

1 0

Budget Bikes
by Josh Bisker 13 Jan '22

13 Jan '22

Look, me and Mac Liman are in Vice! Mostly Mac :) https://www.vice.com/en/article/wxdgq9/mechanics-ask-walmart-major-bike-man… If you missed it, here’s an article I wrote about this subject in 2021. I’m working on another one to try to publish soon! https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2021/03/24/opinion-how-the-budget-bike-trap-cre… -- Josh Bisker | 914-500-9890 | Executive Director, Mechanical Gardens Bike Co-op <http://bikecoop.nyc/> 2022 Donation Drive is ON! Support Bike Equity in NYC Today! <http://bikecoop.nyc/donate> Funkrust Brass Band <http://funkrust.com/> | Kessel Run Radio Show on Maker Park Radio <https://makerparkradio.nyc/shows/the-kessel-run-w-joshjoshjosh/>

2 1