- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Game Changer?
by mfen651＠aol.com 02 Aug '12

02 Aug '12

Thank you all for allowing me yet one more entry onto the Bike Collectives: The Think Tank. What follows are two articles that many of you I am sure have seen, and a few of you may not have. I found it very interesting on many levels. The first level is one of a philosophical nature: Will this in fact revolutionize the bicycle world? Even more importantly, does it hold the possiblity of revolutionizing the global world of transport? On a more macro basis, does it have positive implications for what bicycle cooperative are doing now, and if so, what are they? A practical, reliable, fully serviceable $90 to $100 brand new bicycle certainly creates possibilities, but what exactly are they? So enough of my thought clouds. Here are the articles: Cycle on the Recycled: A $9 Cardboard Bike Set to Enter Production in Israel Julie Ma August 2, 2012 • 12:30 pm PDT The last time your purchased something made entirely from cardboard, chances are it was a box to pack up your belongings. While the sturdy material is perfect for moving your stuff, an inventor from Israel has figured out a way to make cardboard move you. Using nine dollars worth of materials, bicycle enthusiast Izhar Gafni has created a fully functioning, water-resistant bicycle, made, from seat to spokes, entirely of recycled cardboard. The technology makes the environmentalist's choice mode of transportation even a bit greener and easier on the wallet. The all cardboard bike is shockingly durable: it can carry riders who weigh up to 485 pounds. A layer of coating atop the cardboard shields the bike from the elements and gives the finished product the look and feel of lightweight plastic. While the cost to make the bicycle ranges from nine to twelve dollars, the manufacturer expects to sell the vehicle for sixty to ninety dollars depending on the optional addition of an electric motor. “It's going to be a game-changer in the bike world,” says Giora Kariv, an Israeli artist and a longtime friend of Gafni's who made a documentary about the project. “Like Henry Ford who made the car available to anybody, this bike is going to be cheap and available to any child in the world, including children in Africa who walk dozens of miles to school everyday.” According to Kariv's documentary, Gafni's cardboard bicycle was inspired by news that an inventor had succesfully built a cardboard canoe. Gafni's bike design was initially deemed "impossible" by three engineers, but over the course of three years, Gafni proved triumphant. He has since made four different prototypes and even created a training bike for youth using origami techniques to mold and strengthen the material. Gafni's next steps involve establishing a company to produce and distribute his cardboard creation to the world market. He's currently working with investors to have the product ready for mass-production and worldwide distribution by next year. <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/37584656?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400" height="300" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe> The CARDBOARD BICYCLE PROJECT The Cardboard Bicycle Project is a new, revolutionary and green concept that produces bicycles which are made of durable recycled cardboard. ERB is an active partner who manages all the business and financial aspects. The first commercial model of bicycles is designed for large companies as a vehicle for the employees and to large cities as a cheap, light-weight vehicle and parallel to it the electric model is being developed. The Cardboard Bicycle can withstand water and humidity, coated with a strong layer of brown and white material, making the finished product look like it is made of hard lightweight plastic and can carry riders weighing up to 220 kilograms. The cost to make the bicycle is around $9-$12 and the manufacturer expects that the cost to the consumer would be around $60-$90 depending on what parts they choose to add on. ERB leads the world wide business activity of Cardboard Bicycle in Israel and abroad. Q&A's: What was the biggest challenge in working with cardboard? The biggest challenge of the cardboard bikes development was to learn and develop a whole new know how and SWOT in regards to the Cardboard material. What did you learn from the experience? What start up nation learned: Nothing is impossible! Is it patented? All know how, working and production techniques are closed within multi claims IP. How far along is the development of the product? The development started 3 years ago, since there was no know how in regards to the Cardboard material, first 2 years were devoted to learn the properties and behavior from all aspects of engineering tools, strength calculation and analysis, and establishment of the IP that protects all this know how. Do you have a manufacturing and marketing plan already in place? We did not put together any marketing plan since we understand that this task will have to be planned with our strategic partner that we look for now. We know for sure that designing the shield with the Logo of a city, company or any entity we will gather with, will bring his power of marketing and PR that will help market the product. We have other products in our future pipeline as wheel chairs, baby carriage and more. Does the company currently have any assets? The real asset of the company is the unique know how and IP which includes all aspects of strengths and weaknesses calculations of the raw material, fire and waterproof techniques and the ability to produce almost any product such as furniture's, wheel chairs etc'. When will the company get toythe point where it is manufacturing? The Company now raises $750K that will bring the company after one year of operations to a full and detailed manufacturing plans for the first 2 platforms. The commercial bikes for companies and cities (BOM – $10, 9 KG), and the kids bike (BOM - $3, 1.5 KG). These models will be almost 100% recycled materials and will have the options of adding an electric motor. At this stage we have only the prototype for the commercial bikes as shown on the video (serial production for the adult bikes with or without the electric motor). I look forward to the conversation this might start. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration of these possibilities. Matt

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 72, Issue 3
by Laurie Hanselmann 01 Aug '12

01 Aug '12

At the Bike Depot in Denver we have a recycling service that employs developmentally disabled adults that picks up all our recycling (the city does not do this for free for businesses). We set up a deal where give them both our tires and our metal recycling, so we all break even (pretty much) and don't have to pay anything. We give our tubes to Green Guru, and they give us used tire liners they are donated. We have a good thing going on now, but it has taken years to finally find a solution for tires. The recycling places around here charge the same for a bike tire as a car tire! On Wed, Aug 1, 2012 at 12:04 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. Re: Tires (Chris Chan) > 2. Re: Tires (Mark Rehder) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2012 11:50:11 -0600 > From: Chris Chan <chris.chan(a)edmontonbikes.ca> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Tires > Message-ID: > < > CABvfKSr7Jx5sDC4CgCaP0+UFN90kNwMgJX2-umaws-9dCStSGA(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > In Alberta, the Alberta Recycling Management Authority takes tubes and > tires for rubber recycling. So we have tire recycling cages located at both > of our shops. (Part of the reason they're able to offer the service is > because of us: the retail bike shops don't throw out nearly as many tires > as us.) > > For details about how they do it (if you want to get tire recycling in your > own region), contact them. > > > http://www.albertarecycling.ca/BasicContent.aspx?id=1864&ekmensel=a681a8bf_… > > > On Wed, Aug 1, 2012 at 11:35 AM, Godwin ! <goodgodwin(a)hotmail.com> wrote: > > > ok. > > > > <http://thegodwin.ca/cantire.jpg> > > > > > > Also, I think this place actually makes money off of tube recycling: > > http://www.greengurugear.com/recycling.html > > > > > > .g > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > From: veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com > > Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2012 13:05:38 -0400 > > > > To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Tires > > > > if anyone ever figures out some way to make money collecting bicycle > > tires, one of you Canadian shops should print up some bicycle tire money. > > > > > > > > On Wed, Aug 1, 2012 at 1:01 PM, Godwin ! <goodgodwin(a)hotmail.com> wrote: > > > > For those in Canada, MEC will (or at least used to) take tires to > > recycle. I've heard that REI and even Costco have a similar program in > some > > communities in the US. > > > > .g > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2012 10:54:42 -0600 > > From: gzuphoesdown(a)gmail.com > > To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Tires > > > > > > You can burn them to heat your home in winter. They burn a long time. > > > > > > On Wed, Aug 1, 2012 at 10:52 AM, Ann Altstatt <annaltstatt(a)gmail.com > >wrote: > > > > Our local dump used to accept them in the rubber recycling-- now it's car > > tires only! We have a build up, as well. . . trying to figure out a new > > plan. > > ann > > c/o SC Bike Church > > > > On Tue, Jul 31, 2012 at 10:34 PM, mnativeone(a)gmail.com < > > mnativeone(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > > Try Les Swabb Tire dealer. > > > > Most Tire dealers Recycle them Free. > > > > Mike > > > > Bike Partners > > Olympia , WA > > > > > > > > > > *-------Original Message-------* > > > > *From:* Andrew L <breathingplanet(a)gmail.com> > > *Date:* 7/30/2012 6:02:35 PM > > *To:* The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > > *Subject:* [TheThinkTank] Tires > > > > hey all! > > > > i know this has been a thread some time ago, but i would like some > > sounding off on what folks are doing to dispose of OR upcycle spent > tires. > > > > we have a build up!! > > > > thanks for the help in advance! > > > > Andrew > > Troy Bike Rescue > > Troy, NY > > > > -- > > ------__o > > ----_`\<,_ > > ---(_)/ (_) > > andrew lynn 518-573-7947 > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To unsubscribe, send a blank email to > > TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org > > To manage your subscription, plase visit: > > > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To unsubscribe, send a blank email to > > TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org > > To manage your subscription, plase visit: > > > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To unsubscribe, send a blank email to > > TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org > > To manage your subscription, plase visit: > > > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank > email > > to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, > > plase visit: > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To unsubscribe, send a blank email to > > TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org > > To manage your subscription, plase visit: > > > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank > email > > to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, > > plase visit: > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To unsubscribe, send a blank email to > > TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org > > To manage your subscription, plase visit: > > > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > > > > -- > Christopher Chan > *Executive Director* > Edmonton Bicycle Commuters' Society > 10047 80 Ave (entrance in rear lane) > Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6E 1T4 > edmontonbikes.ca > *w:* (780) 433-2453 || *c:* (780) 700-5564 >

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Insurance
by Thomas Labenski 01 Aug '12

01 Aug '12

Hi, I'm in the process of starting up (information gathering stage) what does everyone do about liability insurance for volunteers and bikes that have been repaired? Thanks Tom L.

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Tires
by Andrew L 01 Aug '12

01 Aug '12

hey all! i know this has been a thread some time ago, but i would like some sounding off on what folks are doing to dispose of OR upcycle spent tires. we have a build up!! thanks for the help in advance! Andrew Troy Bike Rescue Troy, NY -- ------__o ----_`\<,_ ---(_)/ (_) andrew lynn 518-573-7947

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northeast - who wants/needs surplus bikes?
by Andrew L 30 Jul '12

30 Jul '12

hi Think tank, we at Troy Bike Rescue are reaching out to see if any other collectives in the northeast need bikes. we are currently taking in way more bikes than we can put out, and are bursting at the seams. our pile has been pretty well culled so there is little to no 'junk', just very usable bikes in need of repairs. we would be looking for someone to come with a trailer or moving truck and take anywhere from 10-100 bikes, depending on your need. please help by spreading the word, and be in touch by emailing me or calling the collective number at 518-FAT4TBR -- ps. dont forget! Bike!Bike! Northeast :: Troy, NY :: September 29 & 30 Andrew TBR Troy, NY -- ------__o ----_`\<,_ ---(_)/ (_) andrew lynn 518-573-7947

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Kids Programming
by MoBo Bicycle Co-op 25 Jul '12

25 Jul '12

Dear Collective Genius: MoBo runs a Kids Day program in the summer and we wanted to know how a few other co-ops ran similiar programs. Our program works like this: We are an all volunteer run program but we have a paid coordinator who runs Kids Day. It's one day a week and kids must have a parent sign a waiver form. We will work with kids to fix up their own bikes and we have an earn-a-bike program for kids who need a bike. Kids are asked to work with our gardens program to work in the gardens, including weeding, turning compost, picking fruit, planting, learning how to build an oven using solar energy--things like that. However, we have a couple questions that we are wondering if the Collective Genius could help us with. They are: 1) Our program has exploded in this, our fifth year. We normally have 15 kids a day at kids day. This year,we 've been having over 40 or 50 on site. And because we are volunteer run, we do not have enough volunteers to watch all the kids or get bikes out to every kid who wants one. Has anyone ran a program with this many kids before? The amount of kids has also lead to lots of fighting and arguing with mechanics and, sadly, bike theft. How has, or would, your organization handle this situation? We do have activities for kids to do while they wait. For example, this year two science teachers come down and do experiements with the kids and we try to get some of them to go to the Patch a Tube station to learn how to patch their own tires. 2) How do you keep your kids activties going year around? We would like to keep this going as clearly there is a huge demand that has built up over the years and through our marketing program. Most of our kids are from our neighborhood so having something like this year around gives them options for safe and fun places to be. 3) How do you encourage bike safety? Helmets are uncool with our set and although we distribute them, we find them discarded later. Because we are located in a high traffic area where many accidents do occur, we would love to encourage kids to wear helmets. Whew that's a lot! Thank you for listening and for any advice or input! Ellie Nava-Jones and Judi LoPresti Getting Kids on Bikes Enthusiasts -- MoBo Bicycle Cooperative a project of The Village Green Foundation 1415 Knowlton St. Cincinnati, OH www.mobobicyclecoop.org

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Please help if you can.
by Plan B 24 Jul '12

24 Jul '12

Okay y'all, here's the deal. http://outdoors.maker.good.is/projects/bikeproject We're in the running for a $5,000 vote based grant. If we get it, we're giving away 100 re-cycled bikes along with lights, patch kits, and a basic maintenance class. We're teaming up with our local advocacy group ( www.bikeasy.org )for the selection process to make sure it goes to the needy and underserved of New Orleans. We have been fluctuating between #1 and #4 out of 115 entries. The grant is supposed to be for "Social justice in the outdoors". Not to shit talk, but currently in first place is "The Epitome Project", which is noble, BUT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE OUTDOORS. I really don't mind if the garden project or the rock climbing project win, but the fact that project to fund musicians on the other side of the planet is in a dead heat with projects that do work with much larger local impact (and actually fit the grant competition category) is a little bothersome. Could you vote for us (or whoever you think will do the most good with the money?) The easiest way is with facebook. Doing it with email is fine too, but you have to confirm your vote afterwards. Here's the link again. http://outdoors.maker.good.is/projects/bikeproject Their website can be a little sluggish at times. Please be patient. Also, if you could spread the word, I'd really, really love y'all for it! Just cut and paste on your Facebook platform! See you at BikeBikeX in New Orleans 2013!!!!!!!! Thanks so much for reading this!!!! <http://outdoors.maker.good.is/projects/bikeproject> -- Victor Pizarro Project Organizer Plan B, The New Orleans Community Bike Project

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Bike Valet/Bike Parking services hourly rates?
by Ryan Kragerud 18 Jul '12

18 Jul '12

Bicycle Longmont jumped into the Bike Valet service field in 2010. Last year it really took off and this year is no exception. We are currently being asked to provide this service (previously for free) at many special events. We currently offer this service for free at Longmont's Farmers' Market where we park upwards to 175 bikes every saturday between 7am & 1pm. We don't have the volunteer capacity to handle all the events that are requesting our highly successful service. Also since providing the service it appears bike parking is becoming a "communitywide value". At any rate, like you, we're a cash strapped 501c3 and wondered who of the ThinkTank are charging for this service and what are your rates? Afterall it takes time and money to do good in the neighborhood! BTW we'd continue providing the Farmers' Market for free but would require anyone wanting to work a special event to have prior experience volunteering with our Farmers' Market, first. Thanks, Ryan Kragerud - President Bicycle Longmont

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Shop software
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 16 Jul '12

16 Jul '12

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The true test of society is how well it treats its prisoners and old people.
by Jonathan Morrison 13 Jul '12

13 Jul '12

"By pedaling the prison's stationary bikes, the inmates charge a battery that's used to power 10 street lamps along the town's riverside promenade. For every three eight-hour days they spend on the bikes, [they] get one day shaved off their sentences." http://news.yahoo.com/inmates-brazilian-jail-cycle-freedom-165006870.html Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison c: 801-688-0183

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