Josh's number 3 point is essential. Especially if your open hours are going to divide your core members. If you can afford to, start with fewer hours and then ramp up. Just so all your early members are working together and its easy to work things out as they happen, rather than at a weekly, or monthly meeting.

and... (this is an odd one) eat together.
have a weekly dinner, or lunch, for everyone at the shop. spending time together without an immediate bicycle-purpose is huge. You will retain volunteers better, they will work better together, and little grievances will get worked out without even trying.

Anibal.
BikeSauce, Toronto.


On Wed, Oct 17, 2012 at 2:27 PM, Matt VanSlyke <vanslyke.matthew@gmail.com> wrote:
These are great tips, particularly since I'm in the "exploratory phase" of starting a community shop here in New York state. We have a few good models, obviously one of them being Troy/Albany. 

Bicycling and bicycle retail in NY is somewhat seasonal, but I wonder if the work of community bike shops is too. I assume the answer I'll hear is "I wish I could take a break in the winter..." But maybe not. Is this a seasonal operation for those of you in the snow belt?

Matt V.


On Oct 17, 2012, at 12:57 PM, Nancy Stimson <freewheelinbikes@gmail.com> wrote:

I would make funding a director a really, really high priority.

Nancy Stimson, Executive Director

Freewheelin' Community Bikes
3355 Central Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46205


Retail shop:
Phone:  926-5440
Hours:  10-6, Tuesday-Friday, 10-4 on Saturday
CLOSED Sunday and Monday


On Oct 17, 2012, at 7:24 AM, Stewart Vanns <stewartvanns@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi,
We are in the process of setting up a community cycle project in south east London, Uk.

I just wondered if you guys & gals could pop down 3 top tips you learnt in your set up phase to help us avoid the common pitfalls.

We are planning to build a not for profit enterprise, with a 5 year business plan, focusing on recycling donated bikes, repairing bikes and doing this with young people and young adults.

The bikes will be given to trainees or sold very cheaply to local residents of low income.

We also plan to do outreach work at local schools to educate children in basic cycle maintenance.

We have funding, a venue and a steady flow of interested people.

Thanks in advance,

Stewart
Burgess community cycleworks.

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