article about 'bike collective network'
Jim Baross
BikeBike
By Erok Boerer
PREVIEW
ero...@bike-pgh.org
Fueled by the rising cost of gasoline and the
gutting of public transit, more people are
choosing to transport their bodies using their
own renewable human power. Since bikes aren’t the
common, everyday method of most in the US, there
is some apprehension on getting started, as well
as dropping a couple hundred bucks on a new ride.
Many people then search out a used bike, but most
don’t know where to start, mechanically or
otherwise. Taking advantage of the throw-away
American culture while subsequently meeting the
rising demand for used bicycles and friendly
advice, community bike shops have been spreading
like wildfire across US cities.
Part outreach, part greasy workspace, there is no
cookie-cutter way to describe a community bike
shop. Every city has its own local flair, and
this is reflected in their given shop.
According to the Bike Collective Network, a
community bike shop may include some or all of these traits:
• Non-profit bicycle organizations
• Shops that are accessible to people without money
• Shops that have an educational focus, teaching others how to fix bikes
• Shops that are volunteer run
• Organizations that ship bikes to communities
suffering from first world colonialism and its effects
• Shops that provide free or low-cost services to the community
• Organizations that recycle bicycles and parts
Several years ago, it became obvious that there
were a number of community shops sprouting up
around the country, and pretty much re-inventing
the wheel each time. Some particularly astute
folks from New Orlean’s Plan B Bike Shop decided
to organize 2004’s Bike Bike Conference, the
first ever convergence of these similar projects,
minds, and DIY sensibilities. Workshops varied
from basic “how to” nuts and bolts type of stuff
to more heady, but equally important “combating
racism and sexism” discussions and workshops.
With the addition of rides and social events the
overall conference has a celebratory vibe, and is
a great way for new folks to get inspired, and
the cynical older folks (like myself) to get
re-inspired to continue with this worthwhile
work. Out of these convergences, the Bike
Collective Network hath sprung, with the mission
of linking up the various groups and sharing knowledge.
Now in it’s fourth year, the Bike Bike Conference
(August 10-12, 2007), will make its first East
Coast appearance in Pittsburgh, hosted by the
Free Ride Bike Collective. Although registration
is appreciated, the conference is open to all.
Efforts are being made to make sure that there is
something for everyone, whether you’re thinking
about starting a shop, you’re involved in a shop
that’s been doing it for years and want some
fresh ideas, or you just want to share and
network. Since Free Ride doesn’t know everything,
all interested parties are encouraged to
contribute to this collaborative effort If there
is a subject that you feel particularly
enlightened and want to share what you’ve
learned, please consider hosting or facilitating a workshop or discussion.
No matter how great you think bikes are and that
they have the potential to save the world, it is
sometimes hard to admit that the bike industry is
still an industry, and will succumb to the same
corporate consumer model as washing machine and
automobile companies. Our community bike shops
are an important component in the charge to turn
the bicycle into an inexpensive, practical, and
simple method that almost anyone can use. Many
consider us the “gateway drug” of the bicycle world.
If you are thinking of attending or would like to
host a workshop, please check out the Bike Bike website.
Web Resources
Bike Bike
www.bikebike.org
The Bike Collective Network
www.bikecollectives.org
Free Ride!
www.freeridepgh.org
Plan B Bike Project
planb.bikeproject.org