Orlando Bicycle Collective

The project referred to as the "Orlando Bicycle Collective" is an effort, by cyclists and other community activists to make more accessible bicycles, tools and the knowhow required to maintain a bike - especially to those marginalized by the cost of bicycles and bike repair, as well as those marginalized by inexperience or the general patriarchal nature of most bicycle shops. "Orlando Bicycle Collective" is not the name of the collective (as we've yet to decide on a name). We intend to be "education-based" with showing "customers" how to fix their bikes. As such, we will have tools and parts available, as well as "build/earn a bike" programs and bicycle maintenance workshops. We hope, once the place is open, to be a positive influence on the community.

We do this because for a multitude of reasons. Broadly speaking, bicycles are far more environmentally friendly than the modes of transportation we, as a society, are inexorably reliant on. Similarly, bicycles still fill up landfills and are all-too-commonly unused due to disrepair. However, whether due to financial ability, comfort issues, prior experiences, access to tools, access to transportation, etc. many bikes are not taken to shops or otherwise fixed at home; still many other people want bikes, yet have not the means/resources to obtain them. Worst of all are the wealth of tools, knowhow, ability, parts, organizing power, etc. of the local bicycle community, and that these needs have not been met sooner! This project aims to pair some peoples' needs with others' abilities.

The Plan:

Currently, we're raising funds to rent a adequately-sized space in a central location to house this project. We've got a bevy of fundraisers coming up, including a 'Capture the Flag' themed bicycle event downtown, a 'Bike Hunx' 09-10 calendar, buttons, and other tabling events. In the meantime, we're collecting tools, storage bins, parts, and other necessities until we open the space, that way we'll have all our "ducks in a row," so to speak, once we get the place and can waste no time at all getting started (especially while paying rent).

This is a collective effort:

This project will be run collectively, or, in other words, non-heirarchically, where all involved will have an equal say in the workings of the place. It will be staffed by volunteers, and there will be regularized collective meetings. Decisions will be made using the consensus decision-making process. This is, essentially, the most egalitarian process, stressing involvement by all and mediation of minority opinions. We've agreed that a (yet, quantifiably undefined strong majority) will be required to pass proposals, after mediation of any dissident opinions.

How to Help:

Come out to a meeting! Since the collective isn't open, yet, this is the best way to get involved. Check out our temporary blog (beardlessgrapevan.blogspot.com) for updates on the project. Also we're accepting monetary and equipment donations.

Wishlist:

Bike Stuff:
-Spare/used bicycle parts
-Spare bike locks
-New/Still useable bicycle inner tubes (all sizes will be necessary, we'll probably need a lot of 26")
-A bike rack
-Hooks to hang up bikes

Tools:
-Cone wrenches
-Air compressor
-Truing stand
-Spoke wrenches
-Box wrenches
-Freewheel tools
-Ratchet sets
-Hammer
-Grease
-Chain lube
-Degreaser

Other Stuff:
-Wood (for shelves)
-Pegboard
-Clipboard
-3-Ring Binder
-Work tags
-Whiteboard
-Dry erase markers
-Sharpies
-Pens
-Work bench
-Desk