R.I.P. Sheldon Brown

Sheldon Brown 1944 - 2008

1/18/08 Community Bike Project Minutes

Community Bike Project Minutes – 1/31/08
In attendance: Geoff Beyer, Stan Brinkerhoff, Madeline Sharrow, Colin Gunn, Alec Hill, Scott

Q&A with Geoff about the last program in Montpelier:
-    They aimed to keep 12 out, and generally had 8 out at a time. 12 or more is important to maintain a “critical mass” where bikes are visible and available.
-    They had a relationship with the High School that supported teen ownership of the project.
-    The signs were made in a prison-based factory.
-    Workers could get hooked into the project through Diversion or the Dept. of Labor.

Funding for a potential part-time staff:
-    Mostly for coordinating youth involvement.
-    We’ll make up an application for a Mazur grant.
o    Geoff and Scott will write up a draft
o    Geoff will talk to Community Connections folk
o    Colin will talk to ETM Bike Group about possible cooperation
-    Vermont Community Fund was mentioned as a future possible funding source

Physical aspects of the project:
-    Freeride folks will look into thorn-resistant tires and tubes
-    The idea of a trailer on one of the community bikes, or rental/borrow trailer was brought up
-    Drop point rack location brainstorm: bus stop, library, city hall, food coop, state house.

Vision:
-    Stan will start a draft, to be revised over email

No next meeting time was set. Plans were made to research weather for a warm, bright day when skylights won’t be covered in snow to dig through our stockpile to find bikes and parts for the project.