Pacific Northwest - Pierce County bike co-op?

Just tossing a line out. Would anyone be interested in a co-op in the Puyallup Tacoma area? I have been contemplating organizing one for a year or so now. I have talked to several people about it lately and it seems like things are lining up that would allow it to happen soon. I'd really be interested in talking to anyone that would like to get involved or has any experience in such things. I already have a loose business plan and some curriculum for education. I am also collecting tools and parts. I have some community connections as well and experience with non profits. Any feed back?

Thanks,
Kelly D.

Yeah I think I might be interested and one guy I work with might be too. Contact me by private message

This sounds like a very good idea...would be interested to learn more...might be able to assist in accounting aspect.

I would definitely be interested in volunteering somehow... Now sure how but yeah lol. Sounds like a great idea!

-Grant

Kelly sorry I haven't gotten back to you but I'm still intersted also

Oh boy!! Some responses! I will take this oppurtunity to give you all an idea of my idea (nothing new of course). First and foremost it would be a place where people could come and work on their own bikes. So getting a repair stand or 2 and some tools are big deal. Next idea would be a place that kids or poor adults could earn-a-bike. I would not want to sell much stuff because I dont want to hurt the local shops. However I feel that there are alot of people who just trash a perfectly good bike because of flats or lack of maintenance. I would also like to host classes on maintenance and safety. Maybe host community events to increase awareness. Maybe even club rides and trail maintanance. Who knows. The sky is the limit! Care to add any ideas? Sound off! If anyone would like to meet or talk on the telly just pm me and we'll hook up!

Thanks,
Kelly D.

I'm in King county....but it sounds cool. I'd possibly come down for classes now and then.

Great ideas K505. May I add another one - a higher end service...such as rebuilding/restoring beat up bikes to look new or unique (than original look). I haven't heard of such service yet here in Washington.

That would be cool zen ride!

I think it should be Tacoma based to draw more publicity.

I have tossed and turned over where I should try to get this thing going. I recently moved to Puyallup and am kinda car free. Tacoma seems like the logical place but it is kinda far from me. I don't like riding to Tacoma and the buses suck! I called on a few store fronts in Puyallup and they all seem to be around $1200 a month for about 1000sq' . Ouch! If I were to go to T-town I would prefer to locate in the Stadium District, Downtown by the UW or maybe the Proctor district. I dont think Rainier bikes would like that but oh well. Any opinions?
And as response to the previous post about restoring and or customizing bikes......That would be fun. I enjoy "recreating" bikes myself. I am gonna try a tall bike next! Anyways.......that is all for now!

Thanks,
Kelly D

Yeah I hear ya!

Those are the places that came to my mind as well... Won't be cheap either but you never know!

I bet the bike shops would take to it decently maybe they could even get involved. It's not like there would be any dura-ace equipped road bikes for sale or fancy campy parts in glass cases... You couldn't steal too much business lol. If it went with more of an old bike resto/history museum/community involvement/charity/fun rat roddy theme then I think there would be lots of positive energy flowin! Offering different services than any other bike shop around, finding a "nitch" would be the key to it's success.

Something like this but obviously not so grimy and unorganized so it appeals to the general public.

http://www.rat-patrol.org/Lab.html (http://www.rat-patrol.org/Lab.html)

this is awesome too

http://www.ohiocitycycles.org/

You may want to post a link to this thread in the Living Car Free forums so there can be some more input. Those people are pretty bright. I should be 100% Car Free tomorrow! Woo-Hoo! Cheers,

I recently exchanged a few e-mails with Jim Sheehan at Ohio city cycles. Super nice guy and really gives some great insite on doing a co op. One of the concerns is insurance both if someone works on a bike in your shop and if kids or needy adults fix up a bike there is the always present possibility of a law suit so there is liability insurance. They don't sell retail stuff if I remember correctly but if you e-mail him he has a lot of good how to tips and from what I recall they have bike shops they routinely send people for parts and service. They have sponsors they work with and they give classes too. They seem really well organized and look like they are a pretty big concern. Its a really good site give it a look. I think something is the Puyallup valley would work pretty well cause you can draw for not only Puyallup but Sumner, Orting, Bonney Lake, even Fife and T town itself.

I really like the idea of the museum, retro, community thing. I also like the rat bike idea but as a safety concern I would be inclined to allow only adults with waivers partake in any of that goodness.
As far as the insurance is involved I am strongly considering have the nonprofit under the umbrella of the YMCA. I work for a Y youth outreach program in Puyallup and also volunteer for the Trips for Kids outfit in Tacoma (at the Tacoma Center Y) so it might just fit well within the Y which would take care of a lot of problems. They just started an "Activate America" campaign to combat Americas steadily increasing weight and steadily declining health. I think a program empowering people to commute (or at least get to the Y) by bike would fit in nicely .
As a side note. Have any of you ever been to the Y on South Hill? They have over 20,000 members and not enough parking. They are going to pave over 2 retention ponds at a cost of $10-$15,000 per parking spot! Does that make any sense? Why would you drive to the Y to work out? Most people sit on those machines doing cardio for an half hour anyways. Why not ride and get a real quality workout? (I have brought this to their attention a week after they consigned the bike rack to the sidewalk after it was under cover. Grr.....)
Back on topic. The only problem is they don't like starting risky projects so I would have to come up with the funding and the place myself. I would also need to come up with butt loads of proof that these things are all over the place and are highly sustainable and valued in their communities. Geez.....Now I got myself worked up on this Y parking thing and it has cluttered my train of thought. That’s all I have for now!

Thanks,
Kelly D.

I think I may have found a place! After getting dissapointed about the cost of commercial real estate I just about gave up. Then it dawned on me that on my daily commute there is an old storefront sitting empty downtown Puyallup. It's been empty awhile and even has a broken window. I don't know why it didn't click till yesterday. Anyways, I have done some work for the gentleman that owns it so when I find his # or see him around town I'll be all over him like stink on you know what!

Yippee!!
Kelly D.

I hope it would have a positive turn out...good luck!

That sucks about the Y... I go to the Morgan Family Branch in Tacoma and it seems to have just enough space... More should bike to it though!

The place you found sounds cool, it seems like downtown Puyallup could draw a good group! Let us know how it turns out!

Lots of cyclists in the Puyallup valley area. I saw a group riding today while I was making a trip to Mclendon Hardware to pick up some necessities for one of the three other projects I have going on besides the Continental.

I live in Auburn and would make the trip - sounds promising.

I live in Oly but bike and work in Puyallup (just down 112th St from MacLendon's). It'd be great to be able to do some work at a real repair stand, especially if I get stuck with a mechanical problem near work!

Hi Kelly... Any news? Here is another rad link!

http://www.sopobikes.org/

Hi Kelly... Any news? Here is another rad link!

http://www.sopobikes.org/

Hey, thanks for the link! I especially like the bike blender! As far as new news......Nothing much yet! I haven't run into the guy with the property so I'll have to try knocking on the door. I am also trading a car for a truing stand, some lessons on how to use it and a bunch of parts from a guy that built wheels for Klien. So I guess I am gonna edumacate myself a bit, get more parts (my girlfriend will love that! Not!) and go knock on a door!

Thanks,
Kelly D.

Right on! Well when ya get the place let me know for sure! I'd be happy to come down and help clean it up, maybe get some painting and interior design ideas goin lol. Cheers,

I finally got a hold of the guy with the building I have in mind. He was very receptive to the idea.
Anyways, he wants $850 a month for 800 sq. feet. Thats alot less then anywhere else I have checked. Hell one place I called wanted $1250 for 500 sq. feet and a slice of the pie to boot (percentage of sales)! Is that legal? I think I can get him down to $750. It's not on a busy road so it will be word of mouth and other advertizing not people riding/driving by that will make it work. Kinda scary! Thats alot of change to raise every month on top of utilities, insurance and so on. I've got a bit of disposable income but not that much! Thoughts?

My suggestion is to contact and or work with Bike Works in Seattle.

They have a good model to follow especially in the area of organization, funding and programs.

I've donated a bike and some part to them and they are always happy to get it. Especially something like a nice used lightweight frame. They sell used parts at very reasonable prices as well.

I just tossin' out some ideas, not sure where you want to go with the idea.

Financially, the ability to pay the rent the building will make or break the co-op .... seek some grants ???

http://www.bikeworks.org/

Anything new? Please count me as an interested party!

I'm new to biking and would love to learn to fix my own. The co-op sounds like a great idea. Puyallup isn't the easiest place for me to get to, but I'd figure it out.

For now, I'm excited to be heading to the Worst Day Ride in Portland next weekend! My second year -- first year on my own bike :)

Heather

Anything new? Please count me as an interested party!

I'm new to biking and would love to learn to fix my own. The co-op sounds like a great idea. Puyallup isn't the easiest place for me to get to, but I'd figure it out.

For now, I'm excited to be heading to the Worst Day Ride in Portland next weekend! My second year -- first year on my own bike :)

Heather

Nothing new lately. The price of renting a spot is a lil daunting. But I am still lookin, learnin' and collecting stuff for the day!


Welcome to bike forums! It's a great source for info.
Kelly D

Anything new? Please count me as an interested party!

I'm new to biking and would love to learn to fix my own. The co-op sounds like a great idea. Puyallup isn't the easiest place for me to get to, but I'd figure it out.

For now, I'm excited to be heading to the Worst Day Ride in Portland next weekend! My second year -- first year on my own bike :)

Heather

Hi Heather, welcome to BikeForums!

Hey, are you going to go to the NAHBS as well? Quite a few of us are going, check this thread:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=375896

East Hill

Just a bit of an update.

I came back to my office on Tuesday and lo and behold.....2 gentlemen from the Rails to Trails Coalition were there to visit with me and ask for some feedback on a program they have started. They have begun collecting old bikes and have been fixing them up and giving them to people around town. Someone mentioned my intentions of starting a co-op and voila! They came to inlist me in their ranks. I am very excited. They will be having a big meeting soon and one of the topics will be funding for this project! If anyone is truely interested and a member perhaps a show of support at the meeting is in order. I am a little apprehensive because it kind of falls outside of the box as far as the coalition is concerned but If enough people/other bike organizations are interested I really think this can happen soon. I presented them with my "business plan" and an outline of the earn a bike program so hopefully with their help and connections it will take off. I've also got some connections with the city and I am going to actively pursue a spot in the "Youth Investment Center" building downtown Puyallup.
On a side note.....I am going to try to lobby for bike lanes, a lower speed limit and traffic calming measures on 5th street NE to link the 2 riverwalk trails which are seperated at this time. Anyone have a radar gun so I can prove that people drive 40mph+ on this 25mph road and through a 20mph school zone?

Kelly D

When's the meeting, Kelly?

That would be something else if you could get the co-op off the ground this way :D .

Good luck!

East Hill

Hey Kelly sounds very cool like something I'd like to get into. I am a member of the rails to trails conservancy and saw the article in the last newsletter of what they were doing but being the dolt I am I never put 2 and 2 together, well I did but it always comes up 5 :)

Hey SB,
Do you have a copy of the last newsletter? Their site is going through major changes and it isn't updated yet. I am waiting for a reply from either Mr. Larson or Mr. Bay on when the next meeting is....but if you know perhaps you could share?

Thanks,
Kelly D

I think it went out with the recycle. Check the website if they have one

I have a very exciting update!

I'll preface by explaining the events that led up to today.
Last Summer I met a gentleman from Tacoma who was interested in my co-op idea. We took a guided tour with Mr. Bay of the Cascade Rails to Trails Coalition and he signed up with them and volunteered to be their new webmaster. He had mentioned my idea to some people in the Coaltion and they showed up at my place of work to gain some insight on a trial program that they had in place and to see if I had any ideas that would fit with their project. I gave them copies of my plan and the rough outline for my Earn-A-Bike program. They then submitted it to the board of the coalition and today I went to a meeting with them and was informed that it was approved.
Long story short........It is now a reality on paper at least.
I've got some loose ends to tie up (like getting a place) and we need to get over a couple of small legal hurdles. Then we'll be off and running! I will be going to the Puyallup Main Street Assoc and the city to request an area in a building downtown that is housing the YMCA Friends & Servants Youth Investment Center (the outreach program I work for) and some misc. storage for the city and Main St. Assoc. We are also hunting down bike specific tools including a repair stand. I was told today that there are already at least 25 bikes waiting and there are more on the way.
Very exciting indeed!
I'd like to end this update by stating that the last week has been very good to me. I am happy and grateful to be a part of something like this and to hopefully be able to have a positive impact in the lives of the community that I grew up in and love.......

I'm living the dream people!
Kelly D

Kelly I'd like to help in some capacity and I promise not to get in your way

As far as renting space goes, I would think that a landlord could catch a major tax break by leasing space to a non-profit org. I may be wrong, of course, and not for the first time, but I'm just so hopeful for this that I'm trying to help think of ways to make it happen. Hoping for the best...

Kelly I'd like to help in some capacity and I promise not to get in your way

Get in my way?.........I don't think that is even possible. This has turned into a community effort which I am extremely grateful for. This seriously could turn into a huge deal and be supported by many local and national organizations (I am not naming names yet). I have no intention of being "the boss" of it...just another contributor. At this point all I need to do is make some contacts to find a place then WE are off! Since you are a member of the coalition...... right now the best thing would be perhaps getting involved in that and making your presence and support for the program known..........I will try to set a meeting up after talking to the city with all interested parties and would love for you to come! At this point the "go to" guy is Jerry Larson. He has been the guy responsible for everything as of late. A wonderful person to say the least!

Thanks,
Kelly D

As far as renting space goes, I would think that a landlord could catch a major tax break by leasing space to a non-profit org. I may be wrong, of course, and not for the first time, but I'm just so hopeful for this that I'm trying to help think of ways to make it happen. Hoping for the best...

Yes I have tried that angle with every building I have inquired about. I think the city is the best option at this point because the building I have in mind (judging from first hand knoweledge of the rent paid by my work) would be extremely inexpensive. There is more than enough room there as it used to be a car dealership with an entire un-used service department sitting in dust.

Thanks for the well wishes!
Kelly D

Kelly: I just shot off an e-mail to Jerry Larson expressing my support for this. Hope it helps

Kelly: I just shot off an e-mail to Jerry Larson expressing my support for this. Hope it helps

Thanks SB!

I'm not shure what I could do but you have my support. If you get a list of things you need let me know, even if it is just grunt labor. :eek:

I'm not shure what I could do but you have my support. If you get a list of things you need let me know, even if it is just grunt labor. :eek:

Thanks for the offer of support. We'll need all the help we can get.... hopefully really soon.

I will take this oppurtunity to put down a list of off the top of my head things that people can do.

Donate tools
Donate time: Instructor/mentor for youth working on bikes, ride leaders (paved trail and MTB), enthusiastic public relations person, event organizer, etc........

This is all a ways off so no rush to commitments or anything. I am sure with some more time and input from other involved parties the list will grow.

Thanks for interest,
Kelly D

... it used to be a car dealership with an entire un-used service department sitting in dust.

Thanks for the well wishes!
Kelly D

That sounds like the perfect sort of space! I wish it was in my neighborhood. I'm starting a bicycle club at SPSCC, and a co-op/work-space is on my long-range "wish list". Best of luck to you, and keep us posted!

Kelly is that the old cornforth campbell building?

Kelly is that the old cornforth campbell building?

Yup, sure is!

Sweet what a great place to have a work shop. Are there any bench areas still in there?

Sweet what a great place to have a work shop. Are there any bench areas still in there?

It was pretty much left the way it was in the main shop area. The area I am going to try to get was the old service dept billing area and office on the north side of the building. It has seperate outside access and is quite small. I'd hopefully be able to secure storage for bikes in the building that would have very limited access because it is used for storage by several city agencies including the police dept. I don't think they would like wondering kids playing on the swat truck!:eek:

This is great news. Happy to hear it.
I'll keep an eye on this thread for an announcement of your first volunteer meeting!

This is great news. Happy to hear it.
I'll keep an eye on this thread for an announcement of your first volunteer meeting!

+1 :)

-Grant

Wow, this is great news! I'm not sure how much help I can be up here in Kent, but I can certainly think good thoughts!

Congratulations Kelly!

East Hill

Thanks everyone.
I am setting up a meeting this week with some guys from the Coalition to discuss getting a place. I am not so good at meeting official type people so I am going to ask for some back up from a guy that's pretty involved in the area. Then we'll go from there!

Regards,
Kelly D