Newsletter - July 2008

Dear supporters of Yellow Bike,

Welcome to the July edition of our newsletter.  Read on for the latest news. 

-The Yellow Bike Project (YBP)

FRANKENBIKE and HUMAN-POWERED MOVE PART II - On June 14, the Frankenbike swap meet and bike sale at 51st St was a huge success.  We got around 70 ready-to-ride bikes out of the shop, as well as lots of parts.  In addition we raised $5,500 for our New Headquarters fund.

One week later, around 75 volunteers moved the bulk of the 51st St shop, completely by pedal power.  In two and half hours, equipped with bikes, trailers, racks and back-packs, cyclists moved bikes, parts, tools and shop supplies two and a half miles to YBP's future home at 12th and Webberville. 

 Check out print and video news coverage from the events: Swap: The Daily Texan; Move: KVUE News, Austin Chronicle + Video & Photos, KEYE News, Fox News Austin

NEW HEADQUARTERS FUND - Recently, we announced the kickoff of our fundraising drive.  We are still negotiating with the City of Austin for a long term lease and finalizing a site plan for 3/4 acre of land at East 12th and Webberville RD.  We hope to raise $250,000 to see the building project through and have already set aside $100,466  towards this goal.  Go here to donate online.

We are also looking for help from licensed electricians, plumbers, and general contractors as well as general help with digging, framing, shop organization, painting, and planting (click here to let us know how you can help). Thanks to everyone who has already contributed or expressed interest in lending their expertise toward making our vision a reality; we will be in touch to take you up on your offer of help as the building process evolves and the time comes to get your hands dirty.  Visit our website for more details on our new home and how you can contribute.

Rendering of YBP's planned headquarters at 1200 Webberville Road (more details...)

TREASURE CITY SHOP UPDATE - During our interim period between Main Workshops, the Treasure City satellite shop is our sole facility.  We are adding work-stations and tools as well as coordinators and open workshop hours.   We hope to absorb some of the growing demand for a Community Bike Shop but need shop users' cooperation. 

The Treasure City shop space is much smaller than 51st Street and is ideally suited for bike maintenance and repair.  We simply don't have the storage space to accommodate earn-a-bike or ongoing personal projects.  We will continue to offer ready-to-ride bikes at low suggested donation prices, a selection of used parts, in addition to free advice and tool use.  The shop is now outfitted with six work-stands and tool sets, available on a check-out basis, so bring a photo id or bike lock key as collateral. 

We welcome volunteers interested in gaining Collective membership and Coordinator training.  Those hoping to meet Community Service requirements should come at the beginning of a shop period and understand that space is limited, with priority given to cyclists in need of repairs and kids from the surrounding neighborhoods.

SCHEDULE