There are three categories of people who use Free Ride:
Non-members. Non-members are people who only come to Free Ride to use Open Shop to work on their bike. Non-members pay a $2 donation for each bike they bring in, for use of our tools and space.
Standard Members. Members are people who give back to Free Ride through volunteering their time. This is the largest base of Free Ride supporters. Members use Open Shop for free, and receive discounts on new parts. Members are required to volunteer 4 hours every 3 months (on a rolling basis). Standard member benefits include:
- free use of Open Shop
- special discount on new parts
- ability to pay for used parts, bicycles, and classes using volunteer hours (see “Volunteering at Free Ride”.)
Members: please remember to “cash out” 4 hours in your member log when “purchasing” a 3-month membership. Membership lasts from the day you “buy” it to exactly three months from that day.
Also, please remember to show your Membership card or your member log to the open shop staff person, in order to avoid the $2 fee.
Collective Council Members. Collective council members are people who are really involved in Free Ride. These folks give 16 hours of volunteer time and must attend a minimum of 2 meetings every 3 months (committee meetings count). In exchange, collective council members get:
- same benefits as the “member” level, plus:
- free use of parts
- pay wholesale prices for new parts
- access to paid opportunities at Free Ride (for positions such as instructors, essential outreach)
