EAB 2009 Proposal¶

EAB (Earn a Bike) is extremely popular, but is also a huge drain on FreeRide! resources. We are working toward a proposal that will improve the program by:

1. Reduce staffing burden
2. Increase success rate of EAB participants
3. Introduce formal educational resources

Discussion took place over email and meetings and some documentation can be found at: eab-membership-proposal-page .

The EAB winter 2009 proposal is to make changes to the current EAB program. Much of EAB will remain the same, but enrollment requirements and offerings of mechanical help will change under the proposed changes.

EAB Enrollment Requirements and Process¶

EAB Requirements¶

• Attendance of 2 bike mechanics classes
  • Valid classes include:
    • Drop-in classes
    • Full 6-week session classes
  • Drop-in classes are the most accessible and can be paid for by volunteering

Exceptions¶

• Mechanically experienced people still attend the classes, but have the option of being an aid
  • This can count as volunteer time
  • Assisting in classes should be worked out with the class instructor
• People who have already completed EAB or have taken 2 classes can enroll directly (after volunteering or paying for 2 classes worth of fees)
• Low-income people (people with food stamps/Access Cards) are allowed to take the two classes without the fee
  • These people are allowed free classes for EAB, and are therefore limited to only two free classes total

Enrollment Process¶

• Enrollment happens specific times: 8pm Thursday and 3pm Saturday.
  • Specific enrollment windows allows for proper staffing those days
  • Multiple people can go through the enrollment process at once to reduce repeated explanations by staff

Exceptions¶

• Some people may not be able to come to FreeRide! on the specified times/days so open shop greeters should be able to make exceptions when needed and enrol eligible people

EAB and Open Shop¶

• EAB participants will be allowed to work on their projects during open shop.
• Self-learning tools will be available to allow participants to troubleshoot on their own.
• Volunteer mechanics may choose to assist EAB participants as well as anybody else during open shop.

EAB and the Co-Op Model¶

• Participants who complete an EAB project gain co-op membership for that season.

Future direction of EAB¶

• Drop-in classes do not perfectly introduce people to EAB, so it may be good to design specific EAB classes in the future
• EAB is a drain on resources during open shop. Specific, dedicated shop nights seem to be a logical step to take in the future, if there is enough staffing support from the community.