My intention of this post is to get you ready for the next steps at BBP. I need you to know that the next 1-2 months are going to be tough, and that we will need your help to get through them emotionally, financially, and strategically. 

I also need you to know that in the middle of this challenging time, we have a unique opportunity to do something that would have been impossible a few short weeks ago… to take a sudden and substantial pause from “business as usual.” In some ways we (BBP and far beyond) are experiencing a reset in reality with an emerging opportunity to rebuild and restructure our community in a more resilient, more beautiful, and more compassionate way (and certainly more bikeable). 

To do that, I believe we all need to be extremely intentional and purposeful with how we use our time in the next two months. Whether we suddenly have extra time on our hands, or if we’re using every last second to keep things afloat (I’m feeling the latter), there’s never been a better moment to…

…explore the gaps this crisis is exposing.

…recognize the new beauties that are emerging.

…learn new skills that will create new opportunities.

…test the ideas that we’ve never had time for.

…and to ask ourselves how can we build back better?

Now is a great time to envision the community we want to become when we emerge from this crisis.

Examples

1. If it’s no longer safe or responsible to have volunteers coming into the shop, could they be working on bikes from home? Or rather than learning to work on bikes, could they be learning Spanish, French or Arabic and help us overcome communication barriers that have limited BBP for years? YES!

2. There's a huge increase in the amount of people walking and biking and a huge decrease in the amount of driving. Our air has never been so clean. Our roads have never been so calm. Neighbors are emerging and setting up lawn chairs in their driveways. We’ve never recognized the value of our Greenbelt, Foothills, and open space more. How can we leverage this unique glimpse of less traffic to shift the way we look at our roadways going forward. And how can we ensure every neighborhood has access to amenities like the Greenbelt (Canals!) and open space like the Boise Foothills?

So recognizing that BBP folks are fixers, helpers, gatherers, do gooders, collaborators, and shirt-off-our-backers -for crying out loud-, I’ve got some homework that goes beyond washing our hands 100 times a day? 

Homework:

For the next few weeks, I’ll be sending out 5 weekly assignments, and your goal is to complete 3 of them. That’s technically a D, which is practically a D +, which is almost a C, and C’s get degrees. So shoot for 3 each week. If you want to get creative in turning in your homework assignments, please do! Otherwise it’s on the honor system. 

Assignments for 4/3 - 4/10

1. Give yourself some credit: If you’re reading this, it probably means you still give a crap about shit*, and that should be celebrated! There’s never been a better time to celebrate small victories. To complete this assignment simply say. “I still give a crap about shit.”

*It’s ok to swear a bit more during a global pandemic by the way.

2. Send some love to BBP’s staff: Our shop doors have been closed for about two weeks now. We’re still working hard inside, providing essential services to our folks who need them the most, but the shop isn’t the same without you. The energy you bring is missing and we feel it. If you could send a letter/email to a BBP staff member who’s had a positive impact on you, it would go an unbelievably long way. If you don’t have their direct email send to Jimmy@boisebicycleproject.org or mail 1027 Lusk St. Boise ID 83706 and I will make sure it gets delivered.

3. Listen to this podcast episode from Heavyweight: It’s called Jimmy and Mark, but it has nothing to do with me. https://gimletmedia.com/shows/heavyweight/6nhoak/24-jimmy-and-mark

4. Read (top to bottom) our new BBP COVID Operations Webpage: It’s important to us that you know all of the ways we’re still available to you and the community at large. 

5. Join me at the Global Bicycle Festival this Saturday: On April 4th 6pm our dear friends at Filmed by Bike will be hosting a world wide virtual bicycle festival. It doesn’t say whether it’s all ages or not, but I’m going to guess folks 16-92 will enjoy it the most. It’s $12 and a great opportunity to fight a global pandemic by making some global friends. 

My Promise:

My promise to you is to bring my very best to the table everyday in pursuing positive change at BBP. My hope is that you’ll join us in bringing your daily best to the challenges ahead, and that you’ll give yourself and others some grace on days (and they will come) when your very best might be just getting out of bed, brushing your teeth, and saying “I still give a crap about shit.”

-Jimmy