Boise Bicycle Project

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Stage 2: We Need You (Volunteering and Shop Access)

Stage 2

Today the State of Idaho and City of Boise moved into Stage 2 of reopening. That means BBP will follow suit with Stage 2 of our own operations (stages highlighted in the May 1st post). Before I highlight the changes and what to expect during this stage, I think it’s important to recognize the fragility and responsibility BBP has in reopening correctly. BBP never fully closed during the shutdown because our social services and bicycle repairs services were deemed essential. As Boise reopens, our role as an essential service does not change, and although restrictions aren’t as tight, we still have just as much to lose. If one person at BBP tests positive for COVID 19 the entire shop will be shut down for at least two week and required quarantine and contact tracing will ensue. During that time, our essential services will disappear and those who need us the most will begin slipping through the cracks.

That is why BBP, in all stages, will be taking extra precautions and why we desperately need you to exercise kindness toward BBP and the community we serve by doing the same. Here are 4 very kind and simple ways to do that.

  1. Wear a mask or face covering during all BBP activities (bandanas are fine)

  2. Wash your hands as soon as you arrive. Wash them again before you go

  3. Maintain at least as 6 foot distance at all times possible

  4. Please stay home if you are not feeling well

Thank you so much for following these acts of community kindness.

Volunteers

We need you. We don’t have a ton of shifts available, but the ones posted are extremely important. More are coming soon. On Wednesday we did a Volunteer Zoom call (recording here) to let people know about the state/health of BBP and volunteer opportunities coming up. Our new Volunteering during COVID operations webpage is live and being updated with new shifts regularly. Here’s a snap shot of what to expect for volunteering in Phase 2 and 3.

Bike / Part Sales

Refurbished Bikes

For all of May and probably most of June BBP will be hosting outdoor bike sales on Saturdays from 11-5pm. Last week we sold about 20 of our 30 refurbished bikes. This week we’ll have about 30 more fixed up and ready to go. It is first come first serve and we only let 2 people look at bicycles at a time. You will need a mask in order to come into the outdoor shopping area and to a test ride. Please bring your own, we have extras if you forget. We will also provide a hand washing station and gloves.

Project Bike Sales

On Friday May 22nd, 11-5pm we will launch outdoor project/as-is bike sales. This will be a great way to purchase a bicycle to fix up from home and for when BBP’s DIY services reemerge. We hope to offer these every Friday going forward. Same rules as regular bike sales.

Part Sales

You can still call in your parts orders for curbside pick up. If you come down during our Friday and Saturday Outdoor bike sales, we can take care of most simple orders in person. Example:

You: (outside the shop) I need a 27.6 seat post

Us: (after going inside to see what we have) Here’s 4 different 27.6 seat posts to choose from

You: (after picking your favorite one) I’ll take this one!

Us: Rad!

We are also in the process of creating appointment only shopping times that will allow two people to come into the parts room at once. We hope to make this available next week.

Bike Repair

BBP is currently offering repair as a service. Our tune up prices are similar to most shops although BBP Members get a 15% discount. Our turnaround time is about 48 hours.

DIY repair services will not be available until Stage 3 and will like be very limited and for members only. In Stage 4 DIY repair services will expand even more for member, but we are unclear of when DIY repair will go back to normal for walk-ins.

Events

Events will remain online only during Stage 2. In Stage 3 we will be working on some smaller outdoor events and a ton of group Goathead Pulling!

Details about all of BBP’s COVID operations can be found here

Final “Hang in there” (for this week)

I know everyone is exhausted and doing their best to adjust to all of the changes (Ned is completely over it, and I’ve never felt such decision fatigue!), but keep hanging in there! It is so important that we ease in to all of these reopening stages, give each other a lot grace and practice an abundance of caution. We can’t wait to start seeing your partially covered faces soon!