In thermodynamics, there's a law that states that the universe tends toward a state of disorder (or chaos). On Thursday, we tried our best to manage this chaos.
For those of you new to PN2K--Welcome! Each month since September 2014, we've held a bike safety event. Each event is characterized by a queue of cyclists waiting to have their bikes repaired/tuned-up for free. In celebration of national Bike Month (and school ending), we called this one "RECESS!"
Cyclists signed-in with us, registered their bikes with MIT Parking, pressure-washed their bikes, enjoyed the food, music, and presence of other cyclists. Some new things we tested out: (1) new (mobile iPad) sign-in/registration system; when you first arrive, we greet you, thus eliminating the need for you to move around and worry about losing your place in line (2) walkie-talkies that help our team communicate with each other - so if you need anything, just find one of us wearing a neon green shirt.
I love how our cyclists seem to have self-solved the problem of where and how to position your bikes during the pressure washing -- They've figured out how to optimize this process to take into account (1) best way to not spray yourself and others (2) getting at both sides of the bike while keeping your bike still (especially when it lacks a leg stand) (3) saving time!
Hear, hear everyone! From here on out, we shall recommend the "upside-down" position.
Anyway, we had a queue waiting for these two guys.
And we were much appeased when our volunteer, John, came to the rescue and went through the line for quick-fixes (brakes, pumping air in tire, oiling chains...), even throwing in a 15-minute session on how to change your flat tire. Thanks John for helping teach our cyclists to be more self-sufficient and helping to restore some order in the chaos.
Thanks to our partners Robynn (MIT PTO), Armando & Dan (Bike Boom), and our volunteer John! A special shout-out to Oscar for his impromptu volunteering and overseeing cyclists through the power-washing process, as well as our first cyclist in line, Weixun, who helped set up our bike stand! Please join us at our next bike event on the last Friday of June (26th) - same time (3-7 PM), same place (MIT Student Center).
(left to right) Yaoming, Dingfang, Alpha, Tian, Will, Ye, Becky