[workbike] Re: workbike digest V2 #175

Ron, 
Good work taking steps to democratize Moab! I'm no expert on the subject of
kids-and-bikes programs, but I can tell you there's an organization called
the Youth Bicycle Education Network (YBEN) that supports the creation of
exactly the kind of program I think you're talking about. Also,
Transportation Alternatives in NYC has put together a wonderful guide for
starting such programs called Tools for Life.
Once you get started, you might be interested in joining our nascent group,
the extrabike partnership. Our partners -- groups such as the one you are
proposing -- are beginning to manufacture one of our cargo-bike-conversion
kits (called the extrabike). Selling these locally is promising to be a
great income generator. A group called BICAS in Arizona has the most
experience with this process/product. Hope this helps. I wish you the
absolute best of luck in this essential endeavor!

Youth Bicycle Education Network
4579 Laclede Avenue #248
St. Louis, MO 63108
yben@aol.com

Transportation Alternatives
92 St. Mark's Place
NY, NY 10009
212/475-4600
transalt@echonyc.com

BICAS
PO BOX 1811
Tuscon AZ 85702
520/628-7950

yours,


Kipchoge Spencer
Xtracycle International
10136 Birchville Road
Nevada City, CA 95959
(w)530/470-2388
kipchoge@xtracycle.com
www.xtracycle.com

A transportation evolution. A new culture. The bike that hauls.
  
>Howdy, all--
>
>I'm brand-new to this list, so forgive me if this is something everyone
>here already knows quite well.
>I live in Moab, UT, and I'm trying to start a non-profit organization
>devoted to providing kids with bikes.  I understand there are models for
>my plan, which, in basic terms, is to take donated bikes and give them
>to kids.  Underpriveleged kids would run through the program free, and
>the costs would be graduated from there.
>I will require a commitment--I'm picturing a 25-hour program--to bike
>education and assembly in order to give the kids pride in ownership as
>well as a understanding of bicycle transportation.  
>I don't want to go into my entire outline here, but I am hoping people
>can point me toward other, successful programs.  I could use some advice
>as I set out to write grants and proposals.
>This program could help our local kids get beyond the petroleum
>addiction which plagues Moab locals; despite the facts that we are not
>an affluent community, and few live more than five miles from work,
>every kid wants a V-8 powered vehicle. Additionally, bicycle service
>industry thrives here (I'm a mountain bike guide), but few locals work
>in the industry; my program would provide a vocational leg up.
>I appreciate your help,
>Happy Trails,
>Ron Georg
>Moab, UT
>
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>End of workbike digest V2 #175
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