Act Locally
As Sharkey reminds us, the bicycle can be just as powerful a vehicle for change in our own communities as in the developing world. There are several ways that you can help get bicycles to people in need of two wheels in your community.
First, find your local "bicycle kitchen" or community run bike shop (like Bici Centro). We have compiled a list of these organizations in each of our screening cities.
Santa Barbara, CA
Berkeley, CA
Boston, MA
Portland, Brunswick, and Waterville, ME
Washington D.C.
Washington Area Bicyclsts Association
Honolulu, HI
Chicago, Il
Seattle, WA
San Rafael, CA
Bend and Sisters, OR
Once you have found your local community run bike shop on the list above, take a look in your garage. Is there a two-wheeled steed collecting dust in the corner? If so, chances are that one of these organizations can refurbish it and give it a new life helping someone who desperately needs a sustainable source of transportation. Contact the shop and find out when you can bring your old bike in to, as Carlos put it, "be revived after its heart attack."
Want to do more? Volunteer at one of these great organizations. Many are constantly searching for skilled mechanics, greeters, or people with grant writing, marketing, and other business skills to help out.
Every pedal stroke counts...
