Perhaps, if done right, my blog will have the power to galvanize people into taking action by shining a light on the work these non-profits are doing; the responsibility they feel to leave the world a better place than they found it; the struggles they’re facing in living up to that responsibility; and, most importantly, the impact their dedication is having on the lives of those who are really struggling, the impoverished, the disenfranchised, the powerless. Pick a movement. Get involved. The world needs you.
If you could help distribute an item that would increase economic opportunity, improve health outcomes, boost school enrollment and even out gender issues among some of the poorest peoples, would you?
Well, here's your chance. Worldbike designs and distributes low-cost bicycles for programs that do all of the above by giving bikes that can withstand large loads, rough terrain and inclement weather to the needy. These bikes are configured to be affordable, and easily maintained and repaired locally.
We hear a lot about high-tech folding bikes and kick-ass electric bikes, but we don't hear much about bikes that get the job done without fancy (and expensive) bells and whistles?
Suppose bike designers put their energies into creating a bike that could have a big impact on the lives of poor people? This is what Worldbike has done. These non-motorized bikes could pave the way for real change, and we can help.
Why give a World Bike?
"An estimated 1.2 billion people live in rural poverty cut off from markets, schools and clinics. With such an immense global need for sustainable transport, there's no shortage of opportunities for bicycles to make a big difference in the lives of the rural poor."
The most common way to get from point A to B in many poor countries is by foot. For long distances, heavy loads or urgent events, increasing mobility puts markets, schools and clinics within reach. Without it, development stalls.
In poor rural countries, bikes are used the same way we use trucks and school buses. Unfortunately, most bikes that are locally available are ill suited for carrying loads and don't withstand the demanding use they get. Bikes can be a low-cost, efficient and sustainable development tool for the rural poor. A durable cargo bike can increase carrying capacity five-fold over "headloading," the most common form of rural transport which involves carrying goods on the head. While inexpensive, "headloading" is inefficient and continues to drive gender inequity as it is customary for women to do the carrying.
Because of the mission or Worldbike, two of the first cargo bikes are featured in the Smithsonian National Design Museum's, Design For The Other 90%, an exhibit at New York's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum that features products developed to improve the quality of life of people in extreme need
- BEN (Bicycle Empowerment Network)
- Bicycles Against Poverty
- Bikes for the World
- Bikes Not Bombs
- Bicycles Without Border
- Cycling Out of Poverty
- Global Alliance for Ecomobility
- Institute of Transportation and Development Policy
- Interface for Cycling Expertise
- Biketown Africa
- Pedals for Progress
- Pedal Power Association
- Project Rwanda
- Re~Cycle
- Riders for Health
- Working Bikes Cooperative
- World Bicycle Relief
- Uvumbuzi
- First African Bicycle Information Organization (FABIO)
- Practical Action
Mobility is for good for every person on the planet. Putting bikes in the hands of people who need them is empowering, purposeful and can make a measurable difference in the lives of others.
Calls Austin TX home. Certified Tennis Teaching Pro USPTR. Bollettieri trained. LIVESTRONG leader. Road cyclist. Second amendment. Apple. Mobile payments.
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Calls Austin TX home. Certified Tennis Teaching Pro USPTR. Bollettieri trained. LIVESTRONG leader. Road cyclist. Second amendment. Apple. Mobile payments.
www.cecilledesma.posterous.com
www.planetmiser.posterous.com
www.companiestoworkfor.posterous.com
www.salesemperor.posterous.com
www.bicycledreams.posterous.com
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