// Bikes Make the World a Better Place–Get Involved!
Posted on Friday, September 11th, 2009
There are couple of sides to the cyclist part of my personality. Part of me wants to be a hardcore gear person–latest bike, latest helmet, latest cyclometers, all the technology I can buy. And I want to take that technology and go fast, over big hills or through technical mountain trails. This is a purely selfish type of cycling. I want to be better at it than those around me. Develop skills, and be a good athlete.
But the other part of me wants to slow down. To use a bicycle as a basic means of transportation. To spare the air and my wallet by choosing to ride to my destinations rather than drive. This part of me wants flat pedals so I can wear any shoe. It wants a bike that might be slower, but is also less prone to theft, is lower tech, and has wide tires to accomodate some of the bumpy roads in the East Bay. This part of me wants to share bicycles as transit with everyone. It is not selfish.
The un-selfish part of me wants to take time today to highlight the ways in which we can help others into the world of cycling.
For example, Bicycling Magazine has a project called Biketown Africa–and you can go to Africa and help build bikes for people who really need them. Prices range from $350 to $750 (not including your flight), and you get to experience a new place, meet new people, and help spread the good that comes with a bike. Because these bikes aren’t just used for fun. They’re used for doctors who need to see patients and distribute medicine. They’re used for educators, who will help teach how to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDs. They’re important.
But if, like me, you can’t afford a flight to Africa, there are still other ways you can help. In the East Bay, you can get involved with a group like Cycles of Change. The goal of Cycles of Change is to increase the health and sustainability of the East Bay community by teaching students how to commute and have fun on bicycles. They’re currently looking for instructors to teach middle school kids safe commuting, bike art, basic and advanced mechanics, safe recreational routes, and more–it’s a paid position, but I bet you could volunteer. I’m sure they’d love to have you. Or, if you don’t have the time, you can always donate. And if you don’t have money to donate, but would like to donate bicycles or parts that are in good or decent shape, you can do that at Tip Top Bike Shop in Oakland.
No matter how much time or money you have, there’s a way for you to make someone’s life better through cycling. Even if it just means taking your neighbor kid out for a ride–it’s all for the greater good.