When most American's think of bicycling, we think of a recreational activity - a fun way to spend some time outdoors and get some exercise. Maybe some of us think of the Tour de France. In many parts of the world, a bicycle means much more. It provides much needed transportation and increases the economic viability in those areas. Today's post highlights a charity doing a great work in helping to provide just those things. Take a look....
Every year, affluent Americans buy 22 million new bicycles and discard millions of old ones, abandoning many more unused in basements, sheds, and garages. We rescue bicycles destined for overburdened U.S. landfills and ship them todeveloping countries where they are sorely needed and highly valued.
Pedals for Progress has received, processed and donated over 115,000 bicycles, 1,000 used sewing machines and $10.8 million in new spare parts to partner charities in 32 developing world countries. P4P bikes are put to work not only as basic transportation, but are used as a supplement to school and community programs. The bikes are adapted for useas trash haulers, produce trucks, taxis, and farm machinery. Some of the municipalities even sponsor recreational cycling programs, making bikes available to all who care to participate.
When we can establish a program with an overseas partner, the bicycles take on an even greater significance; to keep the bikes working, maintenance is necessary. Children and adults are trained in bicycle repair and maintenance, then the bicycles are sold within the community, fostering the development of a local economy. If a person would like to have a bicycle but cannot pay for it, that person has to work for the shop (and learn a new skill) in order to cover the cost of the bicycle.
P4P also arranges for the bicycle shops to have a supply of tools, parts, accessories, and lubricants for maintaining the bikes. With Pedals for Progress, a bicycle becomes a valuable commodity for trade, employment, transportation, local government - the list goes on. In the countries where PfP has an established Partner Program, the most successful entrepeneurs are the ones who use bicycles to get to work and deliver the goods and service where they are needed most, allowing them to expand their businesses and increase their personal incomes. Medical personnel in remote areas rely on the bicycle to get them to villages not accessible by roads. Without these "mobile bike medics", people in these villages would not get the vaccines or medical attention most of us often take for granted.
Pedals for Progress isn't just donating used bicycles: It's also helping developing world economies by promoting self-sustaining bicycle repair businesses.
Get Involved:
Make an online donation to P4P.
How to hold a bicycle or sewing machine collection.
Source: Pedals for Progress
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