Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Disposable Bikes

This is a photo from today's Winnipeg Sun (Brian Donogh is the photographer, according to the print version). A smallish pile of some of the hundreds of bikes that are dropped off here every year. Many of them perfectly ridable and about 4000 of them have been refurbished (by whom? I wish the article said) and given to inner city kids.

I've made these points before and for the most part I am preaching to the converted:

1. Don't buy cheap bikes. You won't ride them.
2. Give them away if you have to but don't let them end up here.
on this day:

2 comments:

  1. GianniNovember 8, 2010 at 2:01 PM

    They are refurbished mainly by two community-run bike shops - the Orioles Bike Cage (www.bikecage.ca) and the Bike Dump (www.bike-dump.ca), with much help from the City of Winnipeg (they donate the bikes, and even deliver them a truckful at a time when they have the means/time).

    Just stumbled on your blog - me likey. Keep it up.

    Ian (aka Gianni) -

    City of Winnipeg Environmental Coordinator
    and
    co-founder of the Orioles Bike Cage
    and
    Olympia Cycling Club guy

    ReplyDelete
  2. KimNovember 8, 2010 at 2:31 PM

    Thanks for stumbling Ian. I try and keep a low profile. ;-) Say hello at the next race...

    And thanks for the info. Now that you say that, that's a "West End" Community project, correct? I have a friend on that committee, I believe, and I forgot about that. Good stuff.

    ReplyDelete

Please, read, enjoy, and if you're tempted to comment say what you like and I'll probably enjoy it. You might even make my day. I have a good sense of humour and I take everything for what it's worth. I'll probably even write back. I like to have the last word. But take ownership of your words and sign your name. Please and Thank-you, Amen.