Pedals For Progress was founded by Dave Schweidenback who as s a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador, had seen the difference that a bicycle could make in someone's quality of life in a developing country.
Give your Old bicycle a New life this Spring
Each year, millions of old, but perfectly usable, bicycles are thrown away worldwide. Millions more are gathering dust lying unused and forgotten in basements and garages. You may well have such a bicycle sitting in your garage right now. A bike you may consider to have little or no value since buying your latest wheels. This very bicycle could provide someone in a developing country with a much needed and valuable transportation solution. Your old bicycle could have many more valuable miles to offer someone. Maybe to carry them to/from school or work, transporting goods to/from towns and markets, or even for the pure pleasure of cycling itself.
Where it all Started
Pedals For Progress was founded by Dave Schweidenback, As a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador, Dave had seen the difference that a bicycle could make in someone's quality of life in a developing country. In 1991, Dave collected and shipped his first load of bikes. Since then Pedals for Progress has collected, processed and donated 74,000 used bicycles and $8 million in spare parts to partner charities in 20 countries.
How it Works
Pedals for Progress partners with local organization where the bicycles are sent. The local organizations set up programs to employ and train local people to become bike mechanics. These local mechanics repair and maintain the bikes, and sell them at local markets. Money earned from this allows the organisation to employ local people and continue running the service. Not only does your old bike provide someone with enviromentally friendly and sustainable transport, but it also helps to promote local education and employment.
Bicycle Collections
If you have a used bike that you would like to donate, or you would like to organise a collection:
* For general information on collections in your area, or how to organise your own collection, visit Pedals for Progress.
* For New Jersey Area collections, visit PfP New Jersey Area.
* For DC Area collections, visit PfP DC Area.
* For Maryland Area collections, visit PfP Maryland Area.
* For Massachusetts Area collections, visit PfP Massachusetts Area.
* For Northeast USA and International collections, visit PfP Northeast USA and International.
Associated Organisations
Cyclo Nord-Sud is an initiative to collect used bicycles and potentially other useful goods in Eastern Canada, and send them to communities which greatly need them in developing countries.
Ecosur, the Network for an Ecologically and Economically Sustainable Habitat.
Bicycle Assist Australia (B.A.A) aims to collect, repair and redistribute used bikes and spare parts into societies and countries where they can be put to good use.
Date Published:
03/16/2004 06:00 AM EST
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