Well, we are working towards a lofty program goal of offering youth development opportunities at local shops. The idea being that through the use of the bicycle we will help youth develop their;

• skills in bicycle mechanics
• offer them the chance to become involved in philanthropic work
• expose them to social issues around the globe related to the bicycle
• fix donated bikes which will then be sent to organizations to distribute into needy communities around the globe
  
• discover their skills, strengths and interests as it relates to the program
  

This program is slated to be entirely free to participants, everything is on a volunteer basis. Through donations of bicycles and bicycle related parts we will create opportunities for the youth to generate funds for the program, youth will assist in the ask for financial donations and participate in opportunities to engage their peers and themselves in social change initiatives.

In a recent bicycle event RIDE THE EARTH CYCLES was invited to benefit from others donating their old bikes. These bikes will be used to teach youth the unique skills of bicycle repair and provide them with an understanding of how valuable a bicycle is to others around the globe.
Several bikes will also be fix immediately and donated to local organizations to help young children experience the joy and freedoms of owning their first bicycle.
Check back often for updates on where the bikes are going, or where they made it to!

Thanks everyone who donated.

Over a billion people around the world live on less then $1 (USD) per day. They lack access to water, income, education and food. The bicycle as a form of transportation can break all of these barriers. Put into the hands of a individual in this situation is can provide;

• Access to clean water  (transportable in large quantities)
• Steady employment
• Taking a surplus of good to market to sell
• access to steady employment
• Ability to travel to school to receive an education
• Transportation to health care facilities, or the transport of patients
  

The bicycle can mean the difference between life and death for an individual, a family, or a entire community.

This program is in the works, we are sourcing out partners to provide shop space, we are applying for grant money and seeking out donations.

If you are;

• interested in the program
• willing to donate (a surplus of inventory before the program commences would be wonderful)
• would like to be a partnering shop
  
• would like to have more information
• or to simply leave a comment

please fill out the form to the right and we will be sure to get back to you.

We are aiming for a September 2011 test phase for the program to hammer out details to develop the program for future locations.

Thank-you... and I hope to see some of you wrenching beside me.
               
        Brandon McGuire