Bikes for the World Collects Used Bicycles for Delivery Overseas

June 17, 2009 - PRLog -- On Sat., June 27, Bikes for the World will be collecting unwanted, gently used bicycles at a convenient location near Research Triangle Park for donations to build job skills, generate jobs, deliver health services, and provide affordable transportation to those in need in the developing world. The public is asked to bring donations of no-longer-wanted bicycles for shipment to non-profit community development programs, which refurbish and distribute them. Volunteers will staff the collection to receive the bicycles from the public, evaluate them for tax purposes and issue receipts, and compact the bikes for shipping.

Each year, Americans purchase between 18 and 20 million new bicycles. Unknown millions of old ones are thrown out or abandoned. Millions more—generally of a higher quality—gather dust in basements, garages, and storage areas. Meanwhile, many poor people overseas have little alternative to walking to get to jobs, schools, and markets; are willing to repair bicycles inexpensively, and are generally able to pay a modest price for them.

Bikes for the World (BfW) is a sponsored project of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. BfW’s mission is to collect valuable but unwanted bicycles and related material—parts, tools, and accessories—in the United States and deliver it at low cost to community development programs assisting the poor in developing countries. As much as possible, Bikes for the World uses the donated bicycles to help set up self-sustaining bicycle repair operations, which can make enough money to pay the direct costs for subsequent container shipments of donated bicycles. In receiving countries, partners train and employ local workers to recondition the bikes—generating productive employment—and distribute the repaired bikes free or more commonly at low cost to farmers, small businesspeople and students. So these individuals, who otherwise might have no transportation, are able to work and study more effectively. Other organizations use the bikes directly in programs providing agricultural extension, community health and literacy services to the poor.

Since its founding in 2005, Bikes for the World has enlisted communities of faith, scout troops, service clubs, corporations, and schools across the mid-Atlantic region to undertake one-time community bike drives to rescue this under-appreciated resource. During its first year, BfW collected another 6,000 bikes; in 2006 it collected and shipped 7,800 bicycles; in 2007 it delivered just under 8,000 bikes; and in 2008 more than 10,300 bikes were shipped out to Uganda, Ghana, Honduras and Afghanistan, among others.

Bikes for the World relies on volunteers to compact and ship bicycles. Still, it has many expenses, including international shipping and a modest salary for the director. Therefore, a tax-deductible ten-dollar per bike donation is requested to defray a portion of costs. This donation, as well as the value of the donated bike, is potentially tax-deductible, and BfW provides donors a receipt good for tax purposes.

Last year's Triangle collection broke the Bikes for the World record for bikes collected at one single collection day: 315 bikes and over $3,000 were collected. The Triangle team hopes to do as well this year, on Sat. June 27.

For those who would like to help, but do not have a bike to contribute, cash donations are accepted. Such contributions can cover the $10 donation for bikes that come in through police departments, universities, or other entities not able to pay $10 per donated bike. Checks should be made out to Bikes for the World and mailed to M. Wigley, 1609 Edgevale Rd, Durham, NC 27701.

For further information on Bikes for the World, visit http://www.bikesfortheworld.org, or call Keith Oberg at (703) 525-0931.

For additional information about the collection in the Triangle on June 27th, please call Merywen Wigley at (919) 688-9347.

V-Day Apex is proud to partner with and promote Bikes for the World.

DETAILS
What: Bikes for the World used bicycle collection
When: Saturday June 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Headquarters Park, 2224 E NC Hwy 54, Durham, NC 27713 (on 54 between Alston and 55)
Suggested $10 donation per bike for shipping costs (cash and bike value are tax deductible)
Photo: 2008 RTP collection (for additional photos contact Merywen Wigley)