BikeTown Africa

BikeTown Africa is a project that started as a partnership between Bicycling Magazine, Rodale Press, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Kona Bicycle Company. The project donates bicycles to health care workers in Africa, particulary those involved in HIV/AIDS related work. Bicycling Magazine then documents the impact these bicycles have had on the personal and professional lives of the recipients.

The project started in 2006 with 200 bicycles donated to health care workers in Botswana [ [http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/006952.html Kona Biketown Africa] World Changing "June 26, 2007"] .

In 2007 the project expanded. 150 bicycles were distributed in Katima Mulilo, Namibia, and 169 bicycles in Tambacounda, Senegal [ [http://www.rodaleinstitute.org/biketownafrica/ BikeTown Africa & The Rodale Institute] Rodale Institute] .

One thousand Africabikes have been pledged for donation in 2008. These bicycles will be distributed in South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique.

The bicycle used in BikeTown Africa is called the Africabike. It was designed by Kona Bicycle Company to fit the unique needs of health care workers in Africa. Over the project life span the bicycles has undergone various changes and additions [ [http://www.konabiketown.com/ And The Dates Get Closer] Kona BikeTown "September 10, 2008"] .

As with the bicycle, the project is constantly adapting so as to utilize best practices learned. In 2007 BikeTown Africa changed some of its policies insisting that the bicycles must be owned by the individual recipients rather than the organization, so as to promote personal responsibility. In return the recipient agrees to volunteer with the organization for fixed amount of time.

BikeTown Africa also includes training for mechanics in the areas the bicycles are distributed, as well as tools to equip the trained mechanics.

References

External links

* [http://www.bicycling.com/biketown/africa.html Official BikeTown Africa Website] .
* [http://www.rodaleinstitute.org/biketownafrica/. Rodale Institute]
* [http://www.konabiketown.com/. Kona BikeTown Africa Website]