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The Second Wind Recycle a Bicycle Barn

sponsored by Connecticut Bicycle Coalition

a community or individuals, clubs, and businesses organized to promote bicycle transportation, safety, and recreation

Autumn 1999

Mission

The mission of the Second Wind Recycle a Bicycle Barn is to improve the mobility, health, and employability of Hartford’s teenage, low income, and homeless residents.

Core Startup Goals

to instruct Hartford youth in the science, vocation, and spirit of bicycle building and repair
to create a safe, welcoming, and productive environment for area youth to come together building bicycles for the community; and success, opportunities, and good times for themselves
to live and transfer to the "next generation" Hartford’s legacy as the birthplace of the American bicycle industry
to expand the dynamic relationship between bicycles and local law enforcement
to keep repairable bicycles on the road and trail, and out of landfills
to increase bicycle transportation in the Capitol region
to contribute to the complete well-being of Hartford and her people

 

Current Status

The Second Wind Recycle a Bicycle project began operations in the summer of 1999. The Hartford Police Department has donated use of a 2- bay car garage located in Hartford’s historic (Olmstead) Keney Park right next to HPD’s stables and equestrian unit office. Nearly 100 used bicycles have been donated by individuals, HPD (after securing state authorization to "dispose" unclaimed stolen property in this manner,) and area bike retail shops. CBC will recommence solicitations for donated bicycles as inventory is ridden out the door . A list of potential beneficiary individuals and institutions is now being compiled and maintained. Three mechanics who have been supporting CBC's youth and bikes activities in recent years have committed to "wrenching" and teaching at Second Wind. The first class of apprentices are members of the Hartford BMX racing team, and referrals from teacher contacts already established in the high schools, Hartford Housing Authority, and the Hartford Police Athletic League.

 

Operating Scenario

Professional area bike mechanics have been retained to transfer their bike building and repair skills to local youth apprentices. Apprentices get paid in points, the cash equivalent of which can be used to make purchases from the Second Wind Apprentice Catalogue of new bikes, parts, accessories, and national educational and travel opportunities. Second Wind will be capitalized continually, in part, by the contributed and contracted goods and services of the bicycle industry, local retails, and international bicycle advocacy network. Second Wind shall not compete with specialty bicycle retailers; to the contrary, it will generate for the bike retailer trained and experienced employees; as well as new, informed customers looking for parts, labor, and brand new bikes. Every Second Wind bicycle comes equipped with a helmet, lock, lights, and Bike Drivers instruction in handling, rules of the road, basic maintenance, and anti-theft techniques. Philanthropic support will enable Second Wind to provide bicycles and instruction free of charge to its youth, and adult low income and homeless beneficiaries.

 

Committed Funders (01/01/00)

Hartford Police Dept.
Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
The Daphne Seybolt Culpeper Memorial Foundation
City of Hartford Dept. of Human Services
LSK Foundation
Ames Foundation
The Fisher Foundation

 

 

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Copyright © 1999 - 2000 Connecticut Bicycle Coalition, Inc.
Last modified: January 04, 2000