Autumn 1999

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.

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.