Idea Submission
I Bike MCR Bike Resurrection Project
We shall: * teach bike maintenance skills * teach welding skills * recycle bikes that would otherwise go to landfill * bike soundsystem
Submitted by IBikeMCR.
I Bike MCR is a collection of artists, bicycle mechanics, welders, plumbers, electricians, youth workers, community workers, students and musicians that have one thing in common: we like to ride bikes.
Since September 2005 we have organised a diverse mixture of events, that are free of charge for everyone to take part in, including: Bicycle Maintenance Classes Cycle Confidence Classes Bike Rides Bicycle Polo Bike Art Exhibitions Bicycle Dancing Roller Racing
Our events are aimed at a plethora of age groups and backgrounds and are very well attended. For example our monthly bike ride usually exceeds 250 cyclists and our workshops are always over subscribed.
Our hard work was recently recognised at the Be Proud Award 2009, where we were finalists for the Contribution to the Environment Award.
We all volunteer for the projects, sharing skills for free in our spare time.
We have identified, through questionnaires and surveys that many people in our city would like to take part in bike welding courses and are interested in helping to reduce waste by recycling bikes.
We aim to host workshops in a local community centre and recycle bikes. We shall not only teach atendees how to fix bikes and give fixed bikes away to those that could otherwise not afford them, linking with local community organisations such as Manchester No Borders, we shall also create amazing bike sculptures and Freak Bikes.
Freak Bikes include tall bikes, tandems, sidewinders and mcuch more, they are basically made out of old scrappy bikes welded together into a beautiful RIDEABLE bike art creation.
There is no other similar project in the North West of England. We hope to run this innovative course over a 6 month period, with the workshops culminating in a Bike Art Parade of Manchester, displaying our amazing recycled creations and inviting others to join in with their home made creations. We shall also invite everyone that has benefitted from the project by recieiving a free bike.
The majority of the funding shall be spent on tools and equipment such as welders, masks, bike tools, that can be reused, meaning that we can reproduce the event and workshops each year.
Aims
- To work on practical and imaginative solutions to promote cycling and to normalise the use of cycling as a valid alternative to the car.
- To transform Manchester's transport system and cycling culture. *Community involvement and localisation: projects provide employment and keep money in the local economy. Also, because bike recycling is relatively easy to learn, the project shall provide training to local people in bike maintenance and involve marginalised people such as the homeless and young offenders
Objectives
- Teach bike maintenance skills
- Teach welding skills
- Recycle bikes that would otherwise go to landfill
- Provide disadvantaged people with bikes
- Display the Freak Bikes at a Bike Art Parade
- Build a mobile Bike Soundsystem that will help to draw attention to the parade and create a bike powered festival-like atmosphere
Sounds wicked!!
Posted by bigbadjonny on Jan 27th, 2010
Great idea. I'll donate a bike if it gets started
Posted by steveg on Jan 18th, 2010
Our youth club are very excited about this project
Posted by alexis87 on Jan 17th, 2010
brilliant idea - 100% support
Posted by jonball on Jan 17th, 2010
Brilliant idea, I hope that you are successful
Posted by harriet on Jan 17th, 2010
I can't wait to get involved
Posted by woody27 on Jan 17th, 2010
A really vital project. Good luck!
Posted by will on Jan 17th, 2010
This project would be an asset to Manchester's vibrant DIY art culture. Surely a sure winner.
Posted by colin on Jan 17th, 2010
I Bike MCR have revolutionised bike riding in this city. If anyone deserves this funding it's them. They give their time, passion and energy for free, a total inspiration.
Posted by 2wheelsgood on Jan 17th, 2010
Good luck! You deserve it.
Posted by tomsharpe on Jan 17th, 2010
the Bike Art parade would be a brilliant alternative to the car art parade in Manchester and a fantastic thing to behold. Would really get people thinking about modes of transport and also help to promote you project. brilliant idea. where do i sign up?
Posted by adam23 on Jan 17th, 2010
Fantastic idea. I have been to one of your maintenance workshops before and learnt so much. i'd like to volunteer and help share what i learnt from you before.
Posted by sandman on Jan 17th, 2010
There are so few opportunities, especially for wommen, to learn bike maintenance skills, especially for free. I would find it difficult to afford to pay for a course for me and for my son.
Posted by anthea on Jan 17th, 2010
a truly valid, useful and commendable project that tackles important issues in our community such as climate change, road safety, health, inequality, poverty. Fantastic!
Posted by nes on Jan 17th, 2010
We really do need to create a bike friendly culture if we are to improve our lot on this planet and what better way than educating people about the joys and benefits of cyling than this? We become healthier and greener, simples!!!!
Posted by bikechad on Jan 15th, 2010
This could be massive, affordable cycling could really reduce the congestion and if people know how to maintain there bikes, then everyone on the road will be a lot safer! Brilliant.
Posted by mcgi5sr2 on Jan 15th, 2010
Manchester a superb location for a big cycling profile - good luck
Posted by Weetwoodjohn on Jan 15th, 2010
A fine and intelligent way to bring cycling to more people
Posted by anarresti on Jan 15th, 2010
Sounds like a great idea... More bikes...!!
Posted by adamruss on Jan 15th, 2010
Really good idea
Posted by gemmar on Jan 11th, 2010
love it.
Posted by Inidgo06 on Jan 10th, 2010
this definately an important idea, recycle old bikes and get more people riding!
Posted by punkture on Jan 10th, 2010
This would be amazing, the manchester cycle community is thriving and friendly. I actually have a couple old car stereos and speakers id love to convert into a bike sound system in time for the summer. Count me in !
Posted by SuperDannyJ on Jan 10th, 2010
good luck x
Posted by io78 on Jan 10th, 2010
yeahhh!!!
Posted by kameleon313 on Jan 10th, 2010
Like the sound of your idea
Posted by daveyjones on Jan 9th, 2010
Totally brilliant- in particular- FREAK BIKES!! W h a t a thought- just what Manchester needs- along with all the other objectives as well this could totally change the city- GOOD LUCK!
Posted by PoWWow on Jan 8th, 2010
That sounds awesome. How do people sign up???
Posted by disrail on Dec 29th, 2009
amazing idea, i've always wanted to know how to do this!
Posted by squiggle on Dec 28th, 2009
Bikes best.
Posted by dfg1 on Dec 28th, 2009
Comments have been closed on this idea.