IV Bikespace

The goal of IV Bikespace is to provide functional bicycles and bike repairs to the working poor, unemployed and young people in the Illinois Valey. Volunteer mechanics teach basic bicycle maintainance and repair bikes for free. Tubes, chains and other parts are sold at cost.

The Illinois Valley has litttle public transit service, and has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the state. Many people are trying to cut household costs by driving less. Bicycles provide low-tech, economically sustainable transportation. In addition, there aremany documented social, public health and environmental benefits to bicycling.

Spiral Living Center has raised over $600 in donations for this project,  and has purchased bicycle tools, stands and repair parts. Many volunteer hours have been put into cleaning and refurbishing a disused barn for the IV Bikespace. In 2010 people will be able to bring their bikes into the shop and learn how to repair them. Donated bicycles will be given to children and adults in need of transportation.

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