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A Better Approach Than Bikes For The World
By spokesman | April 28, 2010
In many underdeveloped countries, a bicycle can make a significant difference in the quality of a person’s life. If a person can ride to get the water they need each day rather than walking, or a farmer can use a bicycle to haul supplies or bring produce to a market to sell, or a health worker can visit more patients by riding instead of walking, the entire society can benefit. Several charitable organizations have realized this and focus on giving bicycles to people in underdeveloped countries. Bikes For The World is one of the largest charities involved in this type of effort.
However many of the bikes that they deliver eventually wind up discarded by the side of the road due to mechanical problems and the lack of parts or tools to do repairs.
F.K Day, the founder of SRAM, has found a better way to help these people. A recent article in Forbes describes his approach. He has designed a bicycle that is more appropriate for these countries than the discarded 10 speeds and mountain bikes collected by Bikes For The World. The manufacturing is done locally. He has also trained local people on maintenance and repairs. He has developed a supply chain for the parts that will be needed. This business based approach requires a larger upfront investment but will be much more sustainable in the long run.
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Topics: Bicycles And Business |