Open Bikes is a non-profit
organization – a community bicycle
workshop - concerned with promoting a fix-it-yourself culture regarding
bicycles. There are several directions that the organization takes. Firstly,
the initial idea is to ensure the exchange, recycling and upcycling process of
the bicycle parts, tools and accessories. Another focus is put on educating the
society on the topics of basic bicycle maintenance by giving different
workshops within bigger events or organizing separate events. In addition, Open
Bikes has created a relatively new product which is an outdoor bicycle repair stand meant for public use on the streets.
It is a metallic stand holding the basic bicycle repair tools and a rigid pump
for everyday use. Four outdoor stations have already been installed in
Latvia and more orders are pending.
The idea of creating Open Bikes was
born last winter, in February 2013 during a 3-day conference dedicated to
cycling, community bicycle workshops and winter cycling. The organization is
run by 4 enthusiasts / volunteers. The first funding was received from the embassy
of the United States in Riga, after submitting a grant application. The funding
covered the expenses for acquiring bicycle maintenance tools necessary to start
running the community bicycle workshop. 
Last summer Open Bikes received a
Nordplus grant for informal learning / adult exchange project with a community
workshop in Sweden – Malmo. The project took place in autumn. Four members of
Open Bikes went to Cykelkoket in Malmo and gained very valuable experience for
developing the project in Riga. In 2 months time three members of Cykelkoket
visited Riga, Open Bikes premises and gave their feedback and suggestions for
further actions.
As the organization is established
recently, its directions tend to change, new better-fit ideas substitute the
ones that do not work out and the final vision statement is yet to be created.
The main challenges Open Bikes faces
is difficulties with establishing a clear vision of the organization to adapt
to the local needs and habits of society.
Web page – http://openbikes.wordpress.com/
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario