Bicycles for Humanity got its start in Thunder Bay early 2007. Inspired by Pat Montani's Bicycles for Humanity (see B4H Parent Site) in Whistler BC, several local bicycle enthusiasts decided to get into action in Thunder Bay. They have tied into networks across Canada and Africa and will be assisting existing projects as well as help expand the network into Zambia.

Two Problems
Transportation is one of the major challenges in much of the disadvantaged world. Healthcare workers, teachers, farmers, students and so many others in these communities are often limited by distances and lack of transportation options.

Meanwhile perfectly useable whole bikes and parts are being thrown into the Thunder Bay Landfill each year. Currently, apart from scavenging, these bikes and parts are
converted into scrap metal. Furthermore, thousands more are in garages and sheds whose owners don 't want to throw them out but don 't know what to do with them.
Hundreds more end up in the police compound after being stolen or discarded.

The Problems Meet at a Solution
An economically progressive, environmentally friendly alternative exists to both problems. A recycled bicycle could open up new opportunities to a person in a developing nation. The increased effectiveness and efficiency could benefit the whole community. It is a climate-benign, healthy, and affordable transportation option.

Without interfering with the sale of used bikes to Thunder Bay, there could be many parts and bikes to be successfully recycled. There are already several exemplary organizations in other cities that match the need with solutions (see Appendix A). Essentially, appropriate bicycles are gathered and shipped by container to parts of the world where they would be valued and used. There are varying thoughts on whether to repair the bikes here or in the receiving country. The shipping container itself can be turned into a bicycle repair shop at its destination creating jobs and a new business.

We are aware that providing aide to oppressed parts of the world is a delicate and complicated process. Fortunately we can learn from mistakes of the past and keep learning to do it better. It will be an ongoing process to monitor as we proceed to do this as ethically and responsibly as possible. This can be an excellent example of sustainable development aid.

For more details click on the Current Draft Proposal for B4H Thunder Bay.