Hi Beth:
I think we need more information. knowledge of Location, geography, history of town, previous AT efforts, demographics and power structures will give us a better understanding of what you and the group is up against. While it may present an opportunity for bicycling, just dumping 100 or so bikes without infrastructure for maintenance, repair, storage, and access control will quickly be a nuisance to the community. I'm wondering if a larger conversation can happen with the townsfolk, before bikes are dropped in downtown. Maybe couch it as a leveraging tactic: "A benefactor/donor etc. is committing to establishing a community bike program, but they need some commitment from the community". This will take some work in researching for asks, what the community has done in the past, what recreational and economic opportunities there are, identifying allies, working with critical voices, etc.
It seems that an organizer (grassroots) or planner (an enthusiastic city or county employee) could have a decent case study to develop. This point person would ideally work with interested community members, and not just be a lone voice in a city council meeting.
Tom Martin Bike Program Coordinator Portland Community College- Cascade Room SC-03 705 N Killingsworth St Portland, OR 97217
On Thu, Apr 9, 2015 at 8:38 AM, Beth Barnes islow4bikes@gmail.com wrote:
Could you weigh in, please. We have a small, remote rural town with no real bike/Ped infrastructure...yet. A group wants to introduce about 100 used bikes for people to use for free in an already ailing, small downtown. Free bikes? What will that do to local, struggling bike businesses? Bikes but no supporting infrastructure? Thank you for your thoughts. Makes little sense to me. Beth
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