FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
/Contact Natalie Dreyer, +541 344 1197, edcoord@catoregon.org/ *Cargo Framebuilding Apprenticeship Program Officially Accepting Applications*
The "Human Powered Network" Invites Applicants To Make Some Real Change, One Cargo Bicycle at a Time
EUGENE, OR, November 10, 2009 -- With one month remaining for its first class, the Center for Appropriate Transport (CAT) announced today that it is officially accepting applications for the second class in its ongoing apprenticeship program. The three current apprentices are now skilled in TIG welding, CAD design and frame fabrication. Nearing the end of their time in the program, they are currently building their own cargo bikes.
This apprenticeship program teaches the fundamentals of bicycle frame building, with particular emphasis on the construction of cargo bicycles, tricycles and trailers. CAT also provides participants with hands-on instruction for starting and operating a successful cargo bicycle delivery service---a 100% CO2-free method of urban cargo transportation. Participants in this five-month apprenticeship take home the skills and designs needed to build their own manufacturing business and delivery service.
Utilizing the principles of social enterprise, sustainability, and appropriate technology, graduates of CAT's apprenticeship program can join a cargo bicycle business network that will be based on concepts derived from micro and social franchising, as well as flexible manufacturing networks. "We are an organization committed to community involvement in manufacturing, using, and advocating for sustainable modes of transportation---and local business," said Jan VanderTuin, director at the Center for Appropriate Transport, "What we have done in our community, we are certain graduates from this program can do in theirs. Our intent is to create a Human Powered Network."
The bicycles that participants learn how to build are based on European designs researched by VanderTuin in the early 1980s. CAT uses the cargo bikes, tricycles and trailers it builds to operate Pedalers Express, Eugene, Oregon's first and only year-round, all-weather, cargo bicycle delivery service. Pedalers Express has been providing its community with fast, dependable, weatherproof, same-day deliveries since 1992---saving an estimated 25,000 pounds of CO2 annually. For more information about the program, application and the Center for Appropriate Transport, visit www.catoregon.org/
*About the Center for Appropriate Transport * The Center for Appropriate Transport (CAT) is a non-profit organization committed to community involvement in manufacturing, using, and advocating sustainable modes of transportation. The first organization of its kind, the Center was founded in Eugene, Oregon in the fall of 1992. More information about the Center's many projects can be found at www.catoregon.org/ http://www.catoregon.org/
/High resolution photos available on request./