Hey everybody,<br><br>I just wanted to send an email and let folks know about an exciting project that Sibley Bike Depot (St. Paul, MN) is beginning.  Sibley received funding in full on Tuesday for a $200,000 program to run a Community Partners Bike Library!<span>  </span>The
funds were approved by Transit for Livable Communities, a
not-for-profit transit advocacy group in charge of allocating a $21
million federal Non-motorized Transit Pilot program in the Twin Cities.<span> </span><br><br>This funding will allow Sibley to build up a fleet of 200 bicycles –
outfitted for transportation purposes with a rack, fenders, lights,
lock, and helmet – to lend out to community members for up to six
months.<span>  </span>The bike lending will be coordinated
through Community Partners – other agencies, such as affordable housing
organizations, job placement centers, homeless shelters, and more – who will help identify
patrons who will benefit from reliable transportation.<span>  </span>Through
this program, Sibley hopes to increase the availability of bicycles
within working class and poor communities, thus helping to increase access to bicycles and diversify the bicycling movement in the Twin Cities!<br><br>I am interested to hear any thoughts/feedback/suggestions from anyone who has 1) coordinated a bike library program; or, 2) handled large federal or other government grants (rumored to be a tremendous pain in the ass).<br>

<br>Jason Tanzman<br><br>-- <br>Sibley Bike Depot<br>Volunteer Coordinator<br>612-232-2737 (cell)<br>651-222-2080 (shop)<br><a href="http://www.sibleybikedepot.org" target="_blank">www.sibleybikedepot.org</a><br>Sibley Bike Depot&#39;s mission is to be an open, accessible space to educate and empower people to use bicycles as transportation, helping to build a sustainable environment and community.  Volunteer with us to help build a bicycling movement in the Twin Cities!<br>