Initiatives
BIG has several specific initiatives under way that are intended to help advance its mission.
Changing Gears - The Changing Gears Program provides a free bicycle along with cycling safety kits to socio-economically disadvantaged adults who complete training sessions in both cycling safety and basic bicycle maintenance. Since June 2008, over 25 Changing Gears participants have been trained in safe cycling practices such as always wearing a helmet, proper hand signals, and obeying traffic laws. Participants who received bicycles have remained in contact with a follow-up program for at least 2 months. Changing Gears has made a major impact in the lives of its participants by giving them the reliable transportation they need to hold steady employment and stable source of income. In addition to the important safety and maintenance training, and the follow-up tracking, the serial numbers of all the bicycles given away are entered in Greensboro Police Department's Bicycle Registry.
From 2007 to 2009, Changing Gears was funded through generous grants from REI Outfitters, and the Moses Cone-Wesley Long Community Health Foundation. As the end of those grants approached, BIG began looking for alternate sources of funding to continue this excellent program. In October, 2009, two anonymous donors offered a challenge grant of up to $1,000, if BIG raised an equal amount from other sources. Numerous additional donors stepped forward and made contributions exceeding $2,500, giving the Changing Gears Program an infusion totalling over $3,500. Additionally, in response to a request from BIG, the City of Greensboro, through its Police Department, has agreed to donate confiscated and unclaimed bicycles from its surplus property auction inventory. Many of the bikes we will receive through this arrangement may not be rideable, but those that are in the best condition will be fully re-conditioned for use in Changing Gears, reducing the amount of funds spent on purchasing new bikes.
The Changing Gears Program began distributing bikes to individuals in need, through a partnership with the Weaver House. Later, additional partnerships were formed, most recently with La Vela Mission Hispanic Lutheran Church. Several La Vela bike recipients have since formed a new organization called the "Hispanic Bicycle League," which now holds group rides every Saturday.
Watch this page for more information on BIG's initiatives, coming soon!
