Here at Montague we’re always working on innovative new products and looking to improve our existing line of folding bikes. This means a lot of prototype frames and components coming in and out of our offices. Eventually, things start to pile up and we end up with a whole lot of bike parts we no longer need.
This is where the non-profit organization, Bikes Not Bombs (BNB) steps in to help us out. They have been working for more than 25 years on bicycle recycling projects and community empowerment both in lower income neighborhoods of Boston and developing countries all over the world. They were nice enough to come and pick up our donation of several components, wheels, tires and even a few of our frames.
Bikes Not Bombs fixes up and rebuilds the donated bikes then sends the majority of them to economic development projects all over the globe. They have worked in Ghana, Guatemala, Tanzania, Nicaragua, Haiti, El Salvador and South Africa to name a few. They also send technicians and tools to these same countries to start micro-enterprise bike businesses, sustainable technology projects, and youth training programs.
The remaining bikes that are not shipped abroad are used at the BNB Center in Jamaica Plain, MA in their youth Earn-A-Bike programs or are repaired by young mechanics as part of their Vocational Training program. BNB also runs a full service bike shop that is staffed by local teen graduates of their training programs.
If you live in the Boston area you can get involved by donating your time to the BNB cause. Join their volunteer email list here to get updates on opportunities or simply stop by the BNB Hub in Jamaica Plain on Wednesday Volunteer Nights to lend a helping hand.
If you’re unable to help out in person but want to support Bikes Not Bombs’ efforts you can make a donation to BNB here. They need your help to continue providing these great programs to empower individuals, transform communities and work for a future of peace, social justice and environmental responsibility.
You can learn more about Bikes Not Bombs on their website at www.BikesNotBombs.org.
