The Bicycle Project

The 2002-03 Executive Council has made another step toward establishing Tau Beta Pi as the premier honor society with the decision to endorse a nationwide chapter project that will “trademark” the Association. At spring District conferences last year, chapters generated hundreds of ideas for such a project, ranging from computer recycling, to tutoring, to water cleanup. From those, the Council chose a national project that combines simple engineering with community service, that is able to be replicated by chapters for any community, and that appeals to local and corporate sponsors.  The project is The Bicycle Project of Tau Beta Pi.

This exciting project entails chapters’ soliciting bicycles within their communities, refurbishing them, and partnering with local charities to distribute the bikes to area children or homeless citizens. Recipients will also get helmets, locks, basic safety rules, and instructions for the care of their bicycles.

The Illinois Epsilon Chapter of TBP has volunteered to pilot this project in District 8.  Once our program is established, we can serve as a model to and share our experiences with other chapters trying to get the project off the ground at their schools.

In the beginning...

A big thank you to all of the people who helped clean up our new lab space.  The Race Car Team has been gracious enough to let us use a corner of their lab in D14 while we get things started.

As you can see, we now have the space, but are still sans tools and bikes.  Our plan calls for an extensive overhauling of each bicycle to insure that the recipients receive something that not only rides like, but also looks like a new bike.  To this end, we are in need of a number of supplies.  On the top of our list is of course used bicycles.  The process will begin with tearing down each bike to it's frame, sanding and applying a fresh coat of paint for the new rider.  After everything is dry, we'll replace worn out tires and bearings and pack it all together with some fresh grease (except for the tires.)  After the application of a styling TBP sticker, it's out the door to someone in dire need of transportation or a new toy for someone who doesn't get very many.

If you think  you might have some supplies around the house or shop that could aid us in our task, please consider making a donation.  Old tools, painting equipment, grease, bicycles, or bicycle parts will all make a positive difference.  And because we'd like to donate a helmet and lock with each bike, any monetary donations towards the project are also welcome.  Please feel free to contact Matt Kelsey with any questions or comments you may have.