Case Study: 100 Bikes for Better Access
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, this project provided access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation by recycling and donating 100 bicycles.
In 2016, the Bradley Street Bike Co-op (BSBC) was founded with the goal of providing more equitable, accessible, and sustainable transportation in New Haven, CT. Connecticut Community Bicycle Workshop (CCBW), operated out of the Co-Op, is a donation-based bicycle program that recognizes the importance of accessible transportation in disadvantaged communities. The Workshop has maintained its donation program through the support of volunteers and the BSBC. COVID-19 put new financial strains on the organization, resulting in the need to supplement community support with additional funding. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, having access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation became more important than ever and the project aimed to recycle and donate 100 bicycles to people in New Haven in need of safe and affordable transportation.
According to the 100 Bikes for Better Access campaign page, lack of quality transportation is one of the greatest obstacles people in New Haven face in accessing jobs. Among those registered with CTWorks, 84% identified transportation as an obstacle to work, higher than any other barrier. While cars are prohibitively expensive, public transportation is prohibitively slow and inefficient; less than one-third of jobs in New Haven are accessible by public transportation in under 90 minutes. Bicycles, on the other hand, are inexpensive, fast, and reliable. Accessible and affordable transportation is essential for work and consistent access to services, healthcare, and other resources.
Project Details
Project: 100 Bikes for Better Access
Project Type: Environmental
Project Location: New Haven, CT
Crowdfunding Raise: $12,000
Crowdgranting Match: $8,000
Patrons: 124
About Sustainable CT
Nonprofit Sustainable CT partnered with Patronicity to create the Community Match Fund, an innovative crowdgranting program providing matching funds to successful and eligible crowdfunding campaigns in Connecticut. Sustainable CT is unique in its focus on projects that build vibrant, equitable, and sustainable communities.
