I want an Igor!

I emailed a mod, but I gather he was busy cleaning up some silly mess. Oh well, i guess it was it was good for some weekend drama...

I'm bumping this thread in hopes we can all talk about constructive ways we as individuals can contribute to bicycling. Screw the companies protecting their trademarks. We know it's not about the name on the tube, it's not about how much you spend. It's about getting out there, having fun, getting some exercise. In a larger sense it's about moving away from unhealthy practices into more environmentally sustainable, and physically healthy ways of getting around.

A lot of folks here share their knowledge of and passion about bicycles on this nifty thing called the interweb. We might just be sitting at our computers goofing off, but if we ignite a pasion in others by sharing our own, we're actually doing some good. There are more concrete and direct ways to share that passion and knowledge.

I do it every week at my local bike coop. The nifty thing is that while I'm teaching people to work on bikes, I'm learning too. Sometimes it's a person who teaches me something new, sometimes it's just working out a new problem, but the result is that I get something, and the people I'm helping get something, and my little town is getting more bikes on the streets all the time, and more people are enjoying them. We're also working on a community bike project which will have bikes sprinkled around the town equipped with racks and baskets to help people with their errands.

There are plenty of great bike organizations that can use donations of money OR time. So maybe if you haven't got any money to spare, you can spare some time, or some parts, or you've got some bikes around that could be donated, or even just fixed up and given to a friend, or acquaintance who could use it.

There's a gazillion ways to get more in bikes, and by doing it we make things better for everyone who loves bikes, because more bikes means fewer cars. It means higher demand for bicycle infrastructure,a and more awareness by drivers. At least in my town I see a growing trend where I can foresee a future where bicycles are a more common choice for local transportation than cars. Good things are happening, and we can all be a part of it.

A few years ago I thought my town was too small (pop. 8000) to support a bike coop, but then I found some other guys who wanted one, and I talked with them. I got involved. Now I'm in up to my armpits. We're in our second year, and things are really taking off. What would you like to see happening where you live. Dare to dream, it may not be as far fetched as you think.