Durham News Features - View Article - Uxbridge youths send out shipment of bicycles

(Originally published June 9, 2005)

UXBRIDGE - A container of bikes collected and repaired by a group of Uxbridge youths has begun its journey to Africa.

Ted Webb, a 19-year-old Uxbridge resident who initiated the project, said the container of bikes was recently transported to a rail yard and should arrive in Malawi by early August.

"We've completed the repairs of 180 bikes that are now on their way," said Mr. Webb.

Included in the container are clothes and bicycle repair kits.

Mr. Webb said the project has received great response and they almost have enough bikes to send another shipment right now. The group is still collecting for another project next year. Those wanting to drop off a bike can do so at 19 Bell St. in Uxbridge.

Mr. Webb, a former bike mechanic, along with a couple other Uxbridge youths, will be going to Malawi for four weeks to teach those receiving a bike how to do repairs.

"I want to go put faces to the bikes and see the distribution done personally," he said. Mr. Webb also wants to see what happens once the bikes get there and make sure the project is successful.

Mr. Webb said they are trying to get the bikes to pastors and farmers to make sure they can get around. He said farmers need the bikes so they can bring more goods to market, and pastors currently spend a lot of time walking to the multiple churches they work for.

Although it costs about $7,500 to ship the recycled bikes, Mr. Webb said it's still cheaper than if the youths had gone down there and bought them. A low-tech bike in Africa is about $80 U.S.

"Really it's an effort to share what we have here with our brother over there, attempting to relieve some pain," he said. "And just the fact you've come to see them, they're really encouraged by that."

Money raised for the project was done through a youth concert, auction and music event, and car wash.