on hand to assist with any repairs or answer any questions. Soon people with wheelchairs will also be repairing their own equipment in the collective. The shop is packed with human-powered vehicles of every description, in an attempt to introduce community members to a diversity of designs. Recumbents, tandems, tricycles, folding bikes, trailers and workbikes in all price ranges from around the world can be examined, bought or rented. EBW is the community entrance to the design work done by other projects in the CAT: eventually, rentals and sales will include bikes that can be produced either by people coming to learn bike construction, or by apprentices involved in the school. EBW and the Hands-on Project will soon host classes, focusing on repair and framebuilding. Anyone wanting to build a human-powered vehicle will be encouraged to get involved in the design/manufacture process. The hope is that the costs of special bikes, that would be prohibitively expensive to develop within the “free market”, will be defrayed by the labor of students and volunteers in these classes. As with any non-profit organization, funding is always a challenge. Most of the money so far has come from private donations and the sweat equity of dedicated volunteers. Some money is now generated through membership fees to the CAT, as cyclists realize that it’s working as a powerful cycling advocate for the benefit of the entire community. The projects and their workers pay some rent, and must be self-sufficient either through community support, classes or activity-related products. Every project coordinator is financially responsible for their role in the non-profit. The CAT is fast becoming a vital part of the community, and has built momentum which will not easily dissipate. By pointing out the hidden costs of the automobile and the wonder of the alternatives, the CAT hopes to transform our car-dominated transportation system. The CAT is not alone. Groups in New York, San Francisco and Santa Cruz are already taking inspiration from the project. Soon there may be CATs everywhere! The Center for Appropriate Technology is on 1st and Washington in Eugene, Oregon. Right, Jan VanderTuin explains the elements of intermediate-scale workbike manufacture to architecture students. From their study of the CAT, they designed a number offuture community cycling centers. NOTICE The CAT is looking for an individual to join us in the Workspace Rental Project, the Hands- On Project, and in the general operation of the Center. Bicycle shop experience, both in repair and manufacturing, is needed. Teaching experience is an asset. All genders, races, etc. are welcome to contact us. Like all other projects in the building these projects are bootstrap, i.e., everyone must figure out how to generate income for their specific project. What we can do is to offer an infrastructure, solidarity, and connections within the community. Call Jan at (503) 343-5568, or write to: The Center For Appropriate Transport P.O. Box 1005 Eugene, OR 97440 RAIN Spring 1993 Volume XIV, Number 3 Page 57
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