A non-governmental, nonprofit organization promoting bicycle transport, economic development, international understanding and safety education.

2011 STUDENT BICYCLE ESSAY CONTEST

International Bicycle Fund Student Essay Contest is open to anyone 16 years old or under.  For more information see http://www.ibike.org/essays/index.htm.  There are cash prizes for the winners in age group categories:  Essay may be on any aspect of bicycling (history, touring, racing, commuting, role in society, learning, teaching, etc.)  Girls and boys from all countries are encouraged to participate.  You need not be a bicyclist.  The deadline for entries is every year on May 1^st (mailed entry must be postmarked by 1 May and arrive by 10 May.)  Entries can be submitted by email. Please share this information with teachers, parents and students in your circles.

The essay program takes a surprisingly large number of hours to administer.  If you would like to support this and other IBF programs, it can easily be done online at http://www.guidestar.org/partners/networkforgood/donate.jsp?ein=91-1286223

NOTES FROM IBIKE.ORG

Bicycle Music Festivals
IBF continues  to work with various parts of the Bicycle Music Festival colaboration.  Bicycle Music Festivals are a magical mix of bicycles, music, food & fun, http://www.ibike.org/encouragement/bike-music-festival.htm.  Most happen from May to September.  We hope there is one near you (North America west coast & Europe) that you can get involved with.  IBF is the fiscal agent for several festivals.

Bicycle Month
Many areas celebrate May as Bicycle Month.  We hope that you will get involved in activities in your area.  If the local program is thin on substance there are a couple resources on the IBF website which should facilitate enhancing the program:

• Bicycle Awareness Campaign Themes - http://www.ibike.org/encouragement/ideas.htm
• Bike To Work Day / Week / Month & Alternative Transport Promoting & Encouragement - http://www.ibike.org/encouragement/bike-day.htm

UPCOMING IBIKE TRAVEL PROGRAMS: COUNTRY YOU SHOULD SEE:

One of the goals of our travel program is to help people get out of the travel ruts – heading to the tourism destination enclaves.  We do this by offering programs to really interesting places that are not mainstream destinations, and by giving people an opportunity to see a mainstream destination through a different and more interesting lens.  The full schedule is posted at http://www.ibike.org/ibike/schedule.htm.  We hope you will take on one of these opportunities.

Our cultural travel programs are our main source of revenue.  We hope you will support IBF by joining one of these programs:  These may not be mainstream destinations, but that is part of their value.

Hidden Gems in Up-coming Cultural Bike Tour Programs Include:

West Africa:
We to offer a sampling of West Africa.  In 2007, we were Cameroon.  In 2008, we were in Togo and Benin. In 2009, we were in Mali.  In 2010, we were in Sierra Leone.  Each country is distinct and interesting.  If you would like to get a flavor of the tours check out the photo essays linked from http://www.ibike.org/ibike/travelogue.htm.  2011’s offerings in West Africa include Ghana and Burkina Faso, in separate programs.

Ghana:
May 29 – June 11, for more details see http://www.ibike.org/bikeafrica/ghana. 
The cultural density of Ghana is legendary. Highlights of the tour include visits the sprawling Kumasi market, the National Culture Center, historic museums, a national park, and historic slave forts along the coast, and the joy of experiencing the rural life-styles of multi-cultural Ghana (Ewe, Fanti, Ashanti, Wa).  English is widely spoken, and Ghanaians are renowned for there outgoing personalities so "communications" can be almost non-stop.  While the villages are serene, and reflect traditional values and lifestyle, including wonderful hospitality, Accra has many modern conveniences and an active scene that sets it apart.  This program is an engaging mélange traditional and modern.

Burkina Faso:
December 4-17, for more details see http://www.ibike.org/bikeafrica/burkina-faso. 
We are heading to a pretty remote part of Burkina Faso so the traveling will be very rural-based, village-based, people-to-people. The tour, explores the multi-ethnic character of this region of Africa, which is reflected in different economies, languages, cultural rituals and social structures.  Included in our sojourn are the Lobi people and their unique architecture, the Ruins of Loropéni (World Heritage Site) and we fascinating traditional markets featuring local produce, handmade textiles, and a kaleidoscope of people and other merchandise.  The tour is an excellent opportunity to get a feel for the rhythm of local life.

USA / CANADA:
Rolling the Islands of the Salish Sea: July 16-28, for more details see http://www.ibike.org/ibike/salish/salish.htm. 
For bicyclists who already love the northwest USA and southwest Canada, or for those who are willing to fall in love with this region, your imaginings will be will come to life on this tour. The program highlights the cultural heritage and history, the economical and environmental diversity, and the geological complexity.  Our program is very different from any other tour in the area.  With our carefully selected route across eight islands from Seattle to Victoria, interpretive programs, and off-bike activities, we bike and eat our way through the rich history and heritage, the geographical and environmental diversity, and the economic, geological and cultural complexity of the Salish Sea. Program participants have opportunities to: meet Suquamish, Swinomish and other indigenous people; learn how Hawaiians were early foreign trappers and traders here, Chinese built the infrastructure, Japanese fed the people, Blacks and Jews outfitted the gold rushers and other ethnic groups transformed the land, culture and economy. We visit local markets; wander in historic towns, examine art and architecture, identify flora and fauna and enjoy the extraordinary friendliness of the people and inspirational beauty of the Salish Sea.  Dinner menus include Japanese, Greek, Thai, Italian, Mexican, Vietnamese, Southern, and more.

Uganda:
August 7-21, for more details see http://www.ibike.org/bikeafrica/uganda/index.htm.  
Do you like blue sky, green forests & fresh pineapple? Consider a bike tour in Uganda.  Yes, it is safe, friendly and very welcoming.  Our rural oriented itinerary covers a slice of the country and visits a variety of villages, social programs, development projects, schools, national parks and historic sites.  The program offers a great opportunity to get an introduction to East African culture, plus the pleasing and relatively rare opportunity to see a good variety of wildlife from a bicycle -- with a back-drop of gorgeous scenery.

South Korea:
September 25 to October 8, for more details see http://www.ibike.org/ibike/korea. 
Half of South Korea in pretty industrial, and the other half in picturesque rural, riverine, forested, coastal and mountainous, continuously culturally rich and dazzling -- it is the latter half that we explore!  We can’t understand why touring cyclists are not swarming all over the back roads of South Korea.  Come be the first on your block to discover the elation of bicycle touring in Korea.

Seattle:
Year around, if you visiting Seattle please consider on of our custom Seattle Heritage Bicycle Tours.  For more details see http://www.ibike.org/ibike/seattle.

SAMPLES FROM OUR TWITTER POSTS

Twitter is the primer social media we use to keep you current with develops at IBF/Ibike.  We tend to post a short message a couple times a week.  The following are messages that we have posted recently on Twitter that aren’t covered elsewhere in this Update.  To follow our Twitter posts in real time visit   http://www.twitter.com/intlbike.

A Namibian girl and her bicycle http://bit.ly/hyYRJJ  1:48 PM 27 Nov 2010

Raised eyebrows! Kenya Airways in-flight mag, Msafiri, mentions Bicycle Africa's Uganda program (pg 114) http://www.ta-emags.com/V1/KQ/M73/,7:15 AM 4 Dec 2010

Drive Nice, Tacoma http://t.co/zWpy9w3.  Nice is good. 9:03 AM 24 Dec 2010

For a glimpse at the warm character & culture of Sierra Leone, as seen from a Bicycle Africa Tour read & enjoy http://tinyurl.com/29dbv49 4:15 PM 24 Dec 2010

Uganda: Candidate rides bicycle to reach electorate, http://tinyurl.com/2a58vh6 (Daily Monitor, posted Jan 1, 2011). 11:34 AM 3 Jan 2011

Report quantifies just how much a car commute crushes your soul http://t.co/8X5UQKR  7:24 AM 26 Jan 2011

Hundreds of Ugandan Women Tackle Bicycling: http://t.co/FOE4sLA  4:53 PM 7 Feb 2011

Green Festivals in Chicago & Seattle are looking for volunteers. It's a great gig! http://www.greenfestivals.org/volunteer  12:15 PM 26 Feb 2011 [Note: if you are in Seattle, IBF is looking for volunteers to help with the valet bike parking.  Pls contact them directly.]

Book: 'Masked Rider: Cycling in West Africa' is for sale at Walmart, http://www.walmart.com/ip/2650262  5:44 PM 13 May 2011

Women's rights in Africa - the glass is (only) half full (there is a bicycle element as well), http://tinyurl.com/6z3rz8s  5:53 PM 13 Mar 2011

Dhaka, Bangladesh's wrong-minded modernization: rickshaw (pedicab) bans, http://tinyurl.com/45xs8ab  9:20 PM 6 Apr 2011

What are women-specific bike issues? They're not what you think. Read all about it: http://j.mp/hsnw2Y  10:00 PM 6 Apr 2011

U.S. government issued new regulations on Cuba people-to-people travel. We're developing a program. Contact IBF if you're interested.  9:02 AM 22 Apr 2011

Keep the momentum of Earth Day - 60+ Benefits (Advantages) of Bicycling, http://www.ibike.org/encouragement/benefits.htm  1:12 PM 23 Apr 2011

Lagos, Nigeria, bicycle advocacy and promotion, http://tinyurl.com/3v3qx56 & video http://tinyurl.com/43mjrdz. More power to them!  12:58 PM 24 Apr 2011

DONATE TO IBF ONLINE

To continue our work we depend on donation from people like you who support promoting sustainable transportation.  You can now donate online through a secure link.  Go to http://www.guidestar.org/partners/networkforgood/donate.jsp?ein=91-1286223. 

Bicycling In Africa
Comprehensive how-to book if you are planning to travel to Africa or other less developed regions. 192 pages of information. US$14.95. Please include postage and handling for mail orders (North America US$2, to other continents US$5)

Bicycling In Africa Country Supplements
Supplements cover cycling season, routes, getting maps and spare parts, accommodations in rural areas & special comments for cycling.
Bicycle Touring In Kenya. US$10 *
Bicycle Touring In Ethiopia/Eritrea. US$10 *
Bicycle Touring In Zimbabwe/Botswana. US$10 *
Bicycle Touring In Malawi/Tanzania/Uganda. US$10 *
Bicycle Touring In Ghana/Togo/Benin. US$10 *
Bicycle Touring In Tunisia/Algeria. US$10 *
Bicycle Touring In Senegal/Gambia/Guinea. US$10 *
Bicycle Touring In Mali/Burkina Faso/Niger. US$5 *
Bicycle Touring In Cameroon. US$5 *

IBF Trailer: Assembly Instructions
Plans & instructions for building an IBF Bike Trailer. US$5.00 * (free to development workers in "less developed countries.")

The Bicyclist's Dilemma In African Cities
Impact on individuals, society & the environment of not accommodating & encouraging bicycle use in African cities. 26 pages US$3.00 *

Transportation, Bicycles And Development In Africa: Progression or Regression
Transportation in Africa is primarily by foot. Is encouraging bicycles progressive or regressive? 18 pages, US$2.00 *

Transportation Patterns In Nairobi
The history of transport in Nairobi that has led to traffic jams and filthy air. With strategies for encouraging bikes. 17 pages, US$2.00 *

Flying With Your Bicycles (1996)
Summary of baggage regulations for bicycles on 40 major airlines. Hints and strategies for packing and flying with a bike. US$4.00 *

Selecting & Preparing A Bicycle For Travel In Remote Areas / Annotated Detailed Packing List
A comprehensive how­to essay on special considerations. US$4.00 *

Language In Cross­Cultural Understanding
Essay on cultural bias in language. A must for travelers who want to see different cultures with a clearer vision. US$2.00 *

* Suggested donation. On mail orders, please include additional payment for postage & handling: North America; US$1 for 1^st item and US$0.50 for each additional. Beyond North America US$2 for 1^st item and US$1 for each additional (US$5 minimum). Quantity discounts are available. We accept payment by check, credit card and through Paypal (direct payment to "ibike@" our domain name).

IBF News '91/2: Tips on Responsible Travel.
IBF News '93/1: Trans: Who Pays? / Sustainable Tourism.
IBF News '93/2: Sustainable Access.
IBF News '94/1: Least Cost Planning.
IBF News '94/2: Land Use Planning.
IBF News '95/1: Multi-mode Level-of-Service.
IBF News '95/2: Promoting Bicycle Tourism.
IBF News '96/1: Bicycling In India And Eritrea.
IBF News '96/2: Free bike programs / Social attitudes.
IBF News '97/1: 15 Myths On Bicycling in Africa.
IBF News '97/2: Bike decline in Asia / Bike history.
IBF News '98/1: Policies: Cuba, Poland & Honduras.
IBF News '98/2: Critical Mass.
IBF News '99/1: Bike to Work / Tanzania Cultural Tourism.
IBF News '99/2: Women In Tunisia
IBF News '01/1: Biking with Infants
IBF News '01/2: Impact of Sept 11, 2001
IBF News '02/1: Pan-Africa Bicycle Information Network
IBF News '02/2: Student Bicycle Essay Contest 2002 Winners
IBF News '03/1: Bicycle Messenger and Activism in San Francisco
IBF News '03/2: Student Bicycle Essay Contest 2003 Winners

Editor: David Mozer
IBF News is published semiannually by the International Bicycle Fund, 4887 Columbia Drive South., Seattle, WA 98108­1919 USA. Tel & Fax: 1­206­767-0848. Email: "ibike@" our domain name. Internet: www.ibike.org

IBF is a non-governmental, non-profit organization, promoting sustainable transport and international understanding. Coverage of an event does not constitute an endorsement by IBF. Material in IBF News, developed by IBF, may be reproduced in whole or in part, provided prominent credit is given to the International Bicycle Fund.