from Michael Blunk, BNB trainer, April 29, 2007

The Earn-A-Bike program on the island of Nevis is turning out to be quite a success. Matt Soycher deserves a lot of credit for his hard work in setting up the program and holding the initial Instructor Training courses. He also helped coordinate the transformation of a 40-foot container into a working bicycle shop for the program. His contributions were invaluable and the people of Nevis really appreciate his tremendous dedication and long hours working to make this all possible. Along with Matt, the project has benefited from the work of Kristina Stoney, a Peace Corp volunteer who invited Bikes Not Bombs here, and Veronica and Kenneth Ferguson of the Jessups Youth All-Stars.

The shipping container is taking shape as a building, and looks great now, much like a miniature Bikes Not Bombs. There is still some work to be done in order for the space to be usable at night and in the rain. We have the materials now for a shed roof to extend eight feet off the front and will hopefully be seeing the construction of that taking place soon. There is also a need to coordinate for electricity to be wired into the container so we can hold classes more comfortably at night. Right now, night classes are held under a streetlight and floodlights. Overall the project is advancing at a steady pace and as more people get involved and become aware of the work that needs to be done, it gains momentum. We are also beginning a campaign to push for a bike lane to be built alongside the main island road.

At the moment there are two Instructor Training classes being held at the container in Jessups. I am teaching volunteers that come from four different communities as well as some government workers with the youth ministry. In two weeks they will graduate and begin giving back their skills in teaching Earn-A-Bike programs for the youths in their respective communities. The instructor trainer volunteers are incredibly enthusiastic about teaching the youths and look forward to the day that they can begin their own classes. After these volunteers graduate, I will begin teaching another session for instructor trainers as well as supervising two Earn-A-Bike sessions. I am also holding two drop-in times a week for the youth and receive a tremendous turn out at each one.

Nevis is a beautiful place and in my opinion, best explored on a bicycle. However, there are an increasing number of automobiles and a growing tourism industry. Despite the high fees of importing automobiles on the island, the number of personal passenger cars has doubled over the past five years. There is even traffic congestion in Charlestown during the late afternoon, something that was unheard of less than a decade ago. The main road around the island is about two-thirds paved and the rest should be paved by next year. With all that being said, the coordination of the Earn-A-Bike program could not have come at a better time for this island. Automobiles are becoming a significant presence on the road, and it is good to be establishing a bicycle presence as well. With every bicycle earned through the EAB program, the youths are not only learning mechanics, safely and fitness, but contributing to a future in Nevis where bicycles share the road with automobiles and are just as an important part of the transportation system of the island. It is exciting to be participating in this project and I look forward to its continued success.
(The online blog started by Matt and continued by Michael can be read at http://bikesnotbombs.org/nevis/)