Bike Fort Collins

There are those who espouse the idea of sustainability, and there are those who walk the walk, or even bike the bike, toward sustainability.

A local cooperative known as the Bike Against Collective is a fine example of recognizing a need and fulfilling it in a manner that is responsible to people and to the environment.

The bike cooperative, the brainchild of Fort Collins resident Rafael Cletero, started several years ago in a casual manner to provide bikes for anybody who needed them as well as information about bicycles and maintenance.

"I think Rafael got sick of seeing bikes going to the landfill, and (the cooperative) progressed from there," said volunteer Doug Ferrin.

Today, the cooperative provides about 20 bikes a month to those who need them. The cooperative also receives worn bicycles and either rebuilds them or recycles all the parts, including metal and tires. In return for providing bikes, the cooperative asks for either a time donation or a small monetary donation, if possible.

Bike Against also has developed a partnership with the Larimer County Human Services to restore and donate bicycles to clients.

For some residents, bicycles are their only form of transportation. For others, bikes are a sole source of recreation. During the holidays, parents in need may find bicycles for their children through the cooperative, which is funded by individual donations as well as corporate contributions from companies such as REI and New Belgium Brewery.

The cooperative is applauded for combining community good works with environmental activism.