R2RMobile Alabama has so much to offer for the visitor. But like so many places we visit, it is often the people we meet that make a place so memorable. The same holds true with Mobile. The people of the Delta Bike Project (DBP) help to make this city a place worth visiting (and a place worth living in!)
Read More about why Downtown Mobile is a great place to visit.
We were in Mobile Alabama to start our trip cycling on the underground railroad. As you can imagine there were lots of logistics to manage - including selling our car and putting our bikes back together. Neither of us is a skilled bike mechanic so we were thrilled to learn about this great organization. We brought our bikes for a quick tune-up and to learn more about what they do.
Volunteer at Delta Bike Project helping Matt tune his bike
“The Delta Bike Project is a non-profit bicycle community dedicated to promoting and improving access to bicycle transportation in Mobile, Alabama. We seek to minimize economic and educational barriers by providing a shared community space for people to have access to the tools and knowledge for do-it-yourself bicycle repair and low cost access to donated and recycled bicycles…” The Delta Bike Project Website
The People of Delta Bike Project
Volunteers appear to be the heart and soul of the project. These people have a desire to give to the community of Mobile through cycling. They took the time to not only make sure our bikes were well tuned but to tell us a bit more about what they do with DBP. We even got to join them after the shop closed at Yak the Kathmandu - a Nepali restaurant in town. They all have a passion for cycling and helping others and are a gift to the people of Mobile.
Some of the DBP volunteers at Yak the Kathmandu (such good food!)
We chatted with two kids who were building a mountain bike, as they wanted to trade in their city cruisers. They had volunteered their time and earned a new bike. They also learned a bit about bike mechanics along the way. These kids thought our bikes were pretty weird looking, and they told us we talk funny. They were so gracious with our never-ending questions about life in Mobile.
We met a gentleman who was volunteering, to ‘earn’ his bicycle and another guy that was repairing his flat tire on his bike. They both were very respectful of us and our questions and seemed proud of their rides.
Community Impact of Delta Bike Project
We were impressed that DBP has all kinds of bicycles. The majority are for parts but some bicycles have been completely refurbished. DBP sells these bikes so they can cover the overhead of the ongoing project. We saw a dad and daughter shopping the available bikes. As the little girl pedalled her new bike back to the car she had a grin on her face that would lighten any room.
It was obvious that DBP delivers on its goals. Bicycles can be transportation in Mobile and DBP ensures bicycle services are available to all Mobilians .
Delta Bike Project Volunteer after successfully tuning Heather's bike
The volunteers at DBP also spoke highly of the Gears And Beers ride. It looks to be a great event with a great impact. It not only supports the DBP but also helps buy and install important bike amenities around Mobile. We sure appreciated all the amenities for bicycles and we felt they helped make the downtown area of Mobile bike friendly.
Gears and Beers also sounds like a great party. We might have to adjust our fall plans to be back in Mobile in November to ride or volunteer! Anyone else want to join us - could be a great way to kick start your own Underground Railroad Bike trip!
Read more about the Underground Railroad Bike Route from the Adventure Cycling Association.
What we saw and learned at the Delta Bike Project was Community Economic Development at its best. DBP is an awesome showcase of local solutions to meet local needs. Folks are being empowered to belong and contribute in a positive way to their community. The community and tourists are benefiting from increased access to bicycles and skills. It really is a win-win situation.
Our afternoon at the Delta Bike Project was an absolute highlight of our time in Mobile. It gave us a quick snapshot into life in the city, and how an organization can make such an impact on the lives of the people that live there.
It is important for tourists to find these sides of cities - after all a place is nothing without its people!
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