cargobikecoop.org

There's been lots of action around here since our last update in August. 

For starters, we purchased three new trailers!  These first members of our fledgeling fleet,  nicknamed Isobel 1, 2, and 3, all came to us second-hand, but they're in great shape. 

The first two members of our fleet (Isobel 1 & 2) are identical trailers designed for hauling large loads. They fit four large rubbermaid bins (which can supposedly be stacked to hold up to 8 bins!), and they feature a very versatile hitching system that allows them to easily mount on virtually any hardtail frame.  In the short time we've had them, they've already earned their keep, hauling a new mattress, 40 litres of heavy winemaking supplies, and a few other miscellaneous doodads. They're also remarkably light, on account of their aluminum frames, and the wheels are spokeless, so they require very little maintenance. Hooray!

 

The third and newest addition (Isobel 3) is a Croozer Cargo trailer. This lightweight folding trailer is designed for hauling loads of up to 30kg, and features a simple rain cover and another very versatile hitching design. It's solidly built & incredibly handy for hauling regular loads, like the weekly grocery buy for your household. And one of the greatest things about it is the way it folds up (see above) -- it stores flat and keeps completely out of the way. 

So the big thing we're working on now, of course, is getting these trailers out into the world for people to use. That means we're starting to talk seriously about where we can set up lending stations around the city. We've had lots of great feedback from our survey, which is helpful for us when considering which neighbourhoods people would most like to have access to cargo bikes. Figuring out exactly how to make the trailers, and eventually bikes, available to people is a bit of a challenge, though, so we're busy brainstorming about possible partnerships with shops and organizations that might make good lending stations. It's taking a little while, but we have hope that we'll be up and running in some form this coming spring.

There's still lots to do, and there's lots of room for other folks to become involved. If you might like to become a member (eventually), or if you're interested in helping to get the project off the ground, please  join the mailing list (in the left sidebar of this page!), or contact us. Donations (bikes, trailers, dollars, skills, whatever!) are always welcome, and whatever you can give is greatly appreciated.