Chapter 1 : The Middle Way- the start

In 2003, Car-Lite Board Member Kathryn Ackland initiated Community Bikes, the Middle Way's bike repair training program for developmentally disabled adults.  Car-Lite was a strategic partner in the entire process and managed the volunteer program, Community Bike Nights and weekend bike sales.

The program was very popular with the students and the community.  Bikes, bike parts, tools and equipment donations were gathered from hundreds sources; Analy Bikes donated tools and bikes, the Lions Club installed the shop lights, Fine Edge Cabinets built the stands, boxes and benches, and the RITES Project painted a mural.  The Rotary donated funds as did a number of private individuals. 

Bikes were made available to persons in need, some of which pitched in and helped repair including a handful of local teenagers. Hundreds of bikes, refurbished by Community Bike Night volunteers were presold via the internet and delivered to customers at Burning Man.  

Partners included Analy High School, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, Sebastopol Police Department, City of Santa Rosa Dept of Public Works, Sonoma County Sheriff, Recycletown, and...