Every Day Adventurers

Rod Bryan, former 2006 independent candidate for Governor of Arkansas, shared with us his past efforts trying to shift our car-centric lifestyles using his Xtracycle, and his current work as Housing Coordinator for Our House, a non-profit shelter for homeless individuals and families in Little Rock.

In his run for Governor, Rod’s first proposed initiative was aimed at “[improving] quality of life for Arkansans by making it easier to travel in communities and across the state by bicycle.” His concrete goals included increasing daily use of bicycles by citizens & state employees; improving cycling infrastructure and increasing bicycle use and maintenance education. It’s refreshing and empowering to see someone close their music record shop, take work at a bakery, and devote their time, money and energy to help improve the livelihoods of their fellow citizens.

Now, as housing coordinator for Our House, Rod sees the effects of our car-culture on the individuals and families he serves. Living by example, Rod rides his Xtracycle to work and encourages people “to try and find employment within a biking radius from their homes.”

“Daily, shelter residents look at my bicycle with oohs and ahhs. I have a vision to introduce them to riding Xtracyles while they are staying at the shelter and encourage them to save money to buy their own upon leaving. I also envision residents learning bike mechanics as part of our job training and as a way to sustain their own transportation and independence.

If it weren’t for the money in my campaign, I don’t know if I ever would have gotten an Xtracycle. I know that many of the people in our shelter see bicycles other than second-hand or from Wal-Mart as extravagances. I truly believe that if we introduce our residents to Xtracycles and the many things that Xtracycle makes possible it will truly open them to another world. “

Rod is accepting donations through Our House to help individuals ease the cost burden of owning a cargo bicycle for use as their daily transportation tool. If you can offer financial support, or want to donate your FreeRadical after upgrading to a Radish or Big Dummy, you can contact Rod at rod{at}ourhouseshelter{dot}com.