Bike Hacks was recently contacted by reader Stan who shared a cool project he is working on with us. Stan and his friend Nic are working on a book on South African bicycle culture. This is a brief intro to the project from the Kickstarter web site they are using to help promote and raise funds for the project:
My name is Stan Engelbrecht. A friend and fellow bicycle enthusiast, Nic Grobler, and I recently started a project investigating South African bicycle culture, and the lack of cyclist commuters out there on our roads. We want to raise the funds to turn this project into a self-published full-color hard-cover photographic book ( similar in format to a previous book I've done, 'African Salad' - www.dayonepublications.com ). We'll be shooting the entire project from our own bicycles while traveling around the country - this will enable us to meet everyday South Africans out there while they use their bicycles.
Right on Stan! I had not heard of Kickstarter before but it sounds like a great way to drum up support for projects that the public is interested in getting involved in. The following comes from the Kickstarter web site:
We've got a pretty broad definition of creativity: art, music, design (fashion, product, game, app, etc), film/video, food, journalism, and other projects that spring from the imagination. Kickstarter is a new form of commerce and patronage, not a place for investment or lending. Project creators inspire people to open their wallets by offering products, benefits and fun experiences. Kickstarter collects 5% from the project creator if a project is successfully funded.
Sounds like an awesome tool to help harness the power of crowdsourcing.
All video, photo, and text credit below to Stan and Nic. I hope you get there guys! You have the support of the Bike Hack crew. Lots more of their photos can be found here.
Micky Abrahams
Cnr. Douglas pl. and Victoria rd., Woodstock, Cape Town, South Africa
2010 / 04 / 07 18:05
‘I ride around on this bike. I bought it there in Goodwood. From some people there. I think 2 years, no, 3 years ago. I bought it so I can just go on with life. I’m short of breath - with the bike I can go further. I ride my bike every day. I ride to Cape Town central, Sea Point and all around. And Goodwood and Tyger Valley. I live out on the road. On heaven’s road. Out on the bushy ground, along the marsh where the rivers are. And places like that. I sleep out there at night. I hide my bike under the bushes when the thieves come around. Then they can’t find it. When they see I’ve got no stuff they move on. I have these planks tied to the bike here. It’s so I can pack stuff on top and tie it. Then I can at least get on with my life. You know, I love this bikey... its name is Tractor-Tractor. I live on my own. In my own heaven. Down on the ground. Then I live here, then I live there, all over. For 8 years already now I’ve been living all ‘round. I like it like this. But I have to get some ground for me again, a home. I have to build up a home to go on further with my life. So life goes on...’
Remo Baker
Rosebud st., Kwanokuthula, Riversdale, Western Cape, South Africa
2010 / 04 / 25 18:33
'Why do I cycle? Because it’s fun! Also some exercise and I mean, there is lots you can do with it. Been cycling about 5 years now. I use it to go to town now and then. I bought this bicycle there. I've modified the bike a little, putting in the extra pipes and different tires. It means everything to me.'
Wow you just beat me to posting this, I have it in the queue. Love the project and wish them all the best.
Posted by: Bikejuju | 05/12/2010 at 02:43 AM