Project Definition

Start by clearly defining the goals of your project. The beauty of bicycle education projects is the versatility of the concept. Depending on the ultimate mission of your organization, your project may focus its attention on one or more of the following areas:

• Recycling
• Youth training in bike repair
• Safety education
• Community service
• Small business training
• Environmental studies
• Youth leadership development
• Recreational activities

It's easy enough to set a goal. A much harder task is to measure your progress toward it. Once you've determined the direction, or strategy of your project, identify the objectives by which to evaluate your performance and determine the project's success. It's important for donors and members, as well as project staff, to have concrete evidence on which to base criticism and plan improvement.

Here's an example of how this works in reality: A goal may be set which states that children receive training in mechanics and develop their capacity to diagnose and solve problems. The strategy is to offer a course in bike repair and maintenance; the objectives are to a) train sixty 8th graders in this course for the school year, and b) repair 180 bicycles in the classes.

Another goal may be for a group of children to receive an education in business. The strategy is to simulate a retail bike shop in class. The objectives are to a) have a class of twenty 8th graders devise a business plan, b) open and operate the shop throughout the year, and c) sell 100 bikes. The opportunities for variation are tremendous! A word of caution: start small. Choose one goal and work to achieve it. In this way you remain focused and gain the confidence and support of those around you. Once this happens you are in the best position to develop and take on new goals.

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