The Community Cycling Center's Create a Commuter program has been nominated for an Alice B. Toeclips Award this year, for its work to help low-income adults find and keep jobs, afford housing and regain mobility and confidence by becoming safe and comfortable bicyclists. Here, the CCC's Alison Hill writes about the program's mission and success.

Imagine your car died and you could not afford repairs. The bus service stops 3 miles away. You cannot walk long distances due to injury. You would ride a bike but the cost is also beyond your reach.

The Community Cycling Center started Create a Commuter in 2000 to help low-income adults get to and keep their jobs by using the bicycle as a reliable source of transportation. The program provides qualifying adults with five hours of instruction in bike maintenance and safety skills and a fully-outfitted commuter bicycle. The program is free. Over 1,500 people in the Portland metro region have been served by Create a Commuter in six years of programming.

Create a Commuter has shown compelling results: in a survey of over 100 former participants, over ¾ use their bike to commute regularly after receiving it, the majority either to get to work or to seek employment. More than 100 adults have participated in the program so far this year and are using their bikes to get to work, find jobs and live healthier lives.

By way of example, one of our participants, Don, was injured after being kicked by a racehorse. He suffers from severe arthritis, and he is unable to walk long distances or sit for long periods of time. As part of his treatment, he needs regular, low-impact exercise.

A bike was the perfect solution for both improving his health and providing transportation for his current job search. Here's a picture of him set up with his bike and gear in February 2007.

The Community Cycling Center strengthens community and protects the environment by helping people become self-sufficient, healthy and connected by making bikes accessible to people of all ages, abilities and incomes. We redirect used bicycles and put them to good use in programs, events, and our neighborhood bike shop.

Thanks for the great work CCC! By the way, everyone, the CCC was robbed a few weeks ago and they can use all the cash support and used bikes they can get. If you can give $20 or $10 or even $5 please do – it only takes a second to give online.

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