Bay Area Students Bike their Generation into the New Clean Energy Economy

Rock the Bike Workshop with Lincoln and Lowell Students

Global Exchange
January 20, 2009

PRESS RELEASE
January 20, 2009

CONTACT:
Vanessa Carter, 415.595.3444
Angela Walker, 650.766.2748

Students from Lincoln and Lowell high schools will participate in a "Rock the Bike Workshop" sponsored through the Environmental Service Learning Initiative (ESLI), on Thursday, January 22, 2009, from 2pm - 7pm at Rock the Bike in Berkeley.

The ESLI program has re-granted a group of students from Lincoln and Lowell to purchase and build a pedal power system through the local Rock the Bike organization. In turn the bike system will be shared between the two schools. Initially, the bike system will be used to power:

  • A blender to make smoothies (locally sourced, organic and seasonally produced), as a fundraising tool for expanding the bike program, while also advocating healthy living;
  • A microphone for school assembly address systems;
  • Speakers to project music during rallies, lunchtime activities, and assemblies;
  • Cell phone chargers

    And this is just the beginning! Lincoln and Lowell students are interested in exploring alternative energy systems. This human-powered system requires NO electricity! They are off the grid! By partnering between 2 schools, ESLI is helping students to build community between neighboring schools; empower youth to manage and organize an inter-school program; and educate youth, teachers and staff about more sustainable living.

    Where? Rock the Bike Workshop 1336 Channing Way (by Ashby BART) Berkeley, CA

    What is Rock the Bike? Founded in 2003, Rock the Bike helps bikers spread the love in their communities. Based in Berkeley, CA., Rock The Bike draws most of its team from the San Francisco and East Bay bike communities. In addition to making the Down Low Glow, the safety product bikers can't wait to use, and the Fender Blender line of bicycle-powered blenders, Rock the Bike also sells and customizes cargo bikes such as the Yuba Mundo and Xtracycle to help entrepreneurs and individuals become more effective at bike-based businesses and advocacy. Rock the Bike takes part in the local community by providing its Pedal Powered Stage for festivals and events such as the Maker Faire and Green Festival, hosting the SF Cruiser Ride, and co-organizing the Bicycle Music Festival.

    Who is ESLI: The Environmental Service Learning Initiative is a collaboration of the Mayor's Office of Education, DCYF, SFUSD, Community Educational Services and Global Exchange. ESLI provides empowering environmental service learning for seven San Francisco public high schools: Lincoln, Lowell, Washington, Balboa, Galileo, Mission and Burton. Through curriculum, project development and resources ESLI supports the City's students who have been historically disengaged from the environmental movement to become leaders in our world's quest for sustainability.

    For more information, please contact Vanessa Carter, Environmental Service Learning Initiative School Program Development Coordinator at Washington, Lincoln, Balboa & Lowell High Schools; 415.595.3444; vanessac@cessf.org.

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    ESLI is a pioneering citywide collaboration between city government, the school district and community-based organizations intent on developing SF students as environmental leaders for the 21st century. Over the next 2 years, ESLI will bring critical environmental education into seven SF high schools through a youth empowered service learning model.

    Bring the Light, Bring the Beat. Rock the Bike. Toll free: 888-354-BIKE. Online: www.rockthebike.com