In June of 2012, cargo carrying bikes demonstrated disaster recovery prowess in Portland, Oregon with the inaugural Disaster Relief Trials. Carrying over 1.5 tons of food and gear in under three hours, some in just over two hours.

In October and November 2012, KGW TV (NBC affiliate) gave a glimpse of Portland Prepared, posing the idea of preparedness and relief coming on cargo carrying two-wheeled vehicles through such emergency programs as Neighborhood Emergency Teams (NETs). For more, check out the lively discussion on this topic within the comments of the Bike Portland KGW post.

November 2012, in the aftermath of Sandy, Jonathan Maus (Bike Portland) reported on signs of hope on two wheels for New York City.

Bike use after disaster is not an new idea, and it is not limited to the three references above. However, I believe the visibility was in full effect during Sandy. Bikes can be used for disaster recovery and they are quite effective. Read the rest of this entry >>