Invest Now in the Bamboo Bicycle Boom
The Chi Phat CBET Committee might be tempted to build its own fleet of mountain bicycles out of bamboo rather than source inferior models from afar. A US-based bicycle manufacturer that has rediscovered the high-performance and ecologically-sound merits of bamboo-frame bikes is actively working in developing nations to teach entrepreneurs how to make them.

According to Calfee Design, the reasons to do this are "so strong that it would be foolish not to try", including: Bicycles are in high demand in developing nations as a labor-saving means of transport; Bamboo-frame bikes cost less than inferior imported steel bikes; Bamboo is plentiful in many developing nations; Bamboo is easy to grow in dry areas; Bamboo bike manufacturing provides skilled employment and an apprenticeship model; Bamboo bikes are difficult to mass-produce; Bamboo bike building does not require electricity or a large investment.

Calfee is seeking individuals or organizations interested in either loan-financing or sponsoring containers of inexpensive, high quality bicycle parts needed to build complete bikes.

Email craig@calfeedesign.com for more information. Calfee in Ghana.

News from 'Mekong Tourism Update', January 28, 2009