WHAT IS THE CAR/BIKE TRADE?

Car for Bike Funeral Procession

Photo courtesy of www.denverlofthomes.com

It's when one fortunate Chicagoland soul hands over their car, title and keys to the Tour de Fat altar in exchange for a bike. Not just any bike, a New Belgium, fully-loaded, hand-crafted, Fort Collins-built commuter bike. It's about weaning yourself off the petroleum teat. It's about becoming a better, sexier person. It's about rediscovering the cultural thrill of public transportation. One year's time is the minimum commitment – commuting is your sentence.

In this year’s Tour de Fat, one brave, Chicagoland role model will step on stage to trade in his or her car keys and pledge to live car free for one year. Each swapper is awarded a stipend to buy their own commuter bike and receives rock star status when the crowd goes wild in support of their commitment. Car for Bike Swappers are chosen after submitting an application describing why they are ready to give up their vehicle for the gift of two wheels.

TO APPLY: Potential swappers post their 2 minute submissions on Chicago’s TdF Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/217196651755756/.

After the winning applicant is chosen they will get to build their perfect car replacement bike with the shop of their choosing. New Belgium will award the swapper $2,250 total to spend on a bike and accessories.

In exchange the trader commits to being car free for at least one year and to share their experience along the way on the Tour de Fat’s Car for Bike Trade Blog: http://trademycarforabike.tumblr.com/

Vehicles for Charity will auction the cars with proceeds benefiting local cycling organizations.