History
TBR began sometime in 2001 as a hybrid public art/action project. In 2001 and 2002, we held several workshops, and attempted some 'public bike' experiments in Troy. In the beginning bikes were rescued from dumpsters and alleyways, stripped, and pieced together to make new machines. Then, in 2002-03, TBR began to get donations of old bicycles and parts from people throughout the capitol region, and built up a stockpile of bikes in need of repair and redistribution. We worked with partners like Equinox to create bike libraries; we released a fleet of free green bikes into the downtown of Troy; We used a mobile van (supported by NYSCA) to put on Streetshops, which were free outdoor workshops with bikes and parts for sale.
In 2004, TBR migrated its operations to Albany. With the help and support of the New York Bike Coalition (NYBC), TBR eventually found a home with Trinity, a South End Albany non-profit organization. Trinity donates the space in exchange for allowing their youth to participate in workshops. So, Trinity Basement Rescue is now another name for Troy Bike Rescue, a small but dedicated bicycle collective in the capital district. With an ever-growing and changing stock of donated and "rescued" bicycles, TBR volunteers work with Trinity Insitute to reach out to community members in order to facilitate cycling in Albany, Troy, Schenectady, and the surrounding areas. Current services include youth bicycle maintenance classes and a community bike shop where used cycles are available for adoption. Discounts are taken off adoption fees when the adoptive parents work on the bikes themselves. Children in the bicycle maintenance program receive a free bike at the end of the session. Participants in occasional "monster bike" sessions are able to design new unique bikes out of old frames and parts that are then welded together.
These days, workshops are still happening at Trinity, and things are starting back up again in Troy. We like to meet new bikey people, so if you are one of them, get involved!
Currently, the Troy TBRers are seeking a space! if you can help, email us using the contact form on this very website.
TBR is still accepting donations to locations in Albany and Troy.