Buscycle

Project Director: Matthew Mazzotta

Location: Jamaica Plain, MA (and traveling)

Grant Amount: $5,000

The Buscycle is a 15 person 100% human-powered vehicle constructed from an 11 passenger Dodge van stripped to its chassis. The engine has been removed and replaced by 14 customized recumbent bicycles, one driver, and an elegant gearing system. The Buscycle is a traveling public art project that has been underway since Summer 2005; it has been built predominantly re-purposed materials and can be pedaled by ANYONE who is willing.

The Buscycle is now embarking on a series of rides, ‘U.S. Story Collecting Tour’, cross-country from Boston, MA to San Francisco, CA; the general public will be invited to pedal and stories will be collected after each ride. Test rides through the greater Boston area have already elicited hundreds of surprised, delighted and engaged responses. With a maximum speed of 10 miles an hour the Buscycle is not intended to replace cars or public transit, but rather to stir the imagination. Visit www.busycle.com for more information on the ‘Buscycle’, to track their cross-country progress, or become involved.