A few days ago, I happened across some colorful and fun patches advocating cycling. Made by Jim & Stephanie Gagnepain of Fort Collings, Colorado, these embroidered patches are based on Stephanie's original artwork promoting cycling.

In Jim's opinion, the best way to advocate alternative energy sources and means of transportation (like bicycling) is by wearing or displaying subtle and fun visual reminders (hence the patches). Here's more from Jim on the subject:

"The prevalent attitude in this country is that the ONLY means of viable transportation is the automobile. On nice days, the roads seem to be more crowded. I saw a Letter to the Editor in newspapers, in relation to air pollution, that started with: 'We all need to drive...'. I hope to do what I can to disspell these notions in this country. I've been commuting for over 20 years, and this comment made me realize that non-cyclists don't understand why we cycle. They might think that we're too poor to afford a car, or that we lost our Driver's License. So with (these fun bicycle patches), I'm telling people that I'm happy without driving a car on this trip, that I ride the bicycle by choice, and that this lifestyle is very rewarding.

So much of our Political policy in the US is based on OIL, including wars, covert operations, and globalization. I dislike all the subsidies that this industry enjoys, and more than that, I despise the way the 'deck is stacked' against Rail transportation.

Originally I only wanted a very large 'Oil-Free and Happy' message on my back, so I put the design on a big, beautiful embroidered patch. In this way, I could have my message more visible than a bumper sticker on any car. After talking to a number of people, it became apparent that not everybody wants to make such a bold statement. So we created 'Powered by Sweat,' and some smaller versions of the designs. We try to keep the messages fun, so we don't get motorists upset. That would serve no purpose. For example, our latest design is 'Getting There is Half the Fun.' This design attempts to capture the Social aspect of Cycling, Walking, and other methods of Alternative Transportation versus the isolation that is prevalent in the single-person auto, which represents the method of transportation for most Americans."

Since these patches are interesting, unusual and related to cycling, I'm thinking about offering them here. Pricing would run between $6 to $16 including shipping/handling. Please let me know what you think of the patches by participating in the free poll displayed below. I'll decide whether or not to offer the patches based upon the poll results.

Labels: bicycle patches, Getting There is Half the Fun, Jim Gagnepain, Oil Free and Happy, Powered by Sweat