Meet Danilo. He's been involved in the bike project in Costa Rica for over a decade and received hundreds of bikes from Bikes for the World. He appreciates the quality of bikes included in every one of our shipments. Danilo was one of the first community leaders selected by FINCA to participate in MiBici, a project that seeks to strengthen local entrepreneurship, provide access to affordable bicycles, and promote bicycles as a practical means of transportation in local Communities.
Danilo is a well-known community leader in Puerto Jiménez. He was the founder and served for several years as president of the Raíces Capital Community Credit Enterprise, an organization that has contributed to the development of many local businesses. Through the Puerto Jiménez Community Development Association, he also actively participated in initiatives to promote tourism, which is now one of the community's main economic activities.
"MiBici has become an opportunity for economic growth, but also for personal and family development," says Danilo. "My family and I feel very proud when we see people in our community using bicycles that came through the project. Knowing that we are providing an affordable transportation option for people who might otherwise have to depend on buses, taxis,or other forms of transportation motivates us to continue this work."
Puerto Jiménez has changed significantly over the years, evolving from a community traditionally linked to artisanal fishing into an area where rural tourism has become an important economic activity. Bicycles have become part of this transformation. Local residents use them to commute to work and for their daily activities, while tourists also use bicycles to travel from their accommodations to restaurants, local businesses, the pier, and other places in the community. This makes bicycles a practical means of transportation for both local residents and visitors to Puerto Jiménez.
When asked about any challenges associated with the bicycle project Danilo answered, "More than a challenge, for me it has been an ongoing commitment to maintain the trust of the people in my community. After many years working with MiBici, I know that this trust is built by offering bicycles in very good condition and consistently providing high-quality service. My goal is for every person who buys a bicycle to be satisfied and to know that they can always come back when they need maintenance, repairs, or any other support."