🌿Mini-grant project update! 🌿
Last Fall, we awarded a mini-grant to Claire Dehm for a Bike Seat Library at Bike Walk Tompkins.
Bike Walk Tompkins is a nonprofit that teaches bike skills courses. They also support the community with free repair help and refurbish bikes, which makes having the Seat Library a perfect place to be.
The Seat Library was made to address how seat discomfort is a huge barrier to cycling. Users can try a variety of bike seats for up to one week at a time. If they find one they like, we let them know where they can buy it, either locally or online.
Claire stated that since implementing the project, they have hosted a workshop on proper seat fit, and at least 14 people have directly engaged with the Seat Library in some capacity.
One person who has tried out the library shared, “I am loving the seat library! It will inform my next saddle purchase and has allowed me to save a lot of money through testing many potential seats without having to purchase them. I have gained confidence in another bike skill (swapping saddles!) and feel more empowered by this additional step of autonomy and bike knowledge that the seat library has provided.”
Sustainable Finger Lakes has awarded more than 242 mini-grants and over $100,000 in funding for projects just like this one. Recently, we’ve expanded our program to Seneca, Yates, and Schuyler counties with plans to expand to Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga counties. This year, our campaign is raising funds for the 2026 grant cycle.
Know anyone with an idea to help out the community? Share this story with them if they would benefit from a gift of a mini-grant!
Any donations made until Dec. 2 will contribute directly to our mini-grant fund. To support us, go to: sustainablefingerlakes.org/support-us/
