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Hacks for Bicycle and Other Alt Vehicle Service Delivery

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Using bikes, carts, or other alternative vehicles for outreach offers flexibility, low costs, and a smaller environmental footprint. While the core principles remain the same as other forms of mobile harm reduction, there are a few extra considerations to keep things rolling smoothly.

  • Make sure the bags and/or trailers are packed leaving enough time for transiting to your locations.
  • Make sure to carry basic bike tools, like a multitool and patch kit, in case there is a problem—nothing is more frustrating than desperately needing them and not having them.
  • Invest in good raingear and sturdy tarps—outreach stops for nothing!
  • Create and maintain internal area maps of participant location.

Featured Hacks

These featured hacks highlight creative, practical solutions from harm reduction leaders on the ground. From DIY tools to clever workarounds, each one reflects the ingenuity, care, and real-world experience that keeps this movement alive. 

Important Terms: Person First Language

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Generally, it’s important to use “person first language” when describing people who are marginalized due to some part of their identity being stigmatized, such as folks struggling with their substance use, people who do sex work, and folks living outside.
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Hacks for Non-Verbal Active Listening

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When someone is agitated or in distress, how we carry ourselves can make a huge difference. Non-verbal cues—like posture, breathing, and personal space—can either calm a situation or escalate it further. The following tips offer guidance on using body language to reduce tension, show respect, and create a safer, more grounded interaction.
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