Through the Hands-On Project (HOP), children, teens and adults get involved in the design and construction of innovative bicycles and accessories. HOP's goal is to raise the public's level of understanding of cycling technology. In this way, citizens will become involved in addressing the special transport needs of their local community. It is also important to the Umbrella that the public understand the extent to which these human-powered vehicles can reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

HOP participants learn design and construction in group and individual projects at the Center for Appropriate Transport. High-level bike designers and technicians train participants through serious one-on-one and classroom sessions (see photos). Their expertise also facilitates discussion among HOP participants experimenting with new designs. The CAT technical library is heavily used by the HOP, including equipment operation manuals, technical books and bike design schematics.

Due to a lack of any similar public training in town, many community members and school district teachers are offering their support of this program. Loans and donations of equipment have given people the opportunity to train on machines not commonly available.

The participants, of all ages, include (1) individuals working to build bikes to compensate for disability (see photo of finished wheelchair carrying trike) (2) children and teens learning basic manufacturing skills (3) long-term training and volunteering through youth apprenticeships (see photo at workbench) (4) and groups working in co-operation to create bikes for small business, personal and community use (see photo of Pedaler's Express bike).

Besides donations and grants, funding for the project will come from the sale and rental of items designed and manufactured by students and participants, as well as from student fees.