Inmates pedal for shorter sentences in a Brazilian prison

[Calliegirl]

I saw this picture posted on Facebook and thought it possibly sounded like a good idea. Then I read the comments and was amazed at some of the things people were saying; they should be peddling for snacks not sentence reduction, they should have to pedal for hot showers, it's inhumane to make them do this (it's optional), they should all be forced to do this, it's impractical and a waste of time, etc.

So I did a little more research and found a some more information on it and how they actually use the power that's generated. They charge a battery that's attached to the bike, which is then used to power street lights in what looks like a park-like area, making it safer.

My first choice would be to have them spending that time learning a trade, but if that isn't possible, I think this is great idea. It keeps them from being idle, which usually leads to trouble, and they're doing something useful. What do you think?

Inmates in a small prison in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais are being offered the chance to reduce their jail terms in return for generating electricity by pedalling on exercise bicycles.

For every three eight-hour shift they spend on the bike, they get one day off their sentences.

It is part of a project recently initiated in Brazil which aims to tackle overcrowding in prisons and keep prisoners away from crime....

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-18832768

 

[Calliegirl]

Also, I think it would depend on the crime. I wouldn't want murders, child molesters or rapists to be able to reduce their sentences. Basically anyone convicted of violent crimes shouldn't be able to do this.

 

[ledboots]

Our local Museum of Science and Industry has an exhibit where you can pedal a bike to light a bulb, and to power a tiny little tv set.

I've always felt that prisoners should have something productive to do--like growing food at the rural prisons, I've always thought. As long as it was voluntary, sure I'm all for it for non violent criminals.

 

[das_nut]

I always thought that we should be attempting to rehabilitate prisoners, including trying different programs and analyzing the results to figure out what works and what doesn't.

But I'm a hippie liberal that isn't much for revenge or that whole eye-for-an-eye thing.

 

[Blobbenstein]

I don't suppose they would generate much stored energy.

I've been on something like that and it is amazing how much you have to pedal for so little light.

 

[Spang]