200 bicycles given to new owners

ONEIDA » Community Bikes placed more than 200 bicycles with low income residents from Madison County at its annual Bike Day on Sunday, June 11 at the Kallet Theater. The event served families and individuals from all corners of the county, from Hamilton to Chittenango to Munnsville.

“This was a funday,” said Community Bikes Founder and Chair Chuck Fox. “We were pleased to be able to reach so many of our neighbors who would love to have a bike but might not otherwise be able to afford one.” Fox noted that each of the bike recipients was referred by a county human service agency, school or church., and applied in advance to be eligible.

The event started at 1 p.m., but recipients began lining up outside the Kallet before 9 a.m. Inside, volunteers arranged nearly 300 bikes of all sizes, and set up stations where those who needed them would receive a helmet and lock. As they entered and registered, each bike recipient was assisted by a volunteer who helped themselect a bike that they liked, and that would best serve their specific needs. Then, recipients were given an opportunity to

their bike to be sure they knew how to operate it safely and efficiently.

Fox pointed out that all the bikes were donated or reclaimed from the landfill, then reconditioned and cleaned by volunteers. “For the past several months, volunteer groups from area schools, colleges, churches and service organizations have been coming to our work shop in Hamilton to get the bikes working and looking like new.” He praised Community Bikes Volunteer Coordinator Duane Martinez for organizing and coordinating the ambitious volunteer effort. Fox noted that a number of those who had been approved to receive a bike were not able to be present at the Sunday event, and that Community Bikes will work with them and their referring agencies to ensure that they have an opportunity to receive a bike.

“This is an on-going project, so we work to place bikes, and welcome bike donations and offers to volunteer throughout the year.”

PHOTO COURTESY COMMUNITY BIKES Volunteer Scott Truett helps fit a family with just the right bike at Community Bikes Day on June 11.