BICYCLE DONATION HELPS UNDERSERVED

WEST CHESTER » A bike can mean independence for somebody whose only other method of transportation involves shoe leather or a bus pass.

Those without two wheels are offered free bikes through the Giving Bikes Back Program of the Westside Community Center, which rehabs used bikes and donates them to the locally underserved.

Recently 12 volunteers have received requests for both replacement bikes lost in the storms and to pick up bikes in need of repair as a result of the flooding.

The recipients and partner charities have told Giving Bikes Back that with limited hours or job loss altogether, many people can’t afford gas or bus passes. In addition, people are seeing students’ grades and behaviors improve by getting exercise and fresh air after being cooped up with remote learning. Riding their newly donated bikes has given the whole family a way to manage stress at a difficult time.

Volunteer Lindsay Remington said that since its inception in December 2018, more than 200 bikes have been rehabbed and given away.

“A bike is the gift of fun, fitness and freedom,” Remington said.

To get involved, donate fixable bikes on Sunday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon. Text or email for directions: 610-937-3176 or givingbikesback@gmail.com.

Donate helmets and locks through www. walmart.com/registry, click events, type Giving Bikes Back.

If you can’t afford a bike and would like one, please apply here https://forms.gle/zdi4v6WQnwy1AXH76. For any other questions, call 610-314-4327 or email givingbikesback@ gmail.com.

SUBMITTED PHOTO The pleased recipient of a new bike.