Members of Colgate’s cycling club are dusting off old bikes and putting them in the hands of central New York families who need them most.
“Local children and adults are getting mileage out of bikes that otherwise would have sat in garages or basements,” said Ben Roshko’09, cycling club president.
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| Scott Truett, of Adventure Bikes & Boards in Hamilton, N.Y., repairs a bicycle that was donated for the Community Bike Project. (Photo by Anthony Adornato) |
More than 50 bikes have been donated to the Community Bike Project, a program started in August by Chuck Fox ’70, of the Hamilton Theater.
To breathe new life into the bikes, Fox enlisted the help of Scott Truett, of Adventure Bikes & Boards, and Roshko and his fellow cyclists, who are helping with repairs. The club also is raising money for the project by selling Colgate cycling gear.
“Riding a bike is not only fun,” said Roshko, “but it can also be a vital means of transportation for some families right here in our community.”
Bikes were initially handed out free to children, but when Fox heard about local parents having to walk miles to work, he expanded the Community Bike Project to include adults as well.
“This has been an eye-opening experience,” said Fox. “Even teenagers are using the bikes to travel to after-school jobs that supplement their parents’ incomes.”
In collaboration with the Community Action Partnership of Madison County, the Community Bike Project identifies families with specific needs and then matches them with the right bike, accessories, and training.
Because of the increased interest, the program is in need of additional bikes, accessories, and financial contributions.
Call 315-824-8210 if you are interested in making a donation.