receive, operate, and maintain bicycles.
Donated
bikes
All
sorts of bicycles are
donated for refugees and needy; some directly to refugee support
organizations,
others
through other charities or directly to us. Some are in excellent
condition,
but most need work. Some require just minor tire repair,
adjustments, and
cleaning; others need more serious repairs to mechanical
components. We
get some bikes that are reparable but at a greater cost
than we can handle
in
volume. Sometimes
wheels
are damaged
beyond straightening, making an otherwise good bicycle
unusable. Frequently shift mechanisms are faulty due to
corrosion or damage.
If we have funds available we can repair these bikes; otherwise we donate them to Working Bikes, a much larger organization in Chicago with a similar charter for a broader audience or use them for parts and recycle the rest.
If we have funds available we can repair these bikes; otherwise we donate them to Working Bikes, a much larger organization in Chicago with a similar charter for a broader audience or use them for parts and recycle the rest.
Preparation
We
get them ready
for their new owner. We
perform minor repairs
like patching or replacing tubes, replacing cables &
brake shoes, making adjustments, and lubricating.We clean them, using auto detailing methods to make the bikes look as new as possible. For adult bikes intended for commuting to work, we try to add luggage racks or baskets when possible.
Training
Frequently
the new owner is not familiar with hand brakes and multiple gears,
having only ridden bikes with one speed and coaster brake. We offer to
teach
them these
features
and
take them out for a ride, coaching on
when to shift until they get the concept.
Maintenance
Maintaining
a bicycle requires some basic understanding. We offer
guidance in such things as adjusting brakes, tightening chains on
single-speed models, adjusting slack in shift cables. We hope
to
establish a "service contract" type of arrangement for those who rely
on
the bike for work. Some people just aren't adept at tinkering
with
cable tensions or fixing flat tires, but rely on the bike like they
would
public transportation if it were available for their commute.
Who
gets bikes
Case
workers at agencies identify people with specific need for a bike to
get or keep a job. These are our top priority. They decide to supply
it and draw from the stockpile of client-ready
bikes we have prepped. We only meet the
recipients if they want training after they have been provided a bike.Childrens bikes are also allocated by the agencies however they wish; frequently as birthday presents.
Update 03/18/22:
This activity has evolved since I first created this website. We work with many agencies now, and we get requests via word-of-mouth through people who have received bikes or who learn of a need through their church or other affiliation. Our screening is minimal. Our philosophy is if 1 out of 50 who ask for a bike are planning to sell it for $20 or $30, so be it. It will probably get to someone who needs it.