Bikes for All has continued with its mission to make sure that everyone who wants a bike can get one. Throughout the past two and a half years, generous donations from our community members have enabled our volunteers to refurbish over 150 bicycles. With the help of school counselors and local nonprofits, the bikes have been distributed to children and adults throughout Mattapoisett, Rochester, Marion, Fairhaven and New Bedford.
This collaborative effort of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Bicycle and Recreational Path (the Friends) and Mattapoisett Recreation (MATTREC) has shared resources for all to enjoy the natural beauty and extra health benefits from cycling on our beautiful 10-mile bike path that now connects Mattapoisett to New Bedford. “It’s been exciting to see the smiles as kids pedal off to try their new bikes. We need more children’s bikes”, said Jane Finnerty, Program Administrator of MATTREC.
Our Fall Bikes for All bike drive is this Saturday, September 23 from 9 to 11 am. Please bring your donation to Center School, Barstow Street, Mattapoisett. We are in need of gently used bikes, particularly children’s bikes that you would like to donate.
The next step is refurbishing the donated bikes. A welcome addition to the refurbishing efforts this past spring was made by students from Tabor Academy. As part of their community service, students worked with our primary refurbishing team members Bill Emmons and Jim Finnerty to repair and “spruce up” 14 bicycles that were then part of a 40-bike distribution to local children this summer. Bill had assessed the bikes to be repaired and had all the needed parts for the students to work with on each bike. “Once the students completed the repairs, it was fun to see them pedal off to make sure the bike worked properly,” stated Bill.
Once again, the Bikes for All team is seeking gently used bikes. Please, none with excessive rust or damage. Interested in helping our repair efforts? Contact Jane Finnerty at Jane.Mattrail@gmail.com or call 508-758-4548. Cash donations for parts and safety accessories are welcome. Donations can be made at go-fund.me/fdd10fb2 Please note that your donation is for Bikes for All. Thank you.