Supply chain and completing the bike path delays haven’t stopped the volunteers of “Bikes for All” from collecting and repairing the generous contributions of more than 100 bicycles of all sizes. Over fifty children and adults have been able to enjoy their recycled bicycles throughout the past Summer and Fall. Each bicycle was refurbished, equipped with a bell and each rider was fitted with a helmet to ensure safe riding. We are thankful to all of you in the tri-town area who responded to our call for gently used bicycles.
Thanks to the continued efforts of our super repair team, we have a limited selection of bikes still to distribute. These include: 2 small Girls’ bikes, 2 Boys’ bikes, 1 Youth/Adult bike, 1 Adult cruiser bike, and 2 Adult Male bikes
Although our repair team is still working on additional bicycles that will be available in the late Spring, we hope you will keep us in mind if you’re thinking about replacing your bike or your children have outgrown their bikes. We know from one of our families who having been enjoying their recycled bikes that biking is making a positive difference in their lives.
The Vieira family expressed their appreciation for what we are all doing as a community. Twelve-year-old Brianna told us that “it feels good because I could finally go out and go to the wharf” while Nicole, 13-years old, said “I like being in the fresh air and not staying inside.” Mom Deann summed it up by saying “we were happy to let the kids go off safely with their siblings and their helmets.”
None of this would have happened without our community’s shared desire to help one another enjoy safe bicycling. If you would like to make a charitable contribution of a gently used bicycle or a financial gift to help us buy the supplies needed to repair the bikes, purchase bells and helmets, please contact us. We appreciate whatever you are able to do. And most importantly, if you have bicycle repair skills and would like to be a part of our Repair Team to help recycle the donated bicycles, please join us by contacting Jane or Liz.
The Friends is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization, so contributions to the Friends for “Bikes for All” are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The Friends will apply 100 percent of contributions toward “Bikes for All.” Contacts: Jane Finnerty, 508-758-4548, jane.mattrail@gmail.com; Liz DiCarlo, 508-942-9343, lizdicarlo@comcast.net or feel free to send your check to: Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path, P.O. Box 1336, Mattapoisett, MA 02739. Or simply go to our Mattapoisett Rail Trail GoFundMe page. Please note that your financial contribution is for “Bikes for All.” Thank you all.