Volunteers with the Bike Bank are in celebration mode after having restored and given out 100 bikes to local people who needed them.
The initiative was set up by the Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance (OVCATA).
Donated bikes are thoroughly restored and checked for safety, then they are matched up with people who ask for them and, in most cases, delivered.
Testimonials are being shared by a number of grateful recipients who cite the new-found independence Bike Bank has given them.
Despite the pandemic making spare parts hard to come by, the Bike Bank has spent about $2,000 to cover parts and insurance.
Ron Moss from the restoration crew says that works out to almost $20 per bike.
He says it’s the Bike Bank’s hope to raise some of that money from local service clubs and the rest by public donation.
If interested, please visit ovcata.ca/donate.
Bike Bank is now winding down for the season, but it is still accepting requests and offers.
To offer a bike, send an email to BikeBank@ovcata.ca. To request one, go online to www.ovcata.ca/bike-bank, click on Application, and fill out the form.
