What began as a small, volunteer-driven program aimed at providing opportunities for youth to participate in local bicycle programs is growing.
Since 2015, volunteers with Discovery Routes’ ReCycle Bikes Program have tuned up and distributed over 60 children and youth bicycles.
"This year a partnership between Discovery Routes Trails Organization and the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority will allow volunteers to use Laurentian Ski Hill’s lower lodge in the off-season as a site to store and repair donated bicycles," according to a news release. "This means the program will be able to collect adult bikes in addition to kids’ bikes and expand the collection period for used bikes throughout the spring and summer."
The North Bay YMCA is involved again this year as the spot where the public can drop off their donated bicycles. In exchange for each donated bike in good condition, Discovery Routes will issue a $25 charitable tax receipt.
All donated bikes are restored by volunteers to a safe and operable condition. Discovery Routes works closely with a wide variety of community partners to ensure that each donated bicycle is given to a deserving recipient.
Bikes can be dropped off at the North Bay YMCA at 186 Chippewa Street West. People interested in developing their bike maintenance skills by volunteering with the program can contact Discovery Routes directly.
Children’s bikes that are extremely rusty or broken are too costly to repair to a standard that is reusable.