For its fifth year running, Discovery Routes will launch the annual ReCycle Bikes Program in North Bay.
Since 2015, the volunteer-driven program has collected, tuned up, and redistributed over 400 bicycles to North Bay and area residents thanks to a generous community and a team of dedicated volunteers.
"The Recycle Bikes Program is needed now, more than ever before with limited organized sports and recreational activities available," says Lance Belanger, Chair, Discovery Routes Trails. "Cycling can also provide transportation and ease feelings of stress and isolation. The freedom to ride a bike is not available to everyone - and the ReCycle Bikes program aims to change that one bike at a time."
Operating the program during a pandemic has its challenges but not enough to deter volunteers adds Belanger.
"Safety protocols are in place to protect staff, volunteers, and the public at every stage of the program. In order to follow safe practices, anyone with a bike to donate can email [email protected] to arrange a time to drop it off. Bikes can only be accepted during designated times Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Laurentian Ski Hill Lower Lodge/ Laurentian Cafe on Ski Club Road in North Bay," adds Caymen Hall, Program Coordinator.
Charitable receipts are issued in the amount of $25 for each bicycle donated. Cash donations are also accepted to help sustain the program and can be made through the Discovery Routes website at discoveryroutes.ca/recycle-bikes.
Discovery Routes is working with community partners in some of the smaller communities around North Bay to extend the reach of the program. In the coming weeks, Discovery Routes will announce collection and delivery of bicycles in outlying communities.
Anyone interested in getting involved in the ReCycle Bikes Program in North Bay, or assisting in the expansion in outlying communities is invited to contact [email protected]. The program is always looking for community members with bicycle repair knowledge or who would like to learn and improve their repair skills.
