Our friends at Bicycle Re-Source of Bend are putting their time and energy into fulfilling their motto: “Connecting Bikes with People Who Need Wheels.” This group of local volunteers is in its fifteenth year of fixing bikes and getting them to people who need them. It seems miraculous–they got bikes to well over 500 people last year and are on target to do the same for over 600 people this year. They connect with people who need bikes through over 150 organizations that support kids, veterans, disabled people, homeless people, and many others. In turn they are supported with materials and funds by many community organizations, businesses, and people. Their network truly reaches through our community!
Their model seems simple but is logistically complex: They accept bikes from people. They fix bikes. They give bikes, helmets, locks, and lights to people who need them. Last year they gave bikes to over 300 adults and 200 kids, giving those people a measure of independence they need. This simple model masks all the moving parts of this volunteer organization. All the bikes are donated and have to be stored. Can you imagine having 500 bikes in your garage? Fixing bikes requires parts, especially tires and tubes, and tools and mechanics (otherwise known as volunteers.) And then they connect with people who need bikes… and if they need bikes, they need helmets, locks, and lights, all of which must be purchased. They work through community organizations who can help them match people who need bikes with the size and type of bike needed rather than giving bikes directly to individuals.
On our recent visit to their shop, the energy and enthusiasm of the group was palpable. There were at least three mechanics hard at work and others providing support, advice, and instruction. People were dropping off donated bikes and recently renovated bikes were being rolled out of the shop and parked, ready for their new people.
On top of all the bike renovation, Bicycle Re-Source of Bend participates in many community events, fixing bikes on the spot, giving out helmets, lights, and locks, and helping people get started on a bike. For example, they are going to be at the Jewel Elementary School Bike Night on May 1st to help kids get their bikes working.
To find out how to donate to, volunteer with, or otherwise support Bicycle Re-Source of Bend, go to their Facebook page or their website. Look for them at community events and give them a thumbs up for filling an important community need! This is bike advocacy at its core.