We kicked off 2025 the way winter intended—with plenty of snow and icy adventures. I know my kids went sledding, ice skaters got out on the local ponds, and a few brave (or crazy?) folks even took on polar plunges.
Winter’s great (coming from someone who grew up in Iowa)…unless you’re just trying to get around town on bike or foot.
Slippery roads and unshoveled sidewalks didn’t stop everyone, though. As I bundled up and biked around town these past few weeks, I spotted plenty of others doing the same.
It was a chilly but exciting reminder of why we keep working for safer streets and sidewalks—so everyone can get where they need to go, no matter the weather or their mode of transportation.
And that’s where our Bikes for Neighbors program comes in. We’re helping folks—middle schoolers through adults—get a reliable, refurbished bike for getting around. Each bike comes ready to roll with everything a commuter needs:
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- A rear rack for carrying stuff (because backpacks only get you so far)
- A helmet
- A lock, lights, and a floor pump
The bikes are picked up at our storage space on the Gift and Thrift campus (731 Mt. Clinton Pike). And when we can, a staff member or volunteer rides along with the recipient to make sure everything’s good to go before they head home.
There’s a $100 Pay-It-Forward Contribution to help cover the cost of the bike and supports the program so others can also benefit in the future, but the referring agency can cover it if needed.
If you know someone who could use a bike, send in a referral by asking them to fill out this form—don’t forget the waiver at the end!
Got questions? Want to chat about how this program can help someone you know?
Reach out to me anytime. Together, we can keep building a community where walking, biking, and getting around town is easy, safe, and fun for everyone—no matter what the weather brings.
– Ben Wyse, Bikes for Neighbors Coordinator
You are welcome to text/call me at 540-578-8504 if you have questions, ideas or want to be more involved.
