This summer, our mechanics and volunteers have been busy refurbishing 50 bikes that will be given to migrant workers in the region. We’re repairing bikes that have been donated to us and equipping them with racks, bells and lights for safety.
Access to transportation is a fundamental need for these workers who leave their families and their homes to come here and work long hours to put food on our tables. In fact, cycling is the primary mode of transportation for the majority of the agricultural workers. The refurbished bikes we’re giving them will be essential providing everyday transportation.
On Father’s Day we attended a special event held for the workers by the Migrant Worker Community Program in Leamington. We gave away 17 bicycles at that event, and another 5 the same day to Unity Hope, also in Leamington. Dozens of sets of lights, bells and cycling guides were also given away to appreciative attendees.
This is a win/win program for our community. Not only does it provide safe, working bikes to those in need, but it also saves these repairable bikes from the landfill. The pilot program is being funded by the County Wide Active Transportation System (CWATS) and supported by CAA of South Central Ontario. We hope its success will allow us to expand this initiative in the future.
For those interested, the Bike Kitchen is holding volunteer bike build nights most Friday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. If you’ve got some basic bike repair skills please consider coming out to do some wrenching with us. Our goal is 30 more bikes by mid September. Email or call us if you’re interested.