Bike Bank Renfrew County is open again after giving away more than 100 bikes in 2021

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Bike Lender Renfrew County is open all over again, thanks to the Ottawa Valley Cycling and Lively Transportation Alliance (OVCATA). In 2021, its to start with year, much more than 100 people today in Renfrew County who couldn’t pay for bikes obtained reconditioned applied ones by means of this special provider.

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Volunteers performing with Bike Financial institution Renfrew County collect utilised bikes, place them as a result of a mechanical and protection checklist, and get them to folks who can use them. Very last year, they ended up virtually confused with donations and requests from the Ottawa area, but this year, they are producing it apparent the service, operated by a couple of individuals on a tight budget, can get from or donate to people today locally.

“The entire point is to enable everybody in Renfrew County who requirements a bicycle, to have a single,” explained Pat Krose, OVCATA co-chairperson. “Young or previous, a bicyle can change someone’s existence. A bicycle can give you a feeling of independence and liberty and make you more robust, healthier and happier. For the people today who will need and want a bicycle but just cannot pay for a single, we hope Bike Bank Renfrew County will fill an crucial need to have.”

OVCATA customers gather bikes from the OPP, people, bike suppliers, waste web-sites and other sources and put them in operating get for donation to anyone who asks for 1.

People who want a bike just need to speak to OVCATA, and volunteers will decide what form and dimensions of bicycle is wanted and prepare for delivery. Initially, get in touch with is remaining accomplished by neighborhood agencies.

Bikes are saved at numerous locations about Renfrew County. Yantha’s Cycle in Pembroke arrived ahead to supply the Bike Bank’s to start with storage locale, as very well as complex assist and information, and employed elements.

“Bike Bank Renfrew County succeeded past 12 months way outside of our expectation thanks to huge community guidance and participation,” Krose explained.  “We place a ton of bikes into the fingers of individuals who essential and wished them, and the reaction from folks who obtained bikes was heartwarmingly favourable.”

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OVCATA is inquiring for donations of bikes and for volunteers who can aid decide up, maintenance, store and supply bikes.

Individuals can lead too by building funds donations on the OVCATA website or by volunteering to get the job done with Bike Lender.

“Bike Lender Renfrew County cost us a lot more than $2,500 previous yr, which include parts and insurance expenses,” Krose reported. “That comes to about $25 for each bicycle. But it was worthy of it.”

Individuals seeking bikes can use an on the web software form  to enable OVCATA locate a bicycle that’s proper for them. To donate a spare bicycle people today can fill out this type with their identify, place and info about the bike.