Donate gently used bikes for those in need

In the last four years of its mission, Bikes for All volunteers have refurbished and disturbed over 200 bicycles and they are not finished. 

On Saturday, March 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the organization will be hosting its Almost Spring Bikes for All Drive. Gently used bikes, with 20-inch or greater wheels, are requested for donation and can be dropped off at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, located at 27 Church Street, in the Barstow Street parking lot, which is across from the Center School.

Bikes for All works with local schools and nonprofits to distribute bikes across the Tri-Town as well as in Fairhaven and New Bedford. This is a collaborative effort between the Friends of the Mattapoisett Bicycle and Recreational Path and the South Coast Bikeway Alliance, who are working to complete the bike path that connects Mattapoisett to New Bedford.

“It’s been exciting to see the smiles as kids pedal off to try their new bikes. Our current need is bikes with wheels 20” or greater. We are not in need of children’s bikes at this time”, said Jane Finnerty, Friends Board member.

After the drive, the next step is refurbishing the donated bikes. A welcome addition to the refurbishing efforts was made by students from Tabor Academy, who as part of their community service, worked with the organization’s primary refurbishing team members Bill Emmons and Jim Finnerty.

Bill Trimble, owner of “On the Spot” mobile bike repair service, joined the Friends’ team and has brought new life to many bicycles over the past two years. 

Additionally, thanks to the ongoing commitment of the Friends to ensure everyone has a bike who wants one, the Southcoast Bikeway Alliance has received a grant from the United Way of Greater New Bedford Changemaker Fund to expand the program. 

Once the assessment is complete, the financial support from these local nonprofits ensure that the organization has all the needed parts and tools to work with on each bike. 

The bike refurbishing team is always expanding and looking for more community members to join the effort. Interested in helping our repair efforts? Contact Jane Finnerty at 631-312-2560 or email JANE.MATTRAIL@gmail.com. 

Cash donations for parts and safety accessories are always welcome. Donations can be made to the Friends of the Mattapoisett Bicycle and Recreational Path, PO Box 1336, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.  Note that the donation is for Bikes for All.