Bike Donation Drive

An inspiring opportunity is pedaling its way to the Southern Tier! Two wheels on the trails and ready to ride, multiple organizations are coming together to campaign for a bicycle donation drive that benefits first grade children in Chautauqua County. These communities have come together to raise some serious funds with the goal of handing out 125 new and fitted bicycles with helmets to pair. So, let’s break down who’s involved and how we can all get involved and make this happen.

Let’s start with Can’dAid. Founded in 2013, this nonprofit platform provides people-powered programs and resources which aim to promote healthy, active, and creative lives for all. Their campaigns vary by mission and have stretched to some pretty creative events. They’ve hosted ukulele decorating which are then donated to school music programs, mural beautifications, community clean-up events, building a skateboard to donate, and of course, bicycle drives. They have happily welcomed over 33,000 volunteers who have helped in their mission which has led to 73 million cans being recycled, 20,500 bikes and skateboards being built, and 3,950 instruments being donated. Music, arts, and outdoors have become the organization’s focus and I think that’s one we can all get behind.

Now of course, we have our local businesses and organizations to recognize which have been collaborating with the success of the current bicycle donation drive. Headed by the Friends of the Chautauqua County Greenways, they have also partnered with the Western New York Mountain Bicycling Association (WNYMBA), Northern Allegheny Mountain Bicycling, and LOUD Performance/LOUD Underground. Together they aim to raise $35,750 and are hoping for our help to achieve it.

It’s with no surprise the benefits bicycling gives to our area’s youth. With beautiful trails to explore and enjoy, how can we deny this chance to provide safe equipment to children who, from this event, may very well be receiving their very first bike? On average, children now spend over 7 hours a day on screen time, leaving less time spent learning physical, emotional, and social skills that all come from the adventures outdoors. Six-year-olds missing the thrills of finding their balance for the first time on a bike, cruising over to a friend’s house, racing siblings down the block, or even an evening well spent pedaling alongside their family on the trails. These are just some of the few joys your donation can bring to our smallest future bicyclist.

Each organization involved encourages any donation you can make to provide a lifelong experience to these soon-to-be first-grade riders. Even just a few dollars is still one step closer to the goal.

Most excitingly, when the grand total is complete, a school celebration will be held to present all bicycles and helmets to the first-grade students. This is where local bike shop, LOUDPerformance was happy to offer some added support along the campaign. Coming in, with the help of volunteers, they will assemble, assist, and deliver the brand-new bikes to the special presentation with plenty of cheering to follow. An added bonus to the mix, Jeff Lenosky, professional mountain biker and world trails champion, will also be present to jump in on the celebration. He’ll engage in the day’s adventure, sharing his skills and stories as a top-tier mountain biker, and eagerly encouraging children to get out and ride!

So, let’s make this happen, let’s give kids something to be excited about - the experience of youth and being present outdoors on two wheels, a gift of memories to be made, a gift you can be part of giving. Donations are open and can be found online under LOUD Performance’s Facebook page postings. LOUD Performance has locations in Bemus Point (4818 Route 430) and in Ellicottville (2 Bristol Lane). You can also reach out directly by email for any further questions, donations, and volunteer opportunities at CHQGreenwaysBikes@gmail.com.

Bike Donation Drive

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