Johnson City Program Gives Bikes To Kids, Parents

Used bicycles are being collected for distribution to Broome County children and parents this spring.

The sixth annual bike drive is a project of the George F. Johnson Dream Center for Community Empowerment.

Coordinator Patricia Cardin says more than 700 bicycles have been given away since the program started.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Cardin said members of the Southern Tier Bike Club recondition donated bicycles so they're in good shape for young people who sign up for them.

Cardin said club members "really work miracles" in getting the bikes restored and ready for use.

The bike initiative began as an off-shoot of a summer lunch program that was held at Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church in Johnson City.

Organizers discovered that some children found it difficult to take advantage of the program because of transportation issues.

Area agencies refer young people to the bike program.

The bicycles are distributed on Bike Day, which will be held on Saturday, May 11. Children will be provided with a bike, helmet and a lock. They'll also be able to participate in a safety course.

Some bikes also will be made available to parents, so they'll be able to ride along with their children.

People who wish to donate bikes may drop them off in the parking lot of the church, which is located at 308 Main Street in Johnson City. Cardin said bikes may be brought to the church from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Sunday morning.

More information about the bicycle program may be obtained by calling the church at 607.797.3938. Additional details about the George F. Johnson Dream Center are available at its website.