A program that outfits youngsters in need with bikes is looking for financial donations to make the bicycles roadworthy and safe.
“We are very grateful that our locker is bursting at the seams right now, so we have lots of bicycles ready to get out there,” said Ryan LeBlanc, one of the Sarnia Police officers behind Pedals for Purpose.
After providing 40 bikes to youngsters in its founding year in 2020, increased demand and100 bike donations were made through the program in 2021, he said.
Expectations are at least 100 bikes will be provided in 2022, LeBlanc said.
“We start to see the demand start late March, early April, and it continues into the fall,” he said. “And as more people in our community become aware of the program, we’ve seen our referrals go up each year.”
The program also provides bicycles to service agencies like Huron House Boys Home and to young adults who need help with transportation to work or school, he said.
Locks and helmets have also been provided with the bikes.
LeBlanc and fellow officer Fraser Moore have said they started the initiative in 2020 to help youngsters in need have the freedom and fitness that comes with having a bicycle.
“We think we’re having an impact,” LeBlanc said.
“We think there definitely is a need and that’s why we’re seeing that number (of bicycles given out) grow.”
School-aged youth are the priority, he said.
“But if we have a request and we can meet that request for a young adult … then we’re going to make that happen.”
Repairs are made by Sean Rickey with Buck’s Bikes, who’s been giving Pedals for Purpose deals on repairs since the program started, Leblanc said.
“Fraser and I can do minor things to the bikes such as maybe (repairing) a flat tire, but if it requires anything more, like the brakes need to be done, or the gears need to be adjusted, that’s where Sean comes in. ”
Donations can be made to the initiative through sponsor organization Sarnia-Lambton Rebound, at reboundonline.com/donate.
“Any amount is helpful and it goes right towards refurbishing the donated bikes,” LeBlanc said.
People can also contact Pedals for Purpose at [email protected], or via Facebook Messenger.