Ridewise

en English
en Englishes Spanishzh-CN Chinese (Simplified)hi Hindigu Gujaratiar Arabicru Russianpl Polishko Koreanpt Portugueseit Italian
  • About
    • Who We Are
      • Staff
      • Board of directors
    • Our Mission
    • News
    • Annual Report
    • Contact Us
  • Community
    • Street Smart
    • Walkability and Bikeability Audits
    • Complete Streets
    • Sustainable Jersey
      • Webinars on Sustainable Jersey Actions
    • Parklets
    • Speed Sentry & Speed Studies
  • Biking & Hiking
    • Bicycling in Somerset County
    • Trails in Somerset County
    • Biking & Walking Toolkits
    • Parks and Recreation
    • Rail Station Bike Lockers
    • Bicycles on NJ Transit
    • NJ DOT Bike Maps
    • NJ Bicycling Regulations
  • Bus & Rail
    • Bus
      • Somerset County Bus Services
      • NJ Transit Bus Services
      • Regional Bus Services
    • Rail
      • NJ Transit Rail Services
    • Somerset County Transportation Guide
    • Municipal Transportation
    • TransitConnect
    • Places Transit Can Take You
  • Employers
    • Services for Employers
    • NJ Smart Workplaces
    • Workplace Wellness & Sustainability Toolkit
    • Somerset County Business Resources
    • Commuter tax benefits
    • BusinessPass
  • Commuters
    • Ridesharing
      • Carpooling
        • Register A Carpool
      • Vanpooling
        • Vanpools to Somerset County
    • Ticket Home Program
    • Cost Calculator
    • Park and Ride lots
  • Schools
    • Safe Routes to School
      • Safe Routes to School Winners
    • Anti-Idling Lesson Plans & Activities
    • School Travel Plans & Tallies
  • Electric Vehicles
    • Electric Vehicle Coalition: Let’s Go Electric
      • Past Let’s Go Electric Meetings
    • Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
    • Electric Vehicle Resources
      • Resources for Electric Vehicle Owners
      • Electric Vehicle Resources for Employers
  • BikeConnect
  • 2022 Recognition

March 15, 2022

RideWise donates refurbished bicycles to Somerset County residents through its BikeConnect program

(Donations of gently used bicycles are sought for the agency’s bike rehabilitation program)

RideWise recently provided two residents with refurbished bicycles for work-related transportation through its BikeConnect program.

Berta, a BikeConnect recipient, stands with her new bicycle.
BikeConnect recipient Berta with her new bicycle.

The program is a partnership between RideWise and Pops Bike Shop in downtown Somerville, with RideWise soliciting bicycle donations and paying for the repairs made by Pops.  The repaired bicycles are given to adults who need reliable transportation for employment and who are referred by local nonprofit organizations.

RideWise has donated four bicycles to adult residents to date.  Another four residents were referred by local nonprofit agencies since last Friday.

“Right now, our top priority is getting more bicycle donations.  The client demand is exceeding our supply of bicycles,” said Donna Allison, Executive Director.  “The bike that is sitting in a garage or basement unused can make a big difference for someone needing transportation for work.”

Bicycle donations are accepted by appointment Monday thru Friday.  Contact staff@ridewise.org or call (908) 704-1011 ext. 16 to arrange a bicycle inspection/drop off.   RideWise is a 501(c) 3 organization, and all bicycle donations are tax deductible.

Donated bicycles are inspected, cleaned and repaired by Pops Bike Shop.  In addition to making repairs, the team at Pops outfits each bicycle with a bell and lights to comply with New Jersey biking laws, along with a helmet and bicycle lock.  Bicycle recipients also receive a brief cycling safety session from RideWise.

BikeConnect recipient Knowledge rides his bike in a parking lot.
BikeConnect recipient Knowledge riding his bike.

Pops Bike Shop is a local family-owned business with locations in Bound Brook and Somerville.  Owner Marc Cianfrone has managed various bicycle shops in the area since 1984. Pop’s prides itself on meeting customers’ needs, ranging from family riders to commuters to cycling enthusiasts and racers.  Visit the store website at www.popsbikeshop.com.

The BikeConnect program is supported by funding from the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority and the Federal Highway Administration.

Article by Donna Allison / Newsletter, Top Stories

Recent Posts

  • RideWise Looking for BikeConnect Referrals
  • Bridgewater Girl Scout Completes Gold Award with RideWise
  • RideWise is Hiring! Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships Specialist
  • CAT-2R Detour in Bound Brook
  • The Year of Being Street Smart

Get The News

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter and stay up to date on sustainable transportation news and events from RideWise.
Email *
* Required Field
Email Marketing Services by Benchmark

© Copyright 2023 Ridewise of Raritan Valley. · All Rights Reserved Nonprofit Website Design by 2 Dogs Media