Local Bicycle Collection Has Global Impact

With the B&A Trail only minutes away, Severna Park residents are no strangers to biking. But did you know a bike you no longer use could help someone far away get to work or to the doctor’s office? 

On September 7, Severna Park resident Ann Jackson will once again be hosting a bike collection at Pedal Pushers in Severna Park. The collection benefits Bikes for the World, an organization that ships bikes to developing countries, to enhance the lives and livelihoods of residents through better transportation.

“Bikes for the World transfers the bikes overseas, and they also help teach them how to repair and refurbish the bikes so they can be reliable transportation,” Jackson said. “The bikes allow people to get to work or to medical appointments. It’s a great organization that does a lot of wonderful work.”

Jackson said this is the about the sixth year she has hosted the collection event at Pedal Pushers. An avid biker herself, Jackson said the owner of the bike store, Rod Reddish, has always been very supportive of the event.

According to Yvette Hess, Bikes for the World outreach coordinator, the organization has shipped more than 80,000 bikes to date—including about 400 from Severna Park residents. Hess said that with the help from a national partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bikes for the World now collects and donates more than 14,000 bikes annually. 

“I just like what they do to help the people overseas,” Jackson said. “A lot of people have bicycles they don’t use and this keeps them out of a landfill. I think it’s a good thing to do.”

The bike collection will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. September 7 at Pedal Pushers on Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard. Anyone can drop off a bike, and contribute a $10 donation, which Jackson said is used to help cover the cost of shipping the bikes. A representative from Bikes for the World picks up the bicycles and begins the transporting process.

Anyone who donates a bike will also receive a coupon to The Big Bean in Severna Park.

In addition to donations, Jackson said volunteers are needed to help make the bikes transportable, which requires taking the pedals off, lowering the seat, and turning the handle bars around. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Jackson at 443-223-7236 or email her at annjackson61@gmail.com. 

See Also:

• Odenton Fourth Grader Collects Bikes, Wins Scholarship