Free Childrens Bikes Given Away in July: Built by the Whole World.
In June 2010, the Second United States Social Forum is taking place in Detroit with the motto, “Another World is Possible, Another US is necessary.” People from all over the world are coming to Detroit to work on projects and unlike other conferences, leave a lasting impact.
The HUB of Detroit is partnering with folks visiting the city to fix up their backlog of used children’s bikes (20” wheels and smaller) for a Bike Give-A-Way event. The children’s bikes will be given away on:
Saturday, July 3rd from Noon-4pm
Thursday, July 8th from 4pm-7pm
Friday, July 9th from 4pm-7pm
At these times, families with vouchers can bring their child (9 years old and younger) to come pick out a bike and get it sized up to take home.
The 4th of July weekend is a celebration of independence in our country and the bicycle is often a sign of freedom. When they first came out, bicycles were freedom of independent travel for women who would otherwise have to travel by foot or with a male companion by horse and buggy. Other people use bicycles to declare their freedom from petroleum independence. Many children find their bikes to be their first exploring partner into the freedom of being outside and being active! For these reasons, Saturday, July 3rd, is a great day for a child to take home a free bike.
If you know of any families who cannot afford a bike for their young one or if you work for an organization that helps out families, please contact the HUB to get vouchers to pass out. The child receiving a bicycle must be present with the voucher to receive a bike.
If you would like to help build up bikes for the Give-A-Way event, please come to any the HUB’s volunteer nights in June. Volunteer nights are every Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm-8pm in our Back Alley Bikes Space. During the Social Forum on the 23rd and 24th the HUB will extend “volunteer nights” to be noon-8pm. If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact, Jason(at)thehubofdetroit.org.
If you have a child ages 10-16 years old, they may be eligible to earn a free bike through the HUB’s Earn-A-Bike program. For more information about that program, please contact jack(at)thehubofdetroit.org
Work Project: Fixing up kids bikes, general volunteering at The Hub.
Folks that volunteer @ The Hub during our Wednesday June 23rd and Thursday June 24th work project time (12-8pm both days) will help repair and safety check numerous smaller sized bikes for smaller sized people in preparation for the Hub’s first annual summer kid’s bikes giveaway.
Tasks will include basic bicycle repair and maintenance-type tasks: Checking/filling tires, adjusting bearings, replacement of broken parts, brake and gear adjustment.
IF YOU HAVE NEVER WORKED ON A BIKE BEFORE: NO PROBLEM!
There are a wide variety of tasks to accomplish at The Hub and chances are you probably are at least familiar with many of the bike parts and tools you will interact with- things like checking tubes/tires and adjusting chain tension are things that can be co-taught/learned alongside other volunteers and our awesome community of allies and collective members!