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SAFE BIKE Program
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Mission
To provide a safe, reliable bicycle (new or used) to a child that does not have the economic means of obtaining a safe bike, while teaching responsibility thru community service activities to earn the bike. Bicycles that are in need of repair can become safe again for a child to ride, as well as bicycles for children with special needs are welcomed.
How the program works
- One person or better yet a neighborhood or parish team to coordinate and carry out this effort.
- Outreach to neighborhood children who would like to earn a bicycle.
- Obtain the consent of a parent/guardian to place a child on a bicycle wait list.
- The Safe Bike Program coordinator/team secures a reliable (new or used) bicycle.
- Community service (see community service guidelines) will be given to the child.
- A date will be set for the child to complete the community service(s) which will be the day they can pick up their new/used bicycle.
- All children must obtain a bicycle helmet prior to picking up the safe bicycle and bring it with them when they pick up the bicycle. There will be no exceptions; anyone wishing to pick up a bicycle MUST have a bicycle helmet.
Community Service Guidelines
If your child is able bodied and is matched with a new bike:Age -- Community service4-5 -- 2 hrs required, 1 hour to parent/guardian (i.e. cleaning room, setting table etc). The remaining hr is to be spent helping others (existing organizations, trash pickup in the yard/sidewalks).6+ -- 3 hrs required, same as above (1 hour to parent/guardian and 2 hrs spent helping others in neighborhood and/or parish).10+ -- 5 hrs required, same as above (2 hours to parent/guardian and 3 hrs spent helping other in neighborhood and/or parish).If your child is able bodied and is matched with a used bike (or repairing your existing bicycle):Age -- Community service4-5 -- 1.5 hrs required, 1 hour to parent/guardian (i.e. cleaning room, setting table etc). The remaining ½ hr is to be spent helping others (existing organizations, trash pickup in the yard/sidewalks).6+ -- 2 hrs required, same as above (1 hr to parent/guardian and 1 hr spent helping others)10+ -- 4 hrs required, same as above ( 2 hrs to parent/guardian and 1 hr spent helping others).
If your child is not able bodied, community service can be negotiated/mitigated.Get Involved
If you have
- a gently used bicycle you would like to donate
- a child that would benefit from this program
- time/talent to help distribute safe bikes
If you would like additional information on how to start this program in your neighborhood or parish you may contact Roberta Adams, member of the Diocesan Pastoral Council’s Social Justice Committee, and creator of the Safe Bike Program at [email protected].