Bike drive gearing up for spring collection cycle

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Although winter cycling apparel includes an arsenal of warming layers, the summer season - and its definite lack of the phrase "sub zero" on riding wear - will be upon cyclists in just a few months.

However, this is the season of giving when it comes to two-wheeled locomotion and one community has kicked their collection efforts into high gear with a Social Justice ministry that is also "green."

The George F. Johnson Dream Center for Community Empowerment, a ministry of the Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church in Johnson City, collects new and gently-used bicycles year-round for their annual Bicycle Give Away the second Saturday of May.

The bike drive is held to help youth get to a free summer lunch that takes place at noon each weekday at the church, and to village youth programs and the parks. Their collection efforts also include adult bikes to help those who need a bike for transportation.

However, volunteers and other gear are needed for the giveaway to be a success.

"To make this possible, there is a need for team leaders on the day of the giveaway, service groups to donate helmets and bike locks, and volunteers to work with the Southern Tier Bike Club to recondition bikes," said Patricia Cardin, founding director of the Dream Center and Deacon of Social Justice at Sarah Jane. 

"Our bike giveaway underscores the Johnson family spirit of community empowerment with the collaboration of the outreach ministry of Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church,  the Southern Tier Bicycle Club, the Johnson City Senior Citizen Center, the Johnson City School District, the Broome County Traffic Safety Study, the Johnson City Police Department, United Health Services and UHS Stay Healthy Kids, the Family Violence Prevention Council and the Village of Johnson City."

Bikes can be dropped off in the parking lot of the church between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Tuesdays until 6:30 p.m. and Sunday mornings. "Drop the bike and ring the bell," Cardin said. If a tax receipt is requested, bike donors are asked to wrap their information around the handle bar.

The giveaway takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. May 12 in the UHS Wilson Medical Center parking lot next to Sarah Jane UMC. Johnson City youth are referred to the program by area agencies prior to the event.

"The day is like Christmas morning, with many beaming children and adults, with the volunteers sharing that it is the best day of the year for them. In the spirit of our tradition of Social Justice, it not only provides bicycles for those who otherwise may not have one, it has also become a day to focus on safety with a bike rodeo, helmet- and bike-fitting, and many groups who table to let attendees know about programs their organizations provide," said Cardin.

In four years since the bike drive's inception, over 700 bicycles have been collected and distributed by the church following reconditioning by the Southern Tier Bicycle Club. Any church that would like to organize a similar event can join this year's event in a learning capacity by contacting Cardin at (607) 797-3938.

"We know when have struck into the center of God's heart when the work of our hands falls into place so that it feels effortless," said Cardin.

The Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial UMC is located at 308 Main St., Johnson City.  

*Christian Vischi is the communications associate for the Upper New York Annual Conference. He can be reached at christianvischi@unyumc.org.