If you have a bicycle kicking around your house and it’s time to find it a new home, North Bay’s Discovery Routes is accepting donations. The bikes will be refurbished and given back to North Bay and area kids and individuals in need through the ReCycle Bikes Program. But this year, Discovery Routes needs more than bikes to keep the program rolling. The organization will hit 1000 bikes donated since the program first began in 2015 and that’s a lot of bells, cables, and chain oil, not to mention logistics!
Discovery Routes is not government funded, so they rely on the generosity of the community for the ongoing delivery of the ReCycle Bikes Program and to support their commitment to healthy lifestyles, access to recreation, sustainability, and community engagement.
To help volunteers maximize the number of bikes given back to the community, they are only able to accept bikes that are in fair to excellent condition. To keep the bikes safe for riders on roads and trails:
- Bicycles stored indoors are preferable
- Has a majority of its parts
- Has minimal rust
Bicycle most in need are mountain and hybrid bikes suitable for teenagers and young adults. Qualifying bike donations will receive a charitable receipt for $25. Tax receipts are issued via email when the program wraps up in the early fall. Select bicycles may be sold to cover program expenses.
Bicycle donations can be dropped off at the Laurentian Ski Hill lower lodge at 701-991 Ski Club Road in North Bay on Wednesday evenings between 3-6pm starting May 15 through to June 26. This building is NOT staffed during the summer months so please only donate your bike during these times. Unfortunately, bicycles cannot be picked up. Businesses can help by sponsoring the program. Cash donations can also be made through the Discovery Routes website at
https://discoveryroutes.ca/about-us/get-involved/sponsorship/
If you have any questions about the program or the donation process contact cycle@discoveryroutes.ca
If you need a bicycle, they are distributed through local community service organizations based on need and availability of suitable bicycles. Contact cycle@discoveryroutes.ca to be placed on a waiting list for available bikes in 2024.
Discovery Routes is also looking for volunteers for the ReCycle Bikes program. Generally, the commitment is 2-3 hours per session from May to September. Administrative support is needed throughout the year but is minimal through the winter.
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