Macungie TWP, Pa. – Local bike shop owners gathered Monday morning at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center in Upper Macungie Township.
“I own a local bike shop. I’m a pretty good mechanic. I’ve been doing this for a long time,” says Chris King, owner of Mobile Bike Fix.
They spent the morning assembling 30 Woom bikes for the kids to use in their new program.
Don Levemore of Velo Shop said, “We believe cycling is fun and that everyone should be able to enjoy it.”
“This is a huge deal. This is a great way to use our skills and give back to the community,” said Chad Balliet, owner of South Mountain Cycles in Emmaus.
The new bikes are taken to where the kids are, such as schools and other locations at bike rodeos. Previously, programs were held on-site, but bike rodeos are held at schools and hospitals.
Jorge Romero, Director of Community Outreach at Valley Preferred Cycling Center, said, “Kids who don’t have their own bikes can experience riding a bike firsthand and learn from us how to do it safely. I can do it,” he said.
It is also hoped to turn some children into lifelong riders.
“This is a way to live a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Bodie Lee, executive director of Valley Preferred Cycling Center. “It’s a great pastime. Great for playing with friends or for an adult commute.”
The new program already has them scheduled to visit schools in Upper Macungie and a charter school in Allentown, with locations expected to be set for the summer.
“We are partnering with Lehigh Valley Health Network to implement these children’s programs at LVHN campuses in the region,” Lee said.
The goal is to help approximately 500 children within the first year.
