Bicycles for everyone
Israel Cycling Federation launches unique project calling for everyone to donate used bicycles, gear to children across Israel
Feel like pedaling through spring cleaning? The Israel Cycling Federation is sponsoring a new initiative: "Bikes-4-all," a project calling for anyone who has bicycles or cycling equipment no longer in use to donate them in favor of less fortunate children.
The first-of-its-kind, nationwide project, joined by the Soleus Cycling Center, also includes forming new amateur cycling clubs across the country in association with local municipalities; and boosting awareness to sports, a healthier lifestyles and caring for the environment among children and teens.
The project, said ICF's Eyal Hershtik, embodies a wider concept: "The project supports educational, ideological and moral goals, and hopes to use the magic of cycling in order to help improve the lives of less fortunate populations. This begins now, but it will undoubtedly affect the future.
"As things stand today, any child wanting to join a cycling class can do so only through a private one. Add to that the cost of the bike and auxiliary gear and not everyone can afford it. We aim to create a national chain of cycling clubs offering various children-oriented activities," he added. "We hope to introduce cycling to children who were devoid of it until now."
Scheduled to be launched on Friday, the project will be accompanied by a festive event, in which the bicycles already donated and revamped will be presented to the visitors, cyclists will perform spectacles for the crowd, children will be able to enjoy special activities and those who wish to rent bicycles for the day will be able to do so.
The event will also feature a food court, auxiliary cycling gear and sportswear stands, and bike-mechanics workshops. The event will provide a platform for those wishing to sell or buy second-hand bicycles; and will have several licensed bicycle mechanics available to give your wheels the once-over.
The project is also backed by the Yad-2 listings website, which will link between potential buyers and sellers.
"Bikes-4-all" will take place on Friday, April 4 at 10 am, at the Soleus Center in HaYarkon Park. Admission is free.
Arie Fishler contributed to this report
