Here at Bike New York, we’re providing free bicycles to New York City asylum seekers thanks to a partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), Unlimited Biking, Trek Bicycles, and Kryptonite. This program aims to provide affordable and accessible transportation for those who need to access essential services such as food, housing, medical and legal support.

 

 

“For asylum seekers new to the city, owning a bicycle means more than just having a mode of transportation. It provides them with the freedom to explore the city and the opportunity to earn an income. Moreover, it gives them a renewed sense of community and belonging,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.

 

Program Updates:

 

To date, more than 100 used bicycles have been donated and are being refurbished by our Recycle-a-Bicycle shop. The recycled bicycles not only provide a much-needed transportation option for asylum seekers but also help save the environment by reducing landfill waste by up to 4000 pounds.

 

 

In the first phase of this program, Bike New York aims to provide 200 bicycles to asylum seekers, including 40-50 new bicycles. Our partner, Kryptonite, has donated 200 locks and 200 pairs of front and rear lights to ensure the safety of the riders and bicycles. And DOT will provide all participants with helmets.

But we know there’s more to bike safety than locks and helmets.  Newly-arrived immigrants need to learn the rules of the road as well. In line with Bike New York’s mission, the participants will be taught how to ride and navigate NYC bicycling with instructions in their native languages, ensuring their safety while riding their bicycles. And to help keep bike maintenance costs low for asylum seekers, Bike New York will offer free maintenance at our local shop, Recycle-a-Bicycle.

 

What’s next?

 

We’d like to continue this much-needed program but can only do so with your support, allowing us to pay for bike mechanics and parts to refurbish the bikes donated by fellow New Yorkers.

 

 

TL;DR: Your gift is a start to building a new life. Please join us and make an immediate difference in the lives of Asylum Seekers by donating what you can.

 

You can support the program by donating directly on our website or sending your gift to:

Bike New York 

Re: Asylum Seeker Recycle-A-Bicycle Program

140 East 45th Street, Suite 2002

New York, NY 10017

Let’s support this vital program and positively impact the lives of those who need it the most.