EDGEWATER — Have an extra bike? Local kids and teens on the Far North Side could use them.
As the Chicago Department of Transportation sets its sights on the 48th Ward for a new bike pilot program, Ald. Harry Osterman (48th) said students on a "consistent" basis tell him they don't have access to a bike.
"A bike can provide a teen the ability to access the best our city has to offer them: school, after-school programs, jobs, and museums and libraries," the alderman told constituents in an email blast last week. "It is important to me that everyone in our community can take advantage of these amenities."
Before students return to school in early September, donated bikes, locks and helmets are all being sought for the neighborhood's youths.
Bikes can be donated between 5-8 p.m. on Thursday or Aug. 17 at Uptown's Argyle Night Market and from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at the Edgewater Farmers market.
Bicycles should be in good, working condition and not in need of any serious repairs.
Once the bikes are cleaned and ready for riding, they will be distributed among kids, with an emphasis on those who participate in Becoming A Man, Girl Forward and Chicago Park District programs. The organizations provide resources for at-risk and refugee children and teens living in the community.
Volunteers who wish to help clean or provide basic bike repairs the week of Aug. 21 can sign up with Ally Brisbin at ally@48thward.org.
