From Used Bikes Come New Bikes

Many people see the old bikes in their basements and their garages and aren't sure what to do with them.

Now there's an answer — and a good one too.

Welcome to the Newark Boys and Girls Club Bike Exchange. 

Here's how it works. People send in their used, or un-used, bicycles to the Bike Exchange. Volunteers get them in working shape. They are resold at low prices. All proceeds from this effort go to the after-school programs of the Newark Boys and Girls Club. The Exchange is also able to provide local families with affordable, quality bicycles.

"If I wanted to do something or see someone and they were within a half hour bike ride from where I lived, I biked," said Kirk Sohr, a local bike enthusiast, of his childhood spent pedaling from friend's house to friend's house. "This seems to be a step in development that is missing in kids lives today, especially in the inner city where lots of kids do not even know how to ride a bike much less have the money to buy a bike."

The Newark Bike Exchange had a "soft opening" three Saturdays ago. Sohr said that the organizers are hoping for an official grand opening in September, complete with Newark dignitaries. The space for the Exchange was donated by Prudential which owns the building.

The Newark Bike Exchange is located at 31 Central Avenue in downtown Newark. Hours are Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Interested in volunteering with the Bike Exchange? Contactinfo@BikeExchangeNJ.org. To donate, visit BikeExchangeNJ.org.

— Bryan Quick is a Columbia High School sophomore and summer intern with YouthNet.