In a heartwarming initiative showcasing community spirit, Staten Island’s NYC DOT collaborated for the third consecutive year with various organizations to distribute refurbished bicycles to adults and youth from underserved communities, as well as asylum seekers.
The donation event gained remarkable traction this year, with a total of 253 bicycles donated, more than quadrupling the figures seen in 2023. This significant increase highlights the growing support and success of the program.
The bicycles will be distributed prior to the Staten Island FerryHawks game against the Lancaster Stormers, symbolizing a bond between community service and local sports culture.
Among the collaborating organizations are Bike New York, the NYPD, the Staten Island FerryHawks, and Staten Island University Hospital, which have all played essential roles in collecting, refurbishing, and distributing the bicycles to those in need.
This year saw NYC DOT holding 12 collection events over six Saturdays across the borough, doubling last year’s outreach efforts. These events invited Staten Islanders to donate bicycles suitable for all ages and conditions, fostering a sense of community involvement and charity.
Once collected, the bicycles were refurbished by Bike New York, ensuring they were in good working order for the recipients. The FerryHawks contributed by providing storage for the bikes both during collection and after refurbishment at the SIUH Community Park.
As an incentive for generosity, those who donated bikes received two tickets to a FerryHawks game, promoting community engagement and fun in addition to charitable giving.
Local institutions such as the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden and Wagner College also participated by opening their doors for bike drop-offs, further emphasizing the collaborative spirit of this initiative.
To determine which community members would benefit most from the bicycles, the NYPD Borough Command asked its precincts to identify underserved areas. On the day of distribution, local residents selected their bicycles with enthusiasm, alongside precinct commanders.
This partnership not only addresses the immediate need for transportation but also highlights the importance of community support systems in times of increasing demand.
Project Hospitality has been a significant player in this effort, having served Staten Island for over 30 years by providing essential services, including soup kitchens and youth programs. As asylum seekers continue to arrive in New York City, Project Hospitality has been proactive in ensuring a portion of the bicycles are designated for those who require them for work, transportation, and recreation.
The Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) of Staten Island has also been heavily involved as a coordinating body and resource agency, serving an array of needs in the community since 1967. COJO’s dedication to alleviating the struggles of the disadvantaged aligns perfectly with the mission of this bicycle donation initiative.
Participants from various community organizations were on-site to witness the excitement and joy of recipients receiving their refurbished bicycles, reinforcing the bond between community support and individual empowerment.
As the program enters its third year, the visible growth in support signals a promising future. With over 450 bicycles donated in total, this effort stands as a testament to the compassion and dedication of Staten Islanders toward aiding one another.
To learn more about involved organizations such as Bike New York, Project Hospitality, or COJO, locals are encouraged to visit their websites and get involved in future initiatives designed to uplift underserved communities throughout the borough.
image source from：https://thecitylife.org/2025/05/27/donating-bikes-to-underserved-communities/
