Belmont Boy Scout to Hold Used Bike Drive on May 11th

Owen Thomas is a member of Boy Scout Troop 66 in Belmont, a 13 year-old seventh grader at Chenery Middle School and someone who likes to bike. And he’s using that love of bikes and biking to find a way to help others. And Belmont residents can help him in his efforts!

On Saturday, May 11th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Owen will spearhead a bike drive for Bikes not Bombs, a Boston-based non-profit that collects used bikes, parts and accessories. It then rehabilitates and ships the bikes overseas to economic development projects in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The bike donation/drop-off location will be at 17 Clark Street in Belmont (corner of Common and Clark) in the parking pot of All Saints Episcopal Church.

The donated bikes become the primary means of transportation and economic opportunity for individuals living in developing economies. “It’s spring and many people are cleaning out their garages and donating or getting rid of older items,” says Thomas. “This project gives Belmont residents an opportunity to help underprivileged people in Massachusetts and around the world by donating used bicycles that will provided a reliable, eco-friendly, low-maintenance mode of transportation to school and work. These bicycles will transform people’s lives.”

There is a $10 tax-deductible, suggested donation to Bikes not Bombs to support refurbishment and shipping of each bike. Tax receipts will be provided at the drop-off location. All types of bikes are desired (road, hybrid, mountain, BMX, tandem, etc.), along with bike parts, tools and other accessories (helmets, bags, lights, pumps, locks, etc.).

“My goal for this drive is to gather at least 50 donated bicycles,” says Thomas, “And I hope that Belmont community members will share the word with friends and neighbors to help us reach our target.” He is an active Scout and a candidate for the Eagle Scout rank, which this project will help him achieve.

Bikes not Bombs also engages Boston-area youth in fixing the donated bikes as part of summer activity programs. Youth nurture a love of biking, develop useful mechanical skills and are eligible to earn a bike of their own. They are also trained in safety for urban bikers, get physically fit and participate in biking field trips throughout summer. Specific details for the event include:

DATE: Saturday, May 11, 2019 - Rain or Shine!
TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
PLACE: 17 Clark Street, Belmont, MA, 02478 (corner of Common and Clark) in the parking lot of All Saints Episcopal Church
WEB: https://bikesnotbombs.org/bike-drive/1630

If you have questions, or need more information contact: mailmichaelthomas@gmail.com