COMMUNICYCLE Independence on Two Wheels

by Martin Miron

Communicycle uses bikes to bring together people and like-minded community organizations in order to maximize the opportunity for real and lasting change in individual’s lives and entire communities. Ministry and Outreach Director Addie Slate says, “Communicycle started 11 years ago when a church group was helping a family by building a handicap ramp. The grandson in the house asked if they could fix his bike while they were there. After some time, the group got the bike fixed and gave it back to a very happy boy. Less than five minutes later, two more boys came pushing bikes down the street asking for their bikes to be fixed. From there, Communicycle was born. It has since grown past just bike repairs into a nonprofit that provides bikes to anyone in need. We serve in Beaver County and the surrounding area.”

They are expanding from Aliquippa into Ambridge, Coraopolis and Sewickley. “To make this happen, we need volunteers who are willing to help us make events happen in each of these areas,” says Slate.

In an effort to promote community through bringing people together through bikes, Communicycle will sponsor a community bike ride in Coraopolis on April 1 and provide bikes to anyone in need. “In the summer, we go to different neighborhoods with our mobile repair trailer so that we can help people in their own community,” advises Slate. “Anyone can volunteer with the program, because their goal is for every kid to have a working bike to ride safely.”

“We serve all people! Anyone who needs a bike or their bike repaired we are happy to help,” avows Slate. Communicycle is almost completely volunteer run. Even Executive Director Lee Montanari volunteers 100 percent of his time. Communicycle also accepts used bikes and bike parts in order to repair refurbish bicycles in the program. They offset expenses by collecting scrap metal to recycle.

For more information, visit Communicycle.org.