Old Bikes: From Collecting Dust to Combating Poverty

On June 18, Morris County residents can change the lives of poor families in developing nations simply by getting rid of their old bikes.

That day the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority, working with a group called Pedals for Progress, will collect used bicycles in reasonably good condition from noon to 3 p.m. at the County College of Morris, Parking Lot #1. The lot is located at 214 Center Grove Road in Randolph. 

A bike from Pedals for Progress can change the lives of an entire family. A parent who can travel a little further for work than is possible on foot can improve the economic fortunes of everyone in the household. The bikes you donate are reconditioned and distributed at low cost, with the money helping a local bike repair business to develop. 

You must donate $10 along with your bike to help ship it overseas.

Bikes that are bent or very rusty, bike parts or sections, and tricycles will not be accepted. Working sewing machines, both electric and non-electric, will also be collected (with $10 fee) along with bike helmets (no fee).  

Pedals for Progress has distributed 130,535 bicycles over a twenty-year period.

Donations are tax deductible.