Triangle nonprofit gets old bikes rolling again

Carrboro, N.C. — High gas prices are fueling interest in a unique Triangle bicycle program. ReCYCLEry takes old bikes and makes them new again.

The not-for-profit organization's mission is to encourage bike use as a regular mode of transportation.

"I want to stop waiting behind cars. I would rather have a two-wheeled, social community,” said ReCYCLEry director Chris Richmond.

The volunteers learn how to fix the bikes, which are then used for the Blue Urban Bike Program. Members pay a yearly fee to use the bikes that are stationed in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus.

Volunteers who put in 10 to 20 hours of service can even get a free bike.

"It's pretty fun and you are learning a lot. ...It definitely seemed worth it for a free bike," volunteer Denise Whalen said of the program.

The old bikes and the program are becoming increasingly popular as gas prices rise. The number of volunteers has doubled since last year.

The program helps by “supplying bikes for people who may not be able to afford them, because it's expensive to buy a new bike these days,” volunteer Rhonda Coleman said.

The ReCYCLEry gives away about 100 bicycles a year. All of the bikes are donated.