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.

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Matthew, I think legal issues involving bicycles on the road is a worthwhile topic, but I think you're seeing some references to bicycle lawlessness in this story that I just don't see. It sounds very much to me like this person is not saying, "I want to break the rules." but rather, "I wish there were more bicycles."

Rob E.
July 22, 2008 1:56 p.m.

"I want to stop waiting behind cars"................that's the attitude most bicyclers take. How many do you actually see waiting in line with the cars as opposed to the ones who pass on the sides or in between lanes? How many stop at red lights as opposed to pedaling straight through? Yes there are some that obey the rules but there a lot more who think the rules don't apply to them.

Karmageddon
July 22, 2008 12:44 p.m.

That's an odd interpretation, Matthew. Sounds like he'd like to see more bikes and less cars on the road. There's no rule against that, and I see nothing to indicate that he's not following the rules of the road. I can't figure what rule he'd be breaking by waiting behind a car.

Rob E.
July 22, 2008 11:57 a.m.

"I want to stop waiting behind cars" What does he mean by that? Just what we need.....more people on bicycles who think that the rules don't apply to them.

Karmageddon
July 22, 2008 11:33 a.m.

TheAdmiral, even if your estimate on the cost of getting a 2nd hand bike running was accurate, $100 for a functioning bicycle would be a great deal, especially when you consider that a quality, 2nd hand bicycle may be much more reliable than a newer, low-end, cheaply made bicycle. It's not as if $100 plus what you would get at the scrap yard (which would be what? I can't imagine it would be much) would buy you an equivalent bicycle. But one of the advantages of the bicycle recycling/co-op organizations is that by collecting many used bikes, you often have access to all the parts you need to come away with a functioning bicycle. Seats often hold up fine. Tires can vary depending on how old the bike is and how it was stored, and sometimes the tires are salvageable on a bike that is otherwise beyond repair. Similarly with chains, some become rusted beyond use, but many become completely serviceable with a little cleaning and a little oil.

Rob E.
July 22, 2008 10:49 a.m.