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Bikes for Refugees program in Halifax, Nova Scotia draws “amazing” community response: organizers

With the federal government planning to open the country's doors to 25,000 Syrian refugees by year's end, a collective of Halifax-based organizations have teamed up to make their welcome a warm one.

Cyclesmith bike shop (pictured) was the drop-off location for donated bikes. (Image: Cyclesmith)
Cyclesmith bike shop (pictured) was the drop-off location for donated bikes. (Image: Cyclesmith)

With the federal government planning to open the country’s doors to 25,000 Syrian refugees by year’s end, a collective of Halifax-based organizations have teamed up to make their welcome a warm one. Citing the importance of mobility in getting to know their new home, those organizations — including the Halifax Cycling Coalition — have collected unused second-hand bikes from local cyclists, with plans to donate them to Canada’s new arrivals

On Saturday, Nov. 7, the community’s enthusiastic response swelled the bike racks of Cyclesmith, a Halfax bike shop, with dozens of bikes ready for new riders by 11 a.m. that morning.

Cyclesmith was the drop-off destination publicized by the consortium of organizations, which, along with the Halifax Cycling Coalition, included both the Immigration Services Association of Nova Scotia, and the Ecology Action Centre. The outreach initiative is called Bikes for Refugees, and as one Cyclesmith employee told Metro News, the value of cycling in helping them — many of whom will arrive with limited means — can’t be overstated. “Bicycles are an easy way [for refugees] to get around,” said Stephanie Moulin, “get acquainted with the city, and get settled. If they have limited access to money, they can at least get around the city.”

Many of the donated bikes, organizers said, were in excellent condition despite their age, requiring little maintenance to get them ready for their new riders. Others, meanwhile, needed a bit more love. In all, though, organizers were astounded by the generosity of Halifax cyclists. “The support we’re getting from Haligonians right now — I’m speechless,” said Adam Berry, one of the people involved in the initiative.

“To see that people are this supportive of immigrants and refugees — I’m not that surprised, but it’s amazing,” he added.

The project that Berry heads up is another vital aspect of the program. Once the bikes are collected and distributed to the new arrivals, the Ecology Action Centre will offer training in how to safely ride around Halifax, a course called “Making Tracks.” Berry is the project’s head officer, and stresses the importance in giving refugees critical, hands-on experience to boost their confidence in the saddle — and, just as importantly, make the city accessible to those possibly overwhelmed by their new situation.

“Our goals are just to take down the barriers to active transportation,” Berry told Metro News. “Even a bus pass is a big expense for somebody who’s new to the country and getting them on their feet.”

By the end of Saturday’s collection event, according to a tweet from the Halifax Cycling Coalition, 168 bikes had been donated.