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Canadian bikes finding new home in Cuba

Generous Canadian cyclists are finding a new home for their older gear in Cuba.

A Canadian seniors' group travelling to Cuba with bikes donated to the Bikes for Cuba project. Photo provided by Jeff Reid
A Canadian seniors' group travelling to Cuba with bikes donated to the Bikes for Cuba project. Photo provided by Jeff Reid

Generous Canadian cyclists are finding a new home for their older gear in Cuba.

Jeff Reid of Toronto was cycling in Cuba in 2009 when he learned that the cycling school in Banes had just one bike for 14 kids. He immediately donated his own bike to the school, and when he got back to Canada he began rounding up bikes to send down to the island with other travelling Canadians like the ones in the photo.

In 2010 he shipped 30 bikes, and his goal for 2011 is 100.

He’s off to a good start: He’s already sent down 16 bikes, in addition to countless parts, tires, jerseys, tools and wheels.

In some cases the bikes Reid gets are new, but for the most part they’re older models that aren’t much use to Canadians anyway. So instead of tossing them in a landfill, they’re going to help young, aspiring Cuban cyclists who otherwise wouldn’t have access to any equipment at all.

Anyone in the Toronto area interested in the project can meet Reid at the Toronto International Bike Show from March 4 to 6. Otherwise, visit the website here.

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