Second-hand bikes to be donated to new immigrants in Halifax

A Halifax-based program called Welcoming Wheels is looking to pair new Nova Scotia immigrants and Syrian refugees with bicycles by the spring.

The Halifax Cycling Coalition, the Ecology Action Centre and the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia put the program together. Cyclesmith, a bike store in the city, began collecting bike donations late last year. 

Organizers were hoping to collect 50 bicycles, but ended up getting 175.

"It's been overwhelming but we're excited and it's going well," said Adam Berry, the Making Tracks Project officer with the Ecology Action Centre.

Most of the bikes are being fixed up at the Citadel Community Centre in Halifax. Berry said many of the new settlers have been helping with repairs.

Cycling training course

"We have our repair tags made in Arabic as well to aide the volunteers from Syria who have been helping us," he said.

In addition to the bikes, the Welcoming Wheels program will also provide new helmets and bike locks.

Berry said there will be a three hour cycling training course to get immigrants and refugees acquainted with local road laws.

"We do have some unique laws in Nova Scotia around cycling intended to keep us safe. I think it's going to be a great experience for them," said Berry.

"They'll learn the basics of bike maintenance and the rules of the road."

Berry said the bicycle repairs are on track to be completed by spring. Twenty bikes have yet to be inspected and 25 are in need of parts. The group is looking for donations to finish the project.