By Board Member, Bertie Fields
Contrary to popular belief, cyclists do much more than ride a bicycle…especially
during the holidays. Several cycling groups have previously contributed bicycles to Faith
Ministries Church – Angel Tree program for children of incarcerated parents, we
donated 24 bicycles.

Black Girls Do Bike has been providing meals and serving
families to the tune of 200 meals, at the YWCA center on Harvey Court for about seven years.

Yvonne Bonnie Reed Reggins initiated Pedal with a Purpose which includes five local cycling groups. (Steady Pedaling, Black Girls Do Bike, Pickerington
Bike Club, Trailblazers and Major Taylor Cycling Club) to expand giving back. Actually many participants are more than one of these cycling groups.

First, a ride was organized to donate hats, gloves, socks, blankets, toiletries to the folks living in the tent communities. Last year 30 bags which also included gift cards were distributed.

This year, 17 riders delivered 42 Bags. The left-over back packs were donated to the YWCA family Center.

Also last year, Pedal with a Purpose partnered with Farm to Table and donated 120 sealed boxes of perishable items such as milk, cheese, eggs, and meat to the Hilltop United Methodist Free store along with 100 Thanksgiving meals.

This year the Thanksgiving partnership was with St. Stephens Community Center. We were able to donate 60 turkeys to the Linden and American Addition Community.

The Major Taylor Cycling Club held their 2nd Signature Ride this past September and donated $500 to Remember Us Urban Scouts, which of course also received donations from YAY Bikes!…Bike the Cbus.