The Upper Southampton Township Police Department and The Kiwanis Club have teamed up to donate their found and unclaimed bicycles to the Neighborhood Bike Works of Philadelphia. Southampton Kiwanis member Richard Hartnett was responsible for presenting and organizing the Bike Works program to Chief David Schultz and the Township.
Neighborhood Bike Works' (NBW) mission is to promote youth development by offering educational, recreational, and career-building opportunities through bicycling. It also promotes cycling as a healthy, environment-friendly form of transportation
NBW began in 1996 as a Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia project called Youth Cycle & Recycle. It incorporated as an independent non-profit in 1999. NBW established its current headquarters at St. Mary's Church (40th & Locust Walk) in 2000, and opened the Haddington Neighborhood Shop at 60th & Vine in 2002
NBW offers classes on bike repair and bike safety after school, on weekends, and in the summer. Students complete a 7-week basic Earn a Bike class teaching repair, safe and effective urban cycling, fitness, and environmental responsibility, and work together to fix up used bikes donated by the community. Upon completion, each earns a bike, a helmet and lock. After school activities have always been free to youth aged 8 to 18; weekend and advanced programming are open to graduates of basic classes.
NBW creates positive out-of-school-time activities for young people. The key to its success has been through mentoring and positive role models. A dedicated staff of workers and volunteers run the two bike shops and associated programs. Many past participants have remained involved, improving their skills while earning hours (NBW's currency) used to buy parts and accessories. Since its inception, NBW has introduced over a thousand young Philadelphians to the joys and freedom of cycling in the city.
If you would like more information, or would like to make a donation to the Neighborhood Bike Works, please click on the below link:
Kiwanis member Richard Hartnett, Supervisor Marguerite Genesio
and Police Chief David Schultz