Collective bikes make a difference

So I actually made it down to the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective last Monday to volunteer. I haven't done that in a while and it was refreshing to go and work alongside some of the same old people (and some new ones too!) that I used to work with every monday there.

My task last monday was to build up a boxed huffy little kids bmx style bike. Yes, we normally wouldn't be passing out huffys but these were brand new and pretty cool (the gear shifter was like a car gear shifter! So sweet) so they were having us put them together for kids. I didn't think much of it when I was building mine up and chatting up a storm with some of the other people volunteering.

I didn't think much of it at all ... until today. I was on my way back from playing some lacrosse against the tennis wall at liberty park and I rode past a house of people that I often see outside hanging out. They are always happy but it seems like there are just way to many people in this family living in this one house. I've heard before that they are part of refugee program and have come here from Africa to escape the malaria outbreak. Anyway, these people always smile and wave as I ride by and the many children with them are always playing on the sidewalk. Tonight, however, to my superise, I wasn't the only one riding a bike when I passed their house. There across the street from me was one of their little boys on a SUPER SHINY brand new yellow bmx style huffy with a car gear shifter. All of his friends were running alongside him yelling and laughing. It was the hit of the night!

I waved and smiled. It's super refreshing to see my volunteer hours down at the collective actually making a difference to my neighbors and in my community. Amazing how that ripple effect works. I can remember my first bicycle like it was yesterday. It helped shape who I am and what my interests are today. My dad gave me a red Schwin with a banana seat and huge handlebars. Love at first sight:)

-Chelsea

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