In Sandy’s Wake, Advocates and Giant “Ride NYC Forward”

Last week, I had the pleasure of traveling up to New York City to help Recycle-a-Bicycle celebrate it’s 18th birthday. But their incredibly cool event was more than a fundraiser for their nation-leading work to empower diverse youth to become bicycle riders, advocates and mechanics. It was also to support their recovery work in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

And a couple of special guests from Giant Bicycles were there, too: Bevan Harris and Josh Fonner.

Working with both RAB and Transportation Alternatives, Giant recently donated 100 bikes to people in the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Sandy. By helping folks move about their neighborhoods and commute to work by bicycle, the “Ride NYC Forward” partnership is increasing mobility for residents in Rockaway, Red Hook, the Lower East Side, and coastal Staten Island.

“Thanks to the hurricane, it’s clearer than ever that a robust variety of transportation choices — including bicycles — makes New York City stronger and more resilient,” Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives said in the group’s press release. “We’ll be working hard with Recycle-a-Bicycle to get these bikes where they’re needed most.”

“Now more than ever, the bicycle is the way to go,” Pasqualina Azzarello, Executive Director of Recycle-A-Bicycle, said in the release. “We are grateful to partner with Giant USA and Transportation Alternatives to bring these bikes to people who need them most. Such a generous donation will serve to further relief efforts by providing transportation and delivering food and supplies. With the help of a dedicated team of mechanics and tremendous goodwill, we’ll get neighborhoods and businesses growing again.”

And the dedicated team of mechanics went to work just last weekend, assembling the Revel 2 bikes and getting them ready for the road.

On December 1, mechanics and volunteers from RAB assembled…

… 100 bikes for neighborhoods hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy.

Thanks to Giant for their generosity and RAB and TA for their active and innovative role in the hurricane recovery effort! Stay tuned to RAB’s Facebook page for updates as they “Ride NYC Forward!”