Bike drive nets 200 bikes for nonprofit

By Barbara Heffner

MetroWest Climate Solutions hosted a bike drive on May 16 to benefit The Bike Connector, a Lowell-based nonprofit that aims to make bikes safe and accessible for everyone. The parking lot behind Wayland Home and Design-Ace Hardware served as the collection point for more than 200 donated bikes, far surpassing expectations.

The Bike Connector, located in Lowell, collects bikes, repairs them as needed, and distributes them to kids and adults in need of low-cost transportation. The organization also features a workshop where volunteers share their skills and experiences, and new and used bike parts. The Bike Connector grew out of high school students’ needs for affordable transportation to school, work, and activities. Since 2020, the organization has distributed more than 8,300 bikes.

MetroWest Climate Solutions aims to inspire sustainable, equitable communities by hosting programs that address the climate crisis. First Parish in Wayland, First Parish in Lincoln, First Parish Church in Weston, First Parish in Framingham, CFREE Lincoln, and Energize Wayland are member organizations.