SOUTH BRUNSWICK: Improving life via donated bicycles

by Davy James, Staff Writer
   What seems to be useless refuse to one person can make a huge difference a world away.
   Pedals for Progress is holding its 10th collection drive for used bicycles, sewing machines, soccer balls and cleats at South Brunswick High School through June 6. The items are sent to third world countries throughout Central and South America and Africa.
   The program was started locally in 1999 by SBHS math teacher Larry Witlen, a former Peace Corps volunteer who attended a Peace Corps convention with displays on some of the projects volunteers were running.
   ”The guy who started the program noticed that the wealthiest man in his village was the one guy with a bike,” Mr. Witlen said. “He made a promise to himself and sent back 12 bikes to the village on his own dime. The program is much more sophisticated now and sends bikes to 60 countries.”
   Any country with an organization that will sponsor the collection, storage and assembly of the bikes can participate in the program. The donated bikes are auctioned for a small amount, which is used to operate a bike shop in that country to handle repairs and maintenance. Those who can’t afford to pay for a bike can work off the fee for it in the bike store.
   ”This program allows people to help themselves and keeps old bikes out of landfills,” Mr. Witlen said.
   To help with the cost of shipping, Mr. Witlen said the program needs a $10 to $12 donation; with donated soccer balls and cleats any donation is appreciated. Mr. Witlen said it costs about $30 per bike for shipping. The bike pedals are taken off, and handles are turned sideways to allow more bikes to fit in a container.
   Last year, the drive sent 122 bikes and five sewing machines to the Uganda. The drive also accepts donated spare parts such as tires, chains, handle bars and seats. The sewing machines allow women in other countries to attend seminars to learn the trade.
   Mr. Witlen said any donation is appreciated no matter what the condition.
   ”Nothing has to be in perfect condition,” he said. “If there’s one thing I learned is that people in other countries can fix a lot of the stuff we would throw away and save things we’d toss away. Don’t worry how old the sewing machine is or what condition the bike is in. They’ll make do with it.”
   Donations should be brought to South Brunswick High School, 750 Ridge Road, from 12 to 3 p.m. Items for collection should be accompanied by a check to Pedals for Progress to help cover shipping costs ($10 for bikes and sewing machines and $2 for soccer items). Tax deduction receipts are available.
   Early donations may be delivered to South Brunswick High School, in care of Mr. Larry Witlen. Contact Mr. Witlen at 732-329-4044, ext. 7102.