`Wheels for Kids ‘pedals’ more bikes`

Wheels for Kids started making good on the IOUs issued to children who want free bicycles by issuing 30 Friday.

Another 30 bicycles will probably go out Monday or Tuesday, said Gary Merchant, assistant director of the Prince of Peace Center, Farrell.

Wheels for Kids is an offshoot of Wheels to Work, which gives donated cars to people who need them to get to work. At a festival-type giveaway May 15, 167 kids wheeled away with their new bikes after completing a safety course run by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The kids also received helmets and bike locks.

The bikes were donated by agencies and individuals.

The program ran out of bikes at the giveaway and issued 176 IOUs.

Wheels for Kids still needs about 100 bikes, and hopes that 60 to 80 of them can be made roadworthy, Merchant said. Bikes not in good condition are scavenged for parts.

Only mountain bikes and 10-speeds are needed, Merchant said.

Volunteers are needed to check the bikes for safety and make sure they’re in good condition. “We expect by the end of the month we’ll have every kid covered. That’s our goal, anyway,” Merchant said.

Bikes can be dropped off at the Prince of Peace, 502 Darr Ave., Farrell. Information: 346-5777.

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Updated June 11, 1999
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