Bike Cash for Clunkers: press release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
A New Take on Cash for Clunkers
Union Gospel Mission, Pedals2People and Two Wheel Transit team-up on innovative bicycle donation program
Spokane, Wash. – January 7. 2010 – It seems as if almost
everyone has an older bike in the garage or basement that doesn't get
ridden and collects dust. Starting today, two local non-profits—Union
Gospel Mission and Pedals2People— and local bike shop Two Wheel Transit
are working together to put unused bikes back to work for the good of
the community with a Bike Cash for Clunkers program.
For its part Two Wheel Transit, located at 1405 W. 1st Avenue, will assess each bike for safety and serviceability and issue an in-store credit varying from $25 - $100 toward the purchase price of any 2010 Trek or Gary Fisher at the store, or in stock at Trek Bicycles. The Spokane bicycle shop will then service and transport suitable bikes to the two organizations based on their preferences and needs.
Though specific to bicycles, the program is similar to the recent federally sponsored automotive cash with three important differences: It only pertains to bicycles, it is not funded by the government and bikes that are mechanically sound will not be destroyed, but reused by the two non-profit organizations.
While Union Gospel Mission and Pedals2People each have different missions they both use donated bicycles in different ways while fulfilling their respective missions.
“We house the homeless and care for the poor through several distinct ministries. A good bicycle can help meet the transportation and recreational needs of people that are touched by a particular ministry,” says Dave Wall, Development Director of Union Gospel Missions. “When you don't have a car and need to travel several miles, a bicycle is golden.”
Liza Mattana, President of Pedals2People states that their mission is to use the bicycle as a tool to empower people and build healthier communities. “We are a community of people who believe bicycles can change the world: one ride, and one person at a time. We believe that empowerment and healthy exercise are the keys to living a happier life. We understand that everyone comes to cycling at different stages and and for different reasons, and we respect those differences.”
“We are pleased to support the life-changing programs of these two great community organizations.” states Two Wheel Transit co-owner Geoff Forshag when asked about the program. “Union Gospel Missions and Pedals2People each have unique missions and approach them differently, but at some level we all believe in bikes and their role in the community.”
The program is scheduled to run from the beginning of January and will end on February 15th. It is only available at Two Wheel Transit.
Founded in 1951, Union Gospel Mission is a local non-profit that shelters the homeless and serves the poor of Spokane all without any federal funding. It ministries include: Women's and Men's Shelters, Recovery Programs, Youth Outreach and UGM Motors and Thrift Stores. The administrative offices are located at 1224 E. Trent Avenue.
Pedals2People provides bike related programs oriented toward: education, community outreach, environmental sustainability and empowerment. It is located at: 1802 E. Sprague and open Thursday and Friday from 2 – 6 PM and on Saturday from 11AM to 6PM.
Contact:
Dave Wall, Development Director, Union Gospel Mission: 509-535-8510
Liza Mattana, President, Pedals2People: 509-842-6597
