First State Times

City of Wilmington issued the following announcement on Dec. 21

Urban Bike Project (UBP), a Wilmington-based non-profit organization whose mission is to build stronger communities with bikes, reached a new milestone this month by putting more than 1,100 donated bikes into the hands of Wilmington families in 2020. The organization’s previous high for bike distribution was 574 in 2019.

UBP gives bikes new life and keeps them out of landfills by refurbishing donated bikes and either selling them at affordable prices or donating them through one of its annual programs. Of the more than 1,100 bikes distributed, 915 were purchased through the UBP bike shop. The average price for a kid’s bike was $13. Adult bikes averaged $79, but typically range from $20-$150 depending on the quality of the bike. All proceeds go directly toward UBP programs, operations, and community outreach.

As part of its bike distribution, UBP donated 80 bikes and helmets to kids age 5-8 through its Fifth Annual Holiday Bike Giveaway. Ten volunteers from UBP along with members of the Biking Blue Hens refurbished the bikes and distributed them to youngsters at Bellevue Community Center, Kingwood Community Center, Hicks Anderson Community Center and the Community Education Building.

Another 150 bikes were given away for free to Wilmington youth and adults for recreation, fitness, and transportation. Adults who receive free bikes use them to overcome significant transportation challenges, often to reach jobs and appointments that are not serviced by buses.

“The advantages of bicycling are well known—improved health, an easing of traffic congestion, efficient and carbon-free transportation, and, perhaps most importantly from a municipal government’s standpoint, an increased intimacy with one’s surroundings, which is a key component of urban renewal,” said Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki. “There is no one better at fostering the connection between individuals and their community than the Urban Bike Project, and we are quite lucky to have this gem of an organization in Wilmington working hard throughout the year to forge a relationship between our residents – especially our youth – and cycling. Congratulations to the Urban Bike Project for all that has been accomplished in 2020. Special thanks to Laura and her dedicated team, and all of the volunteers and donors, who have contributed to the organization’s hard-won success. Here is to an even better year ahead.”

“We’ve never seen anything like this as an organization,” said Laura Wilburn, UBP Executive Director. We saw a huge response this year from both long-time customers and new customers, many of whom hadn’t ridden a bike in years or even decades. People have been able to find such solace and joy in riding their bikes this year. It’s helped folks get outside and active, helped them spend time with friends and family from a safe distance, and helped them stay connected with their community.”

Since 2006, Urban Bike Project has supported Wilmington communities by providing access to bicycling as a healthy, affordable and practical means of recreation. UBP services include free and affordable used bikes, free and affordable repair services, mechanics education, group rides, youth programs, and summer camps.

Members of the press can get more information by contacting Laura Wilburn, Executive Director at (302) 740-4506 or at wilburn.laura@gmail.com

Original source can be found here.

Source: City of Wilmington