School collects used bikes for Sri Lankans
BY MELISSA CIFELLI
Staff Writer

SOUTH BRUNSWICK — One bike could make all the difference.

High school students will hold a Pedals for Progress bike collection on June 4. The bikes will be shipped to residents of economically disadvantaged countries.

High school math teacher Larry Witlen, who helped organize the drive, said the collection benefits both those who donate and those who receive bikes.

Instead of selling a bike or throwing it away, bikes could be used to improve the quality of life for some people.

According to Witlen, citizens of economically disadvantaged countries who owned bikes were better off than others in the area.

And for children, the donated bikes allow for a shorter commute to school. Previously, families may not have been able to spare the time needed to take a child to school, according to Witlen.

“That may be the difference of a kid going to school,” Witlen said.

And it’s nonpolluting, Witlen said.

Witlen, a former Peace Corps volunteer, said he first heard of Pedals for Progress at a Peace Corps Convention in Minnesota in 1999. Witlen said he saw the work of fellow volunteer there who had served in Ecuador, where those with bicycles had an advantage over those without bicycles.

According to Witlen, the first Pedals for Progress collection were shipped to Nicaragua.

The idea for the bike drive, Witlen said, was one that he thought he could bring to New Jersey. Witlen said he expanded on the idea and brought the drive to high school students.

Since 1999, five pedals for progress collections have been held in South Brunswick and one in North Brunswick.

Nearly 70 countries receive donations from the Pedals for Progress, with nearly 12,000 bikes shipped a year, according to Witlen.

Last year, South Brunswick High School students collected 171 bicycles which were shipped to Sri Lanka.

This year the high school’s Viking Volunteers has pitched in for the drive, which will run from noon to 3 p.m. on June 4.

Witlen said it was nice to see the efforts by both students and teachers, who have even donated money to ship the bicycles. The drive has also become a lesson for students on community service, according to Witlen.

Witlen said he hopes the drive will work out to become a long-term event at the high school.

Individuals can donate bicycles before the actual collection date at two drop-off areas at the high school. The reception areas will be at the front of the school near the flag pole and in the rear parking lot near the tennis courts.

So far, Witlen said he has received 12 bicycles from neighbors.

Shipping costs are roughly $30 per bike, so a $10 donation helps defray costs.

The main collection will be held in the gym parking lot along Ridge Road.

Donated bicycles do not have to be in perfect condition, but should not be beyond repair.