HARRISBURG, Pa. — Recycle Bicycle helps people in the Harrisburg community build and fix their own bikes for free—if they're willing to get their hands dirty in the process.
Founder Ross Willard first saw the need for the Earn-A-Bike program in the Allison Hill area nearly three decades ago.
"I watched kids go by, and they were going downhill and they had no brakes," said Ross Willard. "So, I reached into the back of my van, pulled out my bike—that little tool kit on the back of the bike—and I started fixing bikes. Then it became a tool box, then it became the van, it became a trailer and then it became a warehouse."
The space on Chestnut Street is filled with hundreds of donated bikes and spare parts. Willard says this hands-on resource is needed in every neighborhood
"I hand them the wrench, I hand them the pump, the tube, and I let them fix it," said Willard. "Then I check it when they're done."
The repair process takes a volunteer and future rider about two hours to complete. Once the bike is ready to hit the road, a volunteer will officially register it with the city.
"The ones that say 'Harrisburg' don't have cars to go to state park or wherever. They’re riding them here," said Willard. "That way, we can tell the government officials there are lots of people out there with bikes. Let's give them infrastructure and make them safer."
The bike safety advocate estimates thousands of bikes have come and gone through Recycle Bicycle.
Their goal is for everyone, despite their age or financial situation, to have access to transportation.
For hours and more information on dropping off a donation, head here.