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Bikes for kids on North Side

Howdy. A while ago we got permission to try a pilot program fixing up donated bikes and providing them to kids in need after completing a.safety class. The concept arose from an original discussion about a community cycling center on the North Side. If this works out we might get additional assistance with establishing a more permanent place on the North Side.


Things being how.they are, the donation program got off to a slow start. Now I am looking at a.room of 50+ kids bikes (amen!) And we are only about 1/3 through the restoration of them. Haven't gone through all of them but some have needed a little extra love, and Kraynick's has been great with that.


Between now and June 14th13th I need to get them all ready to go.as well as collect a few more for kids ready to.grow into the 20".frame side of life.


If you are interested in lending a hand you can email me at probpgh at gmail. Thanks!


Patrick


p-rob
2012-05-31 21:50:08

I find wrenching is more fun as a team sport & it helps fill in the gaps of knowledge individuals (myself included) may have. Anyone interested in four or five of us volunteering together?


Edit: p-rob, do you want to suggest a few dates and times?


marko82
2012-05-31 22:08:01

Thanks. It's been a late.night. I plan to be there from 6:30 to 9:30 on Monday and Wednesday. I have knee surgery tomorrow so couldn't plan on the weekend. The other volunteer to open it up is traveling this weekend.


The "shop" is located beneath the deck of the Union Place Building. It is a red brick building behind Allegheny Center Alliance Church at 250the East Ohio Street.


If I can drive Saturday I plan to hit Kraynick's for parts and maybe trade some adult sizes for whatever 20" I might locate.at FreeRide.


Inventoried helmets.tonight as well.and.will be calling around for.some more kids sizes (new). Looks like we can.use the 50-62 cm range.


Dang! A scrap truck literally just rode down Mountford Ave with a bike on the top of his pile. Too bad I can't run!


You can call.or text me at 412-596-3566 might as well put it out there.


p-rob
2012-06-01 02:54:56

I would like to help with this. I love to fix. I will see if I can get free Mon. evening.


Have you contacted Bicycle Heaven guy by any chance? I don't know what his charitable tendencies might be, but he seems to have a ton of 20" parts and miscellany that isn't going anywhere soon.


edmonds59
2012-06-01 11:10:13

I talked.to Matt.from Heaven yesterday. They can help out. We.just.need.to.compile.a.parts.list for.now. they don't have kids.bikes in that size at this.point. FreeRide had a.good.number but I needed to see.how.many larger.sized bikes we have to trade.first. surgery went well so I.will be by there tomorrow -and lest the drugs.wear off and I am all kind of sore. Good thing I have some "to go".


p-rob
2012-06-01 13:37:50

Heaven is having a party Sunday so I still plan on stopping over.


p-rob
2012-06-01 13:38:30

Surgery went well. Either they looked at each other in the operating room and said "Oh Sh!t" or they cleaned it up and sent me packing. Don't know how I will feel when this whatever has worn off, but I plan to be mobile tomorrow to Kraynick's and FreeRide. Shop hours on Monday and Wednesday. If there is a consensus on different times, such as this weekend I can be there to open it up.


p-rob
2012-06-01 15:34:49

Also, will be teaming up for another shop in NorthView Heights. Big Al is working on getting a roof on this place and has been working with kids in the neighborhood for years! A miracle has occurred in that the kids are now helping each other out with bike repairs, building, n@. We'll see how far we can take it!


http://cyclerecycleshop.com/


p-rob
2012-06-01 15:43:42

I can give time Wed.


marko82
2012-06-01 15:57:03

Wednesday is.also Banjo night.until.11. Perhaps we.can.enjoy both?


p-rob
2012-06-01 18:18:02

We can also.talk about fly fishing...


p-rob
2012-06-01 18:18:46

The current bike count is 65, thanks to Free.Ride for the last 8 bikes donated! We now have 68 kids in the program and are.looking to fix up more 20" bikes before June 14th. Have a separate thing going on to get the helmets as well.


So far we have 3 folks coming Wednesday to get their hands dirty. We will welcome all.comers. Banjo night afterward!!


p-rob
2012-06-03 20:23:11

P-rob, just checking, is this evening still good for me to come over? Or should I shoot for Weds with the rest?


edmonds59
2012-06-04 14:32:32

We will be there tonight as well. So both tonight and Wednesday from 6:30 to 9:30. Thanks!


p-rob
2012-06-04 15:10:49

Had two volunteers stop by tonight! Thank you very much for your time. If I was alone in that room I might feel overwhelmed. Looking forward to Wednesday. And Bill's commute totally kicks butt! Ride safe.


p-rob
2012-06-05 02:10:58

I really enjoyed working on those bikes. It's like I can tear into one tiny corner of chaos and disorder in the universe with my wrench and make it smooth running and beautiful.

Good luck with the project!


edmonds59
2012-06-05 10:51:35

Glad to be of service. Plenty more.opportunity on the horizon.


p-rob
2012-06-05 23:38:38

Did you realize that we are about flood the North Side with 68 kids in bikes? That is just the beggining. There are 600 more in Northview heights. There is a lot to be done but we can make this happen one bike at a time. Would you be a part of that?


p-rob
2012-06-06 01:45:00

We have about 50 bikes ready for the 14th. A whole slew.of.kids came out to get fitted tonight. Will probably need close to 75 by the time we roll out. I need wrenchers. Will be driving SAG for the MS150 this weekend, so the shop will be open Monday, maybe Tuesday, and Wednesday about 6:30-9:00. Let me know if you are interested. Could use a daytime Kraynick's run about Tuesday (if he is open).


p-rob
2012-06-08 01:26:01

I'll probably be there Monday night to help again.


For anyone who thinks they don't have enough mechanical skills, but would like to help - we could use help just inflating tires, lubing chains, and other minor tasks.


marko82
2012-06-08 01:39:34

This is true. You don't need.to be a trained mechanic. I'm not. I just like bikes. And I have seen how hungry these kids are to ride. Future BikePGH generation members, for sure.


p-rob
2012-06-08 03:02:45

Bumping this up. We have a few bikes to finish - many of which simply need air in the tires and some oil on the chain. Will have the "shop" open the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday evenings 6:30-9:00. If you have tools and want to access the space earlier I can set that up as well. Just need to explain how we are segregating the bikes once they are ready


p-rob
2012-06-11 13:40:51

We got started late in early May (instead of April) yet were were able to hook up 83 kids with bikes tonight. It was so cool watching them ride around the park like schools of fish. I never wore a helmet until my 20's either so I guess things don't change just because someone made rules. The senior admin Pastor at ACAC asked me to convey his sincere gratitude to the volunteers like John, Bill, and Mikhail (sp?) who responded to the call for help and were crucial in making this happen. I personally want to thank you as well as confirm that Kraynick's is still the penultimate bike shop of Pgh, that all others still look up to. And to FreeRide who gave is the idea, as well as some bikes, in the first place. This is just the beginning. The beginning of what I am not sure but am.willing to ride the wave. I will be back in the East Commons Park on the Northside starting June 28th from 6:30-8:00 to support these future BikePGH members. You are welcome to join me.


BTW, bikes are still coming in to the "shop" and I will be back working there in July. I have to.finish the house and get.moved in first!


Thanks again.


p-rob
2012-06-15 02:12:39

You guys did an awsome job and I'm glad to have helped.


marko82
2012-06-15 02:21:35

I wish I could have helped more than I did but maybe I'll see you in a couple weeks. 83 kids! That's amazing.


edmonds59
2012-06-15 02:38:24

During OTB ride on Wednesday which was partially on Buttler (outbound) lots of kids were trying to keep up with us on side walks (for about a mile). Their bikes looked similar to what P-Rob had in basement. :)


2012-06-15 12:44:20

If I know of a pile of bikes gathering dust/rust, who/what would be the best contact for getting them into the right hands for the next go-around?


stuinmccandless
2012-06-15 13:35:48

That would be me. My contact info is in the earlier posts.


I have to finish the house so.I can move out of the old one so I will have limited time in the "shop" until July. Will be back in the park on Thursdays starting the 28th


p-rob
2012-06-15 17:14:45

Howdy folks! I am looking for more volunteer help - on Thursdays and hopefully one other weeknight.


After the initial roll-out, things have evolved into a "bike night" of sorts in the East Commons park off E. Ohio Street. I have been setting up like a pit-crew and kids have been bringing out their bikes for repairs as well as others unearthing some that need more than brakes or a flat tire fixed.


I have been setting up on Thursdays from 6:30-8:00 PM (usually end about 8:30). Thursdays I have been getting 12-20 kids mostly younger than high-school age. There are also some adults and teens that have been bringing out bikes that they have obviously saved from the dumpster yet could be re-built. I would like to engage them in the "shop" (still have some space to work in) perhaps on a Monday or Tuesday and teach them how to fix the bike up themselves. Folks in the neighborhood have also stated that they would be willing to help on Thursdays if someone could help them learn first (pump and change tires, adjust seatpost height, etc).


I am going to make a Kraynicks run this Saturday and will try to see if I can get some of the kids to bring their re-build bikes to the "shop" on Tuesday night. The location is behind Allegheny Center Alliance Church (see earlier posts). Will still be setting up on Thursdays as well, but out in the park across the street from the Church and along the driveway for the housing projects. Each week more and more people are coming out to hang as well as to get some bike repair action. I could definitely use some more hands.


I will also be reaching out to other organizations soon (need time) in order to see about support for a continuing program, perhaps something like Free Ride on the North Side. If you are interested in something like an internship for that project you can contact me as well. It takes some work organizing contacts and reaching out to organizations to develop relationships. There will also eventually be funding applications so there is research as well as some grant writing need as well. If you have some willingness, i can work to put you in touch with folks that have experience. Just let me know. My contact information is in the earlier posts. Thanks!


p-rob
2012-07-13 11:51:36

Hmm, might just be possible to help out with this, then bike over to Lawrenceville for that bike ride. I'd be happy to help patch tires, turn a wrench, whatever, and show others how to do likewise.


I would further love to see a bike repair shop on the North Side. The main reason I don't get to Kraynick's or FR more often is that they're both so far away.


stuinmccandless
2012-07-13 12:38:31

Cool, your help would be appreciated Stu.


Bicycle Heaven does repairs down in Manchester, but if you are referring to a more DIY shop than yeah, that is the goal (as well as actively engaging people with cycling). At this point there is support building for working with the kids and more and more people are learning about it. It is just a matter of time before there is a "we" formed and we go after a "permanent" location in the community.


For now it is Thursdays, and I think I should be able to work in the "shop" on Tuesdays starting on the 24th. That way we can address one or two bikes at a time, and even mentor kids and adults about working on their own bike.


BTW, Al has been outfitting a shop in North View Heights and already has a building through the Urban League.


p-rob
2012-07-13 16:54:46

And my house will never be finished, so that is really no longer an issue. Who needs a kitchen anyway when you have a giant BBQ grill?


p-rob
2012-07-13 16:57:33

Sounds loke a good idea (the shop & the grill). I'll try to swing by next Thursday if I'm available.


marko82
2012-07-13 17:09:59

cool, just look for the gaggle of kids on bikes. Pretty easy to spot!


p-rob
2012-07-14 14:38:21

Are we still on? It's raining at the moment but I'm hoping it will clear up later.


stuinmccandless
2012-07-19 19:34:12

BICYCLE HEAVEN BIKE MUSEUM yes i can help with some parts / frames,,i do work with Jerry k on trading parts for his thing he does every year for the kids bikes,,,


bicycle-heaven
2012-07-20 05:47:41

Patrick and I swapped out busted tubes, broken brake handles, shredded cables, and other simple stuff. There is all manner of potential business over there. Steady stream of kids all evening.


Two hours later, I saw two of those kids on their bikes riding around Downtown. Real cool to see that.


stuinmccandless
2012-07-20 13:17:15

Howdy folks. After a rainout 2 weeks ago we had a crush of about 30 kids last week. Many of them will be back this week as I could not get to all of them. If anyone is interested in helping out please call or text me 412-596-3566 Thanks!


Patrick


p-rob
2012-08-09 13:51:41

This should happen when I'm not out of town for once.


I'm out of town on the weekends a lot.


cburch
2012-08-09 13:52:57

No guarantees, but I might make it there tonight. I was on an 8 Perrysville going up Cedar at around 7:30 last Th and saw the swarm. Impressive!


stuinmccandless
2012-08-09 14:06:34

We still have been getting a steady stream of repairs to do. It is on Thursdays, so Colin should have absolutely no excuse for not being there either..


p-rob
2012-08-10 20:00:23

This coming Thursday I'm working so I won't be back in town until around 8pm at the earliest. But after that I'll be around in and off on Thursday's. Depending on wether I'm going down to snowshoe or out at north park for builder nights that is.


cburch
2012-08-11 01:05:15
We are gearing up for another collection/repair/distribution "cycle" this Spring. We have space from Allegheny Center Alliance Church again and there will be a call for bike donations going out through the congregation soon. We can use every bike in just about any condition for restoration, for parts or trade through Kraynicks. Right now we are getting ready to fit kids (1-5th grade) with bikes through some outreach with the church. This always has a chance to be something broader in the community if there is enough support for it. Last year we did 100 bikes, and this year there is a chance to double that. If you would like to help out please contact me: probpgh at gmail or 412 Fifth Niner Six 3566. Thanks! Patrick
p-rob
2013-02-25 13:14:48
Greetings - I will be at the bike collection point at Union Place on Tuesday April 9th from 6-8 PM. I have tools but could always use a hand. No training is needed. The shop is located beneath the back deck of Union Place, which is the only building fronting Union Avenue - 250 East Ohio Street. The plan is to inspect the bikes we have on hand (about 9) and discern what parts are needed in order to make them safe and fun again. From what I am told we can expect more bikes soon. My direct contact info is earlier in this thread.
p-rob
2013-04-08 10:14:55
I plan to be there for at least part of this. This is about where you set up to fix bikes the last time I was there, right?
stuinmccandless
2013-04-09 15:05:48
Hey Stu - this is in the basement of a building across the street from the park. The little side road is called Union Place. You would turn up toward the baseball field and AGH, away from where we worked in the park last year. I should be there by 6 PM. If it is just me and I finish early, I could be gone by 7 though. Mostly taking things apart tonight to develop a parts list. There was another who said he might be able to bring some bikes but I have not heard back from him yet.
p-rob
2013-04-09 15:49:50
Thanks for the help Stu! I am also looking for help on Thursdays after 7 PM. I will be parking next to the park with tools n@ so the kids can bring out their bikes for repair. I imagine there will be a lot this Spring since I have not been there since October. I basically need help to avoid being overwhelmed by 20-30 kids at a pop. It had become popular to come out and hang last year and I expect the same this year.
p-rob
2013-04-15 09:49:23
Can't guarantee I'll be there; in fact, I'm going to say right now I probably won't, as I plan to be back out of bed at 3:45 to ride with the CtC neutral rollout. Yeah, Patrick is going to need a lot of help. Expect 4 or 5 kids at a time pushing a bike at you with a flat tire, a broken brake handle, frozen chain, snapped cable or pedal, etc., etc. It really is a lot of fun, and also cool to run into kids on the street who recognize you for having helped them. Also you get to smile to yourself when you see them zipping around the city somewhere and they don't see you.
stuinmccandless
2013-04-15 09:59:39
It might help to put the where, the when, and any other necessary information in the latest posts. Exact addresses are better for me than descriptions - Google maps.
mick
2013-04-16 21:36:27
It's been awhile since I posted about this, but things have been in full swing and there are growing pains that we would welcome any help with. First, the NSLC put in for a mini-grant to help operations that you can cast a vote in order to support: http://pncneighborhoodwishlist.com/project/8 Check it out! Second, we have been getting a ton of support from FreeRide and Kraynick's which is greatly appreciated. Third, I am backed up on bike repairs and could always use a hand Tuesdays in our basement "shop" at 801 Union Avenue (Pgh, 15212). We are in the basement beneath the back deck. There are steps next to the deck leading down to the bat cave. I hope to prep enough bikes for a roll out on September 12th. Fourth, we always roll up on Thursdays in the park across East Ohio Street outside of Allegheny Commons East (East Quad) behind 255 East Ohio Street (Pgh 15212). We set up along the driveway next to the park from 7-Darkish. You can't miss the gaggle of kids around my car. Fifth, since we are flooding the neighborhood with bikes (about 192 in 2 summers) there are issues arising with the desire for mountain bikes, road bikes, your bike, my bike, peggoes (pegs), and theft. Right now we focus on single speed coaster brake bikes. I am always looking for volunteers to help organize rides in the park or fun stuff with the kids, help teach them repairs so they have more of a sense of ownership, help with roll-outs to register and photograph the kids with their bike, and even help coordinate with other potential partners. Basically, since these are kids (grades 1-5) we did not have them build their bikes and there is a lack of ownership and accountability. There are things that trouble me about this but I do not want to pull our support, just grow with the challenges. We have also been getting help with helmets, parts and supplies funding and new volunteers. I would really like it to evolve beyond just meeting the demand for bikes and getting them out riding If you are interested in helping out my contact info is in the beginning of this thread.
p-rob
2013-08-30 08:11:12
Mick, he means here, more accurately about where the U in Union is. The basement containing the bikes is in the Urban Impact Foundation building. Zoom in until you can see the name of the building on the map.
stuinmccandless
2013-08-30 12:55:01