For new arrivals and others in want, a functioning bicycle serves as way more than a mode of transportation. Evanston resident Mike Moyer has spent the previous 9 months fixing donated bikes and distributing them to neighborhood members and has seen what a profound influence these two wheels can have.
“That unused bike sitting in one person’s garage can provide a lifeline for someone else,” Moyer mentioned.
Currently in a profession pause, Moyer dedicates shut to 30 hours per week fixing up bikes for new arrivals, native households and anybody else in want. Most of the work is finished in his south Evanston storage, which is full of bikes in varied levels of restore. Since August 2023, he’s distributed greater than 150 bikes, all with a new lock and helmet.
The mission acquired an impromptu begin final 12 months, when a good friend who works at Evanston Township High School requested if he had any further bikes sitting round.
“They had two students who were always late for school because they didn’t have money for the bus and had to walk. So I found two old bikes, fixed them up and dropped them off at the high school,” he mentioned. ” It was extraordinarily satisfying to watch the children journey off, and the mission developed from there. What began off as transportation has advanced into freedom for them. But solely about 30% of recipients are youngsters; it’s principally younger adults who want to get to their job.”
Finding recipients for the bikes is the straightforward half, and Moyer doesn’t flip anybody down. He is in common communication with social employees at ETHS, Nichols, Haven and different native colleges who join him with youngsters and households inquisitive about bikes.
The Refugee Community Connection Facebook group has additionally supplied various keen recipients, most of whom are new arrivals.
While Moyer gratefully accepts financial donations by a GoFundMe web page, his largest want proper now’s bikes.
“Once a quarter I’ll put a call out in the ETHS Parents and Guardians and the RCC Facebook pages, and that results in a number of bike donations. But we’re not solving a problem; we’re putting bandages on it,” he mentioned. “There’s no end to this, and even if we solve the new arrival crisis, there will always be people in need right here in our community.”
Moyer’s supreme donation is a medium-sized mountain bike that’s sturdy and may take a beating. He mentioned a 15-year-old Trek, gently liked however nonetheless with a whole lot of life left in it, is ideal. While nonetheless extremely practical, it’s not going to get stolen.
“When I first started, I was desperate to take any bike, even if it was rusted or in need of a lot of repairs. Now, I’m a little pickier,” he mentioned. “Once a bike is given out, I generally don’t have access to that recipient. If they get a flat tire or broken chain, the bike will likely not get fixed or used. So I try to make sure the bikes I give out are the best quality possible, without being too attractive to theft. It starts with a good donation, and I work backwards from there.”
Moyer mentioned the mission is essentially a one-man operation, however he will get a whole lot of assist from the neighborhood.
“It’s almost a full-time job, and sometimes I do feel like I’m running a business,” he mentioned. “I always have to have enough raw materials and start to panic when I’m short.”
Moyer has established an in depth relationship with Mack’s Bike & Goods, on Central Street, by this mission.
“(Owner) Sam Mack has been a huge advocate and is always available to help with a repair. He’s also referred customers my way, and we’ve gotten a lot of bikes donated from him,” Moyer mentioned.
He additionally companions with Working Bikes, a nonprofit within the Little Village neighborhood that donates used bikes to world communities. Its expansive warehouse is full of further elements that Moyer acquires for little or no value, and the group has helped out with extra advanced repairs.
While Moyer has been a bicycle owner for a very long time, he’s solely not too long ago beginning to turn out to be a motorbike mechanic. Every bike that is available in will get a complete security examine for working brakes, chains, pedals and different important elements.
In the previous 12 months, Moyer’s ability set has advanced from fixing a primary flat tire to changing a difficult derailleur.
“I’m getting more fearless in what I’m willing to try to fix. I’d rather take the chance, and if it doesn’t work I can text Sam (Mack) for backup,” he mentioned.
The bike program has additionally created a bit neighborhood for some recipients, and Moyer goals to be a secure drive for individuals who want it.
“Sometimes I have open shop hours in my garage after school, and kids will come by on their way home for a simple repair or to say hi,” he mentioned. “There are a couple of recipients in particular who have had a pretty rough existence in their short lives. As we work, I’m able to check in on them and gauge where they are. Having a bike has given them foundation and freedom, and it also provides a connection.”
In the 9 months Moyer’s mission has been in operation, he’s already seen it come full circle.
“Two of the first bikes I gave were to a couple of Haitian refugee boys, but they already outgrew them and needed to trade them out,” he mentioned. “They recently came back and got to pick out new ones, and it was magical to watch.”
Moyer admitted that the coordination can turn out to be draining, however seeing the influence the bikes have on the recipients makes all of it worthwhile.
“Sometimes when I’m really busy – if I have people coming at 8 at night or early on a Saturday morning to pick up a bike – I feel like I’m burning out,” he mentioned. “Then I’ll get a photo of a family of four riding down the street with their helmets on, and the kids are laughing and having a great time. Or a social worker will send a simple note that says, ‘Mike, the family received their bikes, and the mom is in tears because she can now ride to the grocery store.’ And I’m reminded of what it’s all about. Every bike, and every person, counts.”
To donate a motorbike to this mission, contact Mike Moyer at MikesBikesEvanston@gmail.com, or ship him a message on Facebook.