3rd Annual Pedal Power Bike Drive

November 4th, 2010 by Anne West
Categories: Community Events, Wilmette

Here’s a cause I have a special fondness for, for a number of reasons. First, because it’s about kids – giving bikes to kids who otherwise wouldn’t have them. Second, because it’s a cause that started right here in my hometown of Wilmette. And third, because the organizer and driving force behind the program was (at the time of the first bike drive) a nine year old third grader. She’s now eleven and just as passionate about her cause as she was when she started it three years ago.

I first met Nicole Basil when she and my daughter were in their first year playing with the Wilmette Wings Soccer Club. I was impressed by her goal scoring ability (her nickname was “the Nailer”), but I became an even bigger fan when I heard about her desire to collect used bikes and donate them to kids in the city.

In the first year of Pedal Power, Nicole’s goal was to collect 20 to 30 bikes, but she ended up with 250. In 2009 she and her brother, Bennett collected another 250. All of the bikes collected in 2009 went to kids at the John Hay Academy in the Austin neighborhood.

This year she has expanded the program and enlisted the help of some enthusiastic volunteers around the North Shore. There are now four collection points: McKenzie School in Wilmette, Edgewood Middle School in Highland Park, Carpenter Elementary School in Park Ridge and George Garner Cyclery in Northbrook. The donated bikes and scooters will be distributed through the Jane Addams Hull House Association in Chicago. The Association has a program that rewards students who excel in school despite tough circumstances.

The Pedal Power Bike Drive takes place Saturday, November 6, from 9 to 11 am. Go here for maps of the four locations. If you have a used bike or scooter that your kids have outgrown, please bring it over. Even non-working bikes are gladly accepted, as they can be used for parts. For more info visit www.gopedalpower.com.

Tags: Pedal Power

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