About DOT
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2024
Contact: (212) 839-4850, press@dot.nyc.gov
Staten Islanders from underserved communities in the borough as well as persons seeking asylum will receive the donated/refurbished bicycles; number of bikes donated and refurbished doubled this year
NEW YORK – New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced that NYC DOT will partner with the NYPD and community partners to distribute 125 donated and refurbished bicycles to adults and youth from underserved communities on Staten Island and newly arrived asylum seekers. NYC DOT Commissioner Rodriguez and officials from Bike New York, the NYPD, the Staten Island FerryHawks, and Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH)/Northwell will distribute the bikes before tonight's game between the FerryHawks and the Lancaster Barnstormers. Project Hospitality/El Centro Del Inmigrante and the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) will also be on hand to receive a share of the bicycles.
"With summer upon us, it's the best time of year to enjoy our city by bike. This bike donation drive will provide a valuable transportation option to those who need it and thanks to the generosity of Staten Islanders, this year we received twice as many donated bicycles this year," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "This is a great partnership with NYPD, Bike New York and our partners across the borough to give bicycles to underserved Staten Islanders."
NYC DOT, Bike New York, SIUH Northwell and the FerryHawks sponsored five events earlier this year across the borough allowing Staten Islanders to donate bikes for all ages and in all conditions. Bike New York then spent the next few months refurbishing the bikes and making any necessary repairs. Bike New York's work was made possible by a generous philanthropic partnership with Amazon. Those who donated bikes were given two FerryHawks game tickets for each donated bike.
The NYPD Borough Command asked its four local precincts to identify underserved communities in their commands and individuals who would benefit from a newly refurbished bike. Residents from each of the communities were on hand today to receive the bikes outside the stadium, alongside the local precinct commanders.
About Bike New York
Bike New York is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free bike education programs throughout New York City. Bike New York teaches bike education and safety skills to thousands of kids and adults each year. Funding for these programs comes from numerous annual events, including the TD Five Boro Bike Tour and regional rides like Discover Hudson Valley and the Twin Lights Ride. For more information, visit www.bike.nyc.
About Project Hospitality
Project Hospitality has served Staten Island for over 30 years, providing soups kitchens, food pantries, youth programs, domestic violence intervention and so many other services to help those in need. As asylum seekers arrive in New York City in high numbers, Project Hospitality is of course at the forefront offering a helping hand on this initiative to see that a portion of the donated bicycles were given to El Centro Del Inmigrante to get to those who could use the refurbished bikes for work, transportation, or recreation.
About COJO
The Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island is a Jewish umbrella agency that is the central coordinating, convenor and resource body and agency for over 60 affiliated member organizations serving the Staten Island community. Since its inception in 1967, COJO's mission has been to identify and address the needs of the disadvantaged, alleviate the plight of the poor, and serve as the beacon of the Jewish community on various communal issues. COJO also is strong supporter of interfaith and intercommunal relations and cooperative ventures thereby advocating for the enhancement of the quality of life for the needs of all Staten Islanders.
"These bike donations will be a huge boost to the Staten Island immigrant community," said NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Manuel Castro. "Bikes provide immigrants, especially recent arrivals, with independence by allowing them to navigate the city and find employment. Here at MOIA, we are excited to see and support initiatives that allow immigrant communities to work and thrive in NYC."
"Staten Islanders have shown time and again that when it comes to supporting their community, they show up every time," said Ken Podziba, CEO of Bike New York. "Once more the people of Staten Island have generously donated their old bikes to be refurbished and live a second life with a neighbor in need. This program, led by DOT, positively impacts underserved populations, including asylum seekers, and provides an avenue for both transportation and recreation. Thank you to DOT, Amazon, FerryHawks, NYPD, and the community partners whose contributions continue to benefit deserving New Yorkers of Staten Island."
"Being a contributing part of this community is a core FerryHawk value for John Catsimatidis and myself," said Staten Island FerryHawks President Eric Shuffler. "Working with DOT and the NYPD to help get these bicycles into the hands of Staten Islanders who want and need them was great - we look forward to doing more."
"We are thrilled to contribute to this bike donation initiative and support our community in such a meaningful way," said Staten Island University Hospital Associate Executive Director of Hospital Operations Melissa Panzo. "By providing refurbished bicycles, we are not only enhancing transportation options for underserved residents but also promoting healthier lifestyles and fostering a sense of community. The impact of this initiative goes beyond transportation; it empowers individuals and strengthens the bonds within our community."
"The bikes will help newly arrived asylum seeking teens and young adults seek out work," said Project Hospitality President/CEO Reverend Dr. Terry Troia.
"El Centro is so grateful to receive these bikes to share with new asylees who are teens and young adults, looking for work," said El Centro Del Inmigrante Executive Director Michelle Molina. "Without even funds for a metrocard, these young people will treasure a means of free transportation to their first jobs in the United States. On their behalf as new immigrants to our native land, we offer our profound thanks!"
"I truly have to thank NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Staten Island Borough Commissioner Roseann Caruana for collaborating with the FerryHawks and with many important Staten Island community partners in making this Donate a Bike campaign a reality," said Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) President Mendy Mirocznik. "By working together, we have fostered not only an enhanced environment of collaboration, but we have also undertaken an Island wide project that permitted the people of Staten Island to see tangible results. The smiles of the happy children and teenagers receiving these bikes is truly rewarding and deeply gratifying. We feel it more so especially now that school is about to close for summer break and the positive feeling of joy is priceless. Once again, the people of Staten Island have come together in fellowship, unity and friendship and truly have made this Island a better place."
"Today, we witness the remarkable spirit of Staten Islanders coming together to support those in need," said Assemblymember Charles D. Fall. "I am incredibly proud to see fellow Staten Islanders, NYC DOT, NYPD, Staten Island FerryHawks, Bike New York, Staten Island University Hospital and local organizations come together for such a meaningful cause. This initiative is a testament to our community's dedication to uplifting everyone, regardless of their circ*mstances. Thank you to everyone involved for making a significant impact on the lives of so many."
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