According to Mike Brcic, the executive director of Bikes Without Borders, a not-for-profit organization that recycles bikes and gives them to communities in developing countries, the shipment was delivered to a school in San Pedro de Casta, Peru in October.

“The school is renting out the bikes for 10 centimos per day (about 3 cents) and there is a lineup a mile long to use them,” said Brcic. “It’s cool to see the local community take such an initiative with the program.”

The donated adult and children’s bikes were tuned up and prepared for transportation by Muskoka Cycling Club members and the Muskoka Bicycle Pro Shop earlier this year then dispatched to Toronto to await shipment.

“A lot of kids walk 20 kilometres to go to school. It’s the same for some adults who go to work. Now they can bike,” said Huntsville resident Kristi MacDonald, who last year became involved with Bikes Without Borders and is the area representative.

The biggest demand for bikes, however, is from the children in the Peruvian village who love riding them for fun around the mountains, said Brcic.

“The school has set up a unique program whereby if a child achieves a certain grade they get free use of a bike for the day.”

Local farmers are also using the bikes to get to their fields, which are often a one or two-hour walk away, Brcic added.

“Using the bikes gives them an extra couple of hours to work in their fields or to relax while putting in the same amount of time.”

The people of San Pedro de Casta are very appreciative of the donation, continued Brcic. “It was pretty inspiring to see.”  

The goal in 2008 for the organization is to ship 1,000 bikes to communities in Central and South America. With the used bikes being ridden on rough, rural roads, frequent maintenance will be required.

“Now I have to line up a parts sponsor so that I can follow up the bike donations with parts. It seems everybody in Peru is handy with a wrench,” said Brcic.

The items that are most needed include tools, tubes (all sizes), tires – both road and mountain bike – and parts, especially chains, derailleurs, brakes, brake pads, shifters, cables and grips.

Bikes Without Borders is  in the process of registering as a non-profit organization and a registered charity, after which  tax receipts will be issued for all donations.

For more information, go to www.bikeswithoutborders. org.