photos courtesy of the Village of Ridgewood
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, on May 17th the Ridgewood Recycling Center hosted a successful community event, collecting more than 60 pre-owned bicycles for donation to Pedals for Progress, a New Jersey-based nonprofit organization.
The bike donation drop-off ran from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., welcoming Ridgewood residents to contribute gently used adult or children’s bicycles. All bikes collected will be refurbished and shipped to underserved communities around the world, providing vital transportation and economic opportunities.
Pedals for Progress: Giving Bikes a Second Life
Pedals for Progress (P4P) is dedicated to rescuing bikes headed for overburdened U.S. landfills and giving them new purpose abroad. These bikes are repurposed as:
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Essential transportation
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Trash haulers and produce carriers
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Mobile medical units
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Farm machinery
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Taxis and delivery vehicles
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Recreational tools for local programs
Each donated bicycle becomes more than just a ride — it becomes a means to build local economies, promote sustainable development, and improve quality of life in underserved regions.
“In many partner communities, P4P bikes allow people to travel to work, deliver goods and services, or access healthcare in areas where cars or public transit simply don’t exist,” a P4P spokesperson said.
More Than Just a Donation: A Path to Skills & Sustainability
Through partnerships in developing nations, P4P establishes local bicycle repair programs, training children and adults in bike maintenance and repair. This initiative fosters entrepreneurship by enabling locals to earn or trade for bikes through hands-on work and new skills.
Additionally, P4P supplies these community shops with tools, parts, lubricants, and accessories, ensuring bikes stay in service and contribute to long-term economic growth.
Ridgewood’s Commitment to Global Sustainability
The Ridgewood Recycling Center’s bike donation drive not only reduces local waste but also supports a global mission of environmental responsibility, skill development, and community upliftment.
Residents unable to donate during the May 17 event can still support Pedals for Progress through monetary donations or by volunteering.
For more information about future donation drives or how to support Pedals for Progress, visit www.p4p.org.
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Global? Don’t they know kids in Paterson (and increasingly Glen Rock) need bikes?
Another BS “initiative”. Waste of time and resources.
Exactly there’s plenty of kids. I’m sure locally that could use these bicycles. Not every family can afford to go out and buy a brand new bicycle back in the 70s early 80s. We used to find two or three bicycles and make one good one, and have fun for the whole summer.