North Vancouver offers some of the best bike trails in the world. A Mecca of sorts, where thousands of mountain bike enthusiasts flock each year in order to experience the thrill of riding our impressive network of trails, and soak up the natural beauty of the North Shore mountains.  Ask any rider: there are few things in life as enjoyable as getting out on your bike. There’s a sense of freedom that comes along with being able to leave all your cares behind, focusing only on the trail ahead and the forest surrounding you.

But consider what a bike could mean to someone living in northeastern Uganda, who is unable to access fresh water, schools, markets or proper medical care because the closest village is 20 kilometres away and the only mode of transportation is by foot. To that same person, a bike could mean much more than simple enjoyment; a bike could provide mobility, freedom, and hope.

Recognizing the power that a bike has to change someone’s life, John Henry Bikes teamed up with Bicycles for Humanity for their Big Bike Give, taking place now until May 14th. The folks over at John Henry made it their goal to collect at least 1,000 bikes by May 14th, which they will then transport to Karamoja, in northeastern Uganda, to give to local residents. Not only that, but April Jones and Paul Graham of John Henry Bikes will also be setting up shop in Karamoja, and converting the container used to transport the bikes into a Bicycle Empowerment Center (BEC), where bikes will be purchased, repaired and rebuilt, therefore providing a sustainable resource and employment opportunity for the entire community.

Here’s where we come in: From now until May 14th, Green Coast Rubbish will be offering FREE pickup of all bikes donated to John Henry’s Big Bike Give for residents of the North Shore.

Bike owners already understand the power a bike has to provide enjoyment, adventure, and freedom. Now those of us who are fortunate enough to live in this beautiful part of the world have the chance to provide others who are less fortunate with that same feeling of freedom, and perhaps even more.  It may only be a bike to you, but to someone else it just might be a catalyst for new, hopeful beginnings.

So for those of you that have thought about starting your Spring-cleaning, think about donating that old bike that’s just sitting gathering dust in the garage to John Henry’s Big Bike Give.  We’ll take it off your hands free of charge, you’ll feel good for donating to a great cause, and someone living half way around the world will be given a new source of freedom and hope. Talk about a win-win-win situation!