Cycles for Christ Bike Donation

Used bikes refurbished and donated by Cycles for Christ

This week, the Cleveland office received a donation of 24 used bikes and helmets for refugees in Cleveland! Caseworkers at US Together have been looking for bike donations for months, however with the bike industry being heavily affected by COVID-19, it has been a difficult process. Until we were put in contact with Jon Polhamus, who is the founder of Cycles for Christ!

You may be wondering: what is Cycles for Christ? It is a ministry of Hudson Presbyterian Church. Led by Jon, Cycles for Christ collects used bikes from the Hudson Community, bike shops and service agencies.  The bikes are refurbished to make sure that they are safe and reliable. They then give bikes to those in the areas around Hudson in Summit, Cuyahoga and Portage counties who would not otherwise be able to get a bike. Cycles for Christ provides bikes to everyone regardless of religious affiliation. To get a look inside Jon’s shop in Hudson, click here.

When Jon was asked what motivated him to start Cycles for Christ, he stated:

“I have had a successful life and career with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.  During my childhood however, my family was poor. There was money for food and clothes but nothing for extras like bicycles.  My brother was given a bike by someone from our church.  As a result Larry could go places and have a job.  I learned the value of a bicycle by watching my brother. I've always enjoyed riding a bike. I got my first bike in  Vietnam and rode it around our base and into Saigon. I've had many other bikes since then and have ridden thousands of miles.  I thoroughly enjoy the time spent on my bikes. In 2011 while visiting my son in Florida I discovered 5 abandoned bikes. I decided that I would repair those bikes and I though some person would like getting a  free bike (remembering the lessons from my youth). I gave those 5 bikes away through the local church. My pastor suggested I try doing that in Hudson.  That was the start of Cycles for Christ.”

So far in 2020, Jon and other Cycles for Christ volunteers have donated 471 bikes, included the 24 that were donated to US Together. They have also repaired 60 bikes, and returned those to their owners. Since beginning Cycles for Christ in 2011, 3,650 bikes have been donated, and another 514 repaired for their owners!

Jon believes refugees should have access to bicycles because:

“Its important for refugees to be able to get to work, go shopping and enjoy the parks and bike trails in their new home. Riding a bike is a good way to do it.  It saves money that would otherwise be spent on bus fare.  Riding a bike is good exercise.  It's fun for everyone from age 1 to 100.”

We completely agree with Jon, and we are so grateful for his amazing donation to the refugee community.