YMCA hands out bikes to Canadian newcomers in Halifax for instant independence - Action News
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Nova Scotia

YMCA hands out bikes to Canadian newcomers in Halifax for instant independence

Many Canadian newcomers in Halifax were beaming Saturday as they were treated to their own bikes, brand new helmets, and a course on how to be safe on the roads in Nova Scotia.

20 children, 10 adults received refurbished bikes Saturday

Volunteers from the Halifax Cycling Coalition and Ecology Action Centre's Welcoming Wheels program trained the families on road and bike safety. (Anam Khan/CBC)

Many Canadian newcomers in Halifax beamed Saturday as they were treated to their ownbikes, helmetsand a course on how to be safe on the roads in Nova Scotia.

It was thefirst bike in Canada for many adults.But, for many children, it was the first bike they could call their own.

The YMCA Centre for Immigrant Programs initiated the program with support from the province. Bike Again!, alocal volunteer-run bike shop, supplied the refurbished bikes.

The goal was to help newcomers enjoy their community, do activities togetherand have more independence.

A volunteer talks about bike laws in Nova Scotia. (Anam Khan/CBC)

"A lot of newcomers when they first arrive, they don't have cars, but if they have a bike they can hopon and go to a local grocery store," said the YMCA centre's Tim Keenan, who organized the event with Manaf Mansour.

Volunteers from the Ecology Action Centre's Welcoming Wheels program distributed bikes to 20 children and 10 adults. They provided safety training along with tips on how to maintain and repair their bikes.

"I like to ride to make me happy," nine-year-old Young Israel Izeresaid while seated on his new bike. He was also eager to learn and answer questions during the training.

Young Israel Izere was all smiles on Saturday with his first bike. (Anam Khan/CBC)
Even the little ones got a bike. (Anam Khan/CBC)

Izere said he can use his bike to ride around his neighborhood and also help his mother with groceries.

"When I go homeI'm going to go to the park next to my house,"Rayan Issa, a young girl, saidwith a smile.

The children get on their bikes and test their brakes. (Anam Khan/CBC)

Nasra Gele, an interpreter at the event, said the parents were happy with the initiative.

Asecond event is already being discussed.

"This has up to this point been a huge success so we're definitely looking to do it again in the future," said Keenan.

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