Spoke Folk is always looking for volunteers and community sponsors. If you are interested in helping please do not hesitate to contact the program director Richard Goodman.
Dunkirk, New York
What Exactly is Spoke Folk
The Spoke Folk Community Bicycle Program was launched in the late spring of 2007 in the lower level of an abandoned church in the heart of the City of Dunkirk, New York. As part of The State University of New York at Fredonia’s – Dunkirk Community Partnership initiative and in response to a perceived need for the development of a neighborhood bicycle repair facility and skills development center, it was built on the assumption that a volunteer staff could be recruited and trained to make a number of bicycle related programs and services available to area residents. Although, it has been in existence for a relatively short period of time, the Spoke Folk project has met or exceeded many of its objectives, and continues to pioneer such new initiatives as “Meals on Two Wheels” and the “Every Kid Deserves a Bike Program.” Together with the support of the SUNY Research Foundation and its community partners, Spoke Folk will continue to work toward building a healthier community …. One Bicycle at a Time.
For additional information, please see the History of Spoke Folk page.
Programs
Spoke Folk’s Bikes for Kids Project
If you can remember back to that special moment when you rode a two wheeler for the first time or got that first new bike of your own, then perhaps you can understand how important it is for every child to have that same experience. Unfortunately, for all too many children living in our area, this just won’t happen. The Spoke Folk “Every Kid Deserves a Bike” project is offering an opportunity for children, regardless of family circumstances, to experience that same “special moment”.
About the Every Kid Deserves a Bike Project
Working through an established network of community and faith-based organizations, families in need of bikes for their young children can receive help. Bikes will be awarded through a simple referral process. Recipients and their parents or guardians will receive information pertaining to bike safety, basic maintenance techniques and the importance of wearing a bike helmet. Helmets will be available for a nominal fee (which may be provided by the referring agency). Parents and guardians will be required to sign a statement affirming their commitment to bike safety. It will be their responsibility to ensure that their children always wear helmets and adhere to bike safety rules.
To find out more about how you can become involved with the “Bikes for Kids” project and to obtain a referral form, visit www.spokefolk.net or call Rich Goodman at 716-673-5834.
How Can I Help Spoke Folk?
Volunteers are always wanted and monetary donations are greatly appreciated. Spoke Folk is a not for profit community organization made possible by the publics it serves.