Need Greater Than Ever, Says Nonprofit Bikes For Christ Founder

DOVER, FL — Inflation and the rising cost of living make reliable transportation more important than ever, said Pat Simmons, founder of Bikes for Christ in Dover.

"Many individuals have suffered this past year; finding themselves in situations they never could have imagined — loss of a job, loss of affordable living. Times are hard for many right now and a bicycle can be life-changing in so many ways," Simmons said.

Simmons had been trying to find a way to combine his passion for cycling with a way to contribute to his community when he took a trip to Nicaragua in June 2015 with his church, First Baptist Church of Dover.

Seeing the extreme poverty first-hand inspired him to start Bikes for Christ in March 2016.

After placing some posts on Facebook and Craigslist seeking used bicycles, donations started pouring in, he said.

Currently, Bikes for Christ receives donations from across four counties and redistributes them through 70 nonprofit organizations in the Tampa Bay area that have clients needing bikes for basic transportation and to commute to jobs, including veterans and homeless organizations.

Simmons also provides bikes to nonprofits for children in need. His philosophy is "every kid deserves a bike.”

"The most important part in all of this is that those who receive bikes know that someone loves and cares for them," he said. “Through giving, we show love, the same love and compassion that Jesus showed us."

The nonprofit organization is currently seeking help this holiday season.

“Christmas is always the time of year when we reach out to the community for that extra bit of help we need. Plus we always try to do something special as well," Simmons said. "The past two years, we have had the opportunity to send bicycles to children in Africa by partnering with the Tampa Bay Area Liberian Community Association and we have close to 25 more on their way there this year."

Bikes For Christ is seeking the public for donations of good, used bicycles in adult sizes.

"Eighty-five percent of the orders our partner organizations place is for men's bicycles and those are always the greatest need," Simmons said.

Bikes do not have to be perfect, but should be in rideable condition so repairs can be made quickly.

Bikes can be dropped off at the following locations:

• University Bicycle Center, 1220 E Fletcher Ave., Tampa. Phone: 813-971-2277
• Oliver's Cycle Sports, 18055 Highwoods Preserve Parkway, Tampa. Phone: 813-910-0207
• Tony's Bike Shop, 19 21st St. N, St. Petersburg. Phone: 727-537-6162
• Tony's Bike Shop, 7100 9th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Phone: 727-384-6608
• Jarrett Scott Ford, 2000 E. Baker St., Plant City. Phone: 813-752-4171
• Beef 'O' Brady's, 210 S Kings Ave., Brandon. Phone: 813-681-3428

Monetary donations are always appreciated as well, Simmons said.

Donations can be made through the website or sent to the organization at Bikes For Christ Inc., 2500 AL Simmons Road, Dover, Fl 33527.