UMass Chan Medical Students Volunteer At Community Bike Shop

WORCESTER, MA — Two UMass Chan Medical School second-year students are repairing donated bikes and teaching bike safety through the nonprofit Worcester Earn-a-Bike.

Hoang Vo and Diego Marroquin volunteer at a community bike shop in Worcester's Main South neighborhood to make an impact on the local commmunity, while also fulfilling part of their medical school curicculum.

Vo and Marroquin's project is called "More than a Bike: Building Equity, Health and Community in Worcester."

The project works with residents in Main South and focuses on transportation equity, environmental sustainability, and the physical and mental health benefits of cycling. The pair mentors local youth, advocates for bike safety, repairs donated bikes, and participates in community events.

Through Worcester Earn-a-Bike, a program that has been going on for nearly 25 years, volunteers can earn free bikes by helping out. The program repairs about 25 donated bikes each month and distributes roughly 100 bikes a year to volunteers. The shop promotes volunteering and basic bike maintenance skills.

“Being from the city, I knew choosing this pathway project was a great way to give back to my community. It’s hands-on, it can be fun and it makes an impact in Worcester,” said Vo, a Worcester Technical High School and Worcester State University graduate.

See Also:

• Worcester Public Schools To Host Coats For Kids Fundraiser
• Worcester Awarded $97K For Recycling, Waste Reduction Efforts
• UMass Chan Students Run Community Food Drive