Announcement
When refugees are resettled in Wichita, they are given a very short amount of time before they must get a job and become self-sufficient, this typically happens within their first three months in America. In doing so, one of their biggest challenges is finding reliable transportation to get them to work on time.
Some refugees will carpool once someone has saved up enough money for a car, some refugees are able to rely on public transportation. But, for some refugees their only option is to walk or ride a bike to work.
Bicycles can be very expensive and when someone is just starting out, it may take a while for a refugee to save money for a bicycle. In addition to that, safety is another concern. Refugees may have never had an opportunity to learn about bicycle safety and may not know or understand traffic signals and laws in America.
In early 2016, the members of Bike Walk Wichita approached The IRC and have offered to provide bicycles to our clients. In addition to that they have also provided them with proper helmets, lights and reflectors as well as bicycle locks. Refugees will also be given bicycle safety lessons by members of Bike Walk Wichita and an opportunity to ride their bike around Wichita to practice their new skills with a member of Bike Walk Wichita.
“The bicycles we provide IRC clients are ones that were donated to our agency and refurbished by volunteer mechanics in our ReCycle program. This program was designed to get bicycles to people who need them for transportation so that they can actively participate in the community.” Said, Carey Hobart from Bike Walk Wichita. “Through exciting collaborative partnerships with groups like the IRC and others, Bike Walk Wichita works to ensure a healthy and safe community for all of us.”
The group donates not only bicycles, but locks, helmets and reflectors are given to refugees for free. Having these items donated provides the refugee them with the stability of being able to get to work on time. On behalf of the staff and clients of the IRC in Wichita we are grateful for our community who has so warmly come around to help make #RefugeesWelcome in Wichita.
To find out more about how you can help the IRC in Wichita please call 316-361-2795. To find out more about Bike Walk Wichita you may visit their website.
