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

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

It was the first 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!, a local volunteer-run bike shop, supplied the refurbished bikes. 

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

"A lot of newcomers when they first arrive, they don't have cars, but if they have a bike they can hop on … 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 Izere said while seated on his new bike. He was also eager to learn and answer questions during the training. 

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

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

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

A second 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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