18th annual Holiday Bike Drive makes cheer for over 375 kids

2013 Holiday Bike Drive

A new bike, thanks to the Community Cycling Center.
(Photo by Greg Lee)

The Community Cycling Center’s 18th annual Holiday Bike Drive took place on Sunday at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in north Portland. The event brings together dozens of volunteers who set up low-income families with nearly 400 shiny refurbished bicycles and tricycles. In many ways, the event is a rite of passage for the kids and the volunteers — both of whom aren’t likely to ever forget the experience.

We didn’t make it out to the event this year, but CCC Communications and Marketing Manager Melinda Musser sent over a few thoughts and a link to some excellent photos.

Musser said over 375 children received bikes, new helmets, and safety education. The families that lined up for this early holiday treat spoke 22 different languages. Musser also pointed out how the event ties together the CCC’s programs and approach to advocacy. “It was great to witness the interconnectedness of our programs. For example, members of Hacienda’s bike committee, Andando en Bicicletas en Cully, led helmet fitting lessons for participating families. Several graduates of our Create a Commuter program participated in the Holiday Bike Drive with their children and grandchildren. Many families will be riding together after this event.”

See the many excited faces of the kids, smiles from volunteers, and other scenes from the event in the photos below (full gallery here):

2013 Holiday Bike Drive

The atrium of Legacy Emanuel gets filled with bikes, laid out according to size, and the kids get to pick out whichever one they like!
(Photo by Rohith Gunawardena)
2013 Holiday Bike Drive

(Photo by Cassidy DeMarco)

2013 Holiday Bike Drive

(Photo by Rohith Gunawardena)
2013 Holiday Bike Drive

(Photo by Rohith Gunawardena)
2013 Holiday Bike Drive

(Photo by Rohith Gunawardena)
2013 Holiday Bike Drive

(Photo by Rohith Gunawardena)
2013 Holiday Bike Drive

(Photo by Charles Edelson)
2013 Holiday Bike Drive

(Photo by Greg Lee)
2013 Holiday Bike Drive

(Photo by Greg Lee)
2013 Holiday Bike Drive

Teaching them how to keep it running is important too.
(Photo by Greg Lee)
2013 Holiday Bike Drive

(Photo by Charles Edelson)
2013 Holiday Bike Drive

Out on the safety education course, which all the kids are required to go through before going home with their new bikes.
(Photo by Greg Lee)
2013 Holiday Bike Drive

(Photo by Greg Lee)
2013 Holiday Bike Drive

(Photo by Greg Lee)
2013 Holiday Bike Drive

The final step is to make a “thank you” card for all the volunteers and donors that help make the Bike Drive possible.
(Photo by Greg Lee)

Learn more about the CCC and their Holiday Bike Drive at CommunityCyclingCenter.org.

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, contact me via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a paying subscriber.

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Jonathan Gordon
Jonathan Gordon
10 years ago

Awesome work CCC!

Anne Hawley
Anne Hawley
10 years ago

Nice to see the kids’ happy smiles. Great work, CCC!

q`Tzal
q`Tzal
10 years ago

That is an illegally cute title photo, expect a fine in the mail ;P