Chattanooga Pulse

The Pedal Power program is rolling and in need of more bicycles. Conceived by the Chattanooga Community Kitchen and funded by the City of Chattanooga’s Art of Change program, Pedal Power distributes bicycles to homeless people in need of transportation to jobs, interviews, school and other appointments.

Since the program started in July, bicycles have been given to 25 clients of the Community Kitchen. Each refurbished bike comes equipped with a light, a bell, a lock and a new helmet.  Clients then participate in a bicycle safety education class, which is taught by Outdoor Chattanooga staff.

“The program is going so well that we need more bikes,” says Chattanooga Bicycle Coordinator Philip Pugliese. “Many of the bicycles that we have now are designed for women or kids and they are not suitable for the mostly male clientele that we serve.”

Pugliese is asking for donations of men’s bicycles to give Pedal Power better mileage.

Pedal Power is funded by a $2,500 grant from the Art of Change program. The money is used to buy replacement parts and to fund the repair costs needed to make the donated bicycles street safe. “The more quality donated bicycles that we receive, the longer we can keep the program going,” adds Pugliese.

To keep costs low and distribute as many bicycles as possible, donated bicycles should be in need of minimal repairs.  Bikes with flat tires, worn cables and/or brake pads are inexpensive to fix. Bicycles with rust and other body damage, or that have extensive drive train damage cannot be affordably repaired.

Donations of men’s bicycles will be accepted at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St., in Coolidge Park, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Mon. – Fri. To learn more, call (423) 643-6888 or email Philip Pugliese at ppugliese@outdoorchattanooga.com