INDIANAPOLIS, IN – In another fine example of public-private collaboration, the Indiana Department of Corrections is partnering with Bicycle Garage Indy, and Volunteers of America to refurbish donated bicycles.
 
Inmates at the Pendleton Correctional Facility and the Indiana State Prison involved in the Shifting Gears: Recycled Bikes Program “will have the opportunity to develop skills and discipline that will be useful to them upon release,” says Commissioner J. David Donahue. 

Donahue recognizes the benefit to all: offenders develop skills and discipline, the bikes go to those that need them for transportation, and the donors get the satisfaction of contributing to a worthy cause (not to mention a tax deduction).  “It doesn't get better than that,” he adds.

Randy Clark, Founder and President of Bicycle Garage Indy can barely contain his excitement over the project.  “There are many good things that will come from this and I am confident it will be highly successful,” he smiled.

Once refurbished, the bicycles will be donated to a variety of not-for-profit organizations who will distribute them where needs exist but financial resources do not.

Timothy Campbell, President/C.E.O. of Volunteers of America is proud to be a part of Shifting Gears.  “I applaud Commissioner Donahue's creativity in recognizing novel ways that organizations can work together to address community need.”

BGI has two locations where bikes can be donated for a full tax deduction: Bicycle Garage Indy – North, 4130 East 82nd Street, Indianapolis or at Bicycle Garage Indy – South, 997 East County Line Road, Greenwood.