White Oak Bicycle Co-op (WOBC) has received, repaired, and distributed 1,000 bicycles into the Greater Chattanooga area. Since 2020, WOBC has worked with over 60 different organizations to get bicycles to children and residents in need.
“We’re still a small volunteer-run organization, but with the help of our community, we’ve been able to make a huge impact in the health and transportation needs of the people of Hamilton County,” said WOBC Executive Director Blake Pierce. “We would like to thank all the people who have donated bicycles, parts, money, and most importantly, their time.”
WOBC works with several other nonprofits, schools, and government agencies to identify people who could benefit from using a bicycle as a means of transportation, exercise, or mental well-being. All donations of bicycles, bicycle parts, and cycling gear are welcome and WOBC volunteers will clean and repair the donations. Pierce schedules and delivers many of the completed bikes himself. The 1,000th bicycle was given to Metropolitan Ministries, an organization who provides emergency assistance for basic human needs to community members who are at risk of instability in housing, nutrition, health and well-being.
“The city of Red Bank and the whole of Hamilton County is incredibly fortunate to have the dedicated volunteers of the White Oak Bicycle Co-op,” said Red Bank Mayor Hollie Berry. “For three years they have been providing not only bikes for adults and children who need them, but also much needed bicycle safety education. This organization is making vast strides by addressing both mobility and public health needs in our community."
For more information on White Oak Bicycle Co-op, including how you can donate, please visit https://www.whiteoakbicycle.org/.