Prison program refurbishes bicycles for needy children

[Phil in Paris]

Pierre, S.D. - Approximately 450 bicycles will be given to law enforcement agencies this week for distribution to underprivileged kids across the state of South Dakota.


The bicycles will be picked up at the annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner and Charity Fundraiser in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, November 17th.


Unclaimed bicycles are taken to the Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield and refurbished by inmates as part of an inmate work program called "Pedal Power from The Pen".

"The bikes may receive new tires or rims, seats, cables, gears and paint," said Bob Dooley, Warden of the Mike Durfee State Prison. "Prior to leaving the facility, each bike is given a test run to ensure trouble free riding."

In the past eight years, inmates have repaired and repainted more than 5-thousand-five-hundred bicycles to be put back into service by South Dakota kids.

Law enforcement agencies from across South Dakota will take the refurbished bicycles back to their communities for distribution to children who do not have a bicycle or cannot afford one. Refurbished bikes are also provided to churches and various state and non-profit agencies to be distributed to kids.

http://www.state.sd.us/news/fullnews.asp?Q=4776