Bicycle-Palooza Coming to South Brunswick

Two of the township's most successful charitable events are combining forces this year to bring a day of bicycles to South Brunswick.

On June 1, the South Brunswick Education Association's Pedals for Progress collection is partnering with the Education Foundation's Tour de South Brunswick to collect used bikes and funds for educational support in the district.

Pedals for Progress sends used bicycles and sewing machines to developing nations to be given to poor people in need of cheap transportation to get to jobs, markets and schools. The donated bikes are auctioned off for a small amount, which is then used to operate a bike shop to handle repairs and maintenance.

Those who can’t afford to pay for a bike can work off the fee in the bike store, which also helps teach those who buy the bikes to fix it themselves. 

"This provides people with a non-polluting means of transportation to carry goods, get to school or work, and gives a big leg up to these people instead of a handout," said coordinator and Constable Elementary School second grade teacher Devon Smith last year. "It helps to strengthen business and education in these developing nations and it helps stimulate the economy."

Pedals for Progress also accepts donations of used sewing machines and sporting equipment to be sent to developing nations as well.  yielded 77 bikes, 8 sewing machines, and $2,820, with a $2,000 donation from the NJEA. The items went to Tanzania and Vietnam.  

The program has sent over 125,000 bicycles, 1,000 used sewing machines and $10.8 million in new spare parts to partner charities in 32 developing countries. 

The Tour de South Brunswick supports the programs of The Education Foundation of South Brunswick, which seeks ways to provide support for students and teachers through innovative projects that fall outside of the district's operational budget. 

including a $25,000 grant awarded for VTN to update their studio production capabilities, in addition to $10,000 in scholarships for graduating South Brunswick High School students through June, 2012.

The Tour de South Brunswick will begin at South Brunswick High School and features three routes:

• 4-mile Family Fun Ride through a local neighborhood
• 10-mile Fun Ride through Dayton and Monmouth Junction
• 25-mile Tour de South Brunswick throughout all areas of the township

There is also a Family Fun-Detective Walk, where families can enjoy a casual walk though a local neighborhood while searching for various sites. Registration and check-in will open at 8 a.m.  Pre-Registration is encouraged.

Click Here To Register On-Line For Ride(s)

Registration Fees - Per Rider/Walker:

Ride Routes / Walk

Online

Walk-Up

 25 Mile Ride

$50

$55

 10 Mile Ride

$25

$30

 4 Mile Ride

$15

$20

 4 Mile Ride (3+ Riders)

$40

$45

 Detective Walk

n/a

$5

For more information about the ride, online registration or information about the Education Foundation visit www.edfoundationsb.org or contact Martin Abschutz at tour@edfoundationsb.org.

The Pedals for Progress collection will run from noon to 3 p.m., rain or shine at the SBHS Gym parking lot. They're collecting used sewing machines, soccer equipment, and bicycles of all sizes. They ask for a minimum donation of $10 per item to help with shipping costs. 

Tax receipts will be provided. Contact devon.smith@sbschools.org or see www.p4p.org for more information.

Bring donations to the high school at any point before June 1, or to the Tour de South Brunswick Bike Ride, show your receipt, and get $5 off of your registration for the Tour de South Brunswick.