Bike Drive Brings Big Results for PeaceJam at Brattleboro Union High School
At the second annual bicycle drive organized by Brattleboro Union High School students in the PeaceJam program, 33 bikes found new homes. "It was amazing," said Eva Gould, a senior. "We had crowds of people from all economic standings come and pick up a bike. We had little kids learn how to ride and lots of donations."
Students tripled the number of bikes distributed over last year. "It was so rewarding to see so many people happy with the program," Gould said. "It is safe to say the second annual bike drive was a success and will now absolutely be a tradition." Gould, who started PeaceJam at BUHS in her sophomore year, tapped Grace as one of the founding members. The bike drive stemmed from Grace's interest in sustainability, politics, and environmental issues.
Students in PeaceJam had been discussing transportation equity, human health, and reducing emissions for the climate. "Bikes seemed like the best way to come at a lot of that," Grace said. After publicizing the need for bikes, donations quickly poured in.
Although Grace and Gould are graduating, they expect the bike drive to continue at BUHS given the interest from younger peers. "I have a feeling it will be no less than what it is now and I'm excited to watch people step up as leaders," Gould said. "I think it's super great for our community to have a club like that in the high school."
This blog is based on an article by Chris Mays for the Brattleboro Reformer. Read the full article here.
