NYC DOT, Bike New York, Staten Island FerryHawks, and NYPD Partner to Donate Bikes to Underserved
Communities
Staten Islanders from underserved communities in the borough will receive the donated and
refurbished
bicycles for the fourth year in a row
Previous bike donation event on Staten Island. Photo Credit: NYC DOT
NEW YORK – New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn today
announced that NYC DOT partnered with Bike New York, the Staten Island FerryHawks, the New York City Police
Department (NYPD) and community partners for the fourth year in a row to distribute donated and refurbished bicycles
to adults and youth from underserved communities on Staten Island. NYC DOT First Deputy Commissioner Margaret
Forgione and officials from Bike New York, the Staten Island FerryHawks, and the NYPD will distribute the bikes
before tonight’s game between the FerryHawks against the Lancaster Stormers. The College of Staten Island, Project
Hospitality, The Police Athletic League (PAL), and the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) will
also be on hand to receive a share of the bicycles. To date, over 750 bikes have been donated over a four-year
period and 240 bikes will be distributed this year.
“Everyone who wants to get around our city by bike should be able to do so, and this program ensures that hundreds of
more New Yorkers will now be able to,” said Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “Programs like this contribute to
building a healthy transportation network that all New Yorkers can benefit from, including our neighbors on Staten
Island.”
“Cycling offers an affordable, healthy, and efficient way to get around our city, and we are proud that this
donate-a-bike initiative has resulted in 240 bikes being distributed to people in Staten Island this year,” said
NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “We appreciate this collaboration with the Bike New York, the
Staten Island FerryHawks, and the NYPD and look forward to continuing to build our bike network on Staten Island and
beyond.”
“Thank you to NYC DOT for their collaboration in this incredible effort to provide transportation and recreation to
those in need as we enter the summer months,” said NYPD Staten Island Borough Commander Assistant Chief
Melissa Eger. “I would especially like to thank Staten Island Patrol Borough’s Community affairs
personnel for their diligent efforts in locating our donation recipients throughout the borough, ranging in age from
seven to 84. We appreciate everything you do every day to strengthen ties with the Staten Island community and
contribute to a safe Staten Island.”
NYC DOT held 12 collection events over six Saturdays earlier this year across the borough, allowing Staten Islanders
to donate bikes for all ages and in all conditions. Bike New York then spent the next few months refurbishing the
bikes and making any necessary repairs. Those who donated bikes were given two FerryHawks game tickets for each
donated bike.
NYPD Borough Command asked its four local precincts to identify underserved communities in their commands and
individuals who would benefit from a newly refurbished bike. Residents from each of the communities were on hand
today to receive the bikes outside the stadium, alongside local precinct commanders.
About Bike New York
Bike New York is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free bike education programs throughout New York City. Bike New
York teaches bike education and safety skills to thousands of kids and adults each year. Funding for these programs
comes from numerous annual events, including the TD Five Boro Bike Tour and regional rides like Discover Hudson
Valley and the Twin Lights Ride. For more information, visit www.bike.nyc.
About Project Hospitality
Project Hospitality has served Staten Island for over 30 years, providing soups kitchens, food pantries, youth
programs, domestic violence intervention and so many other services to help those in need. As asylum seekers arrive
in New York City in high numbers, Project Hospitality is of course at the forefront offering a helping hand on this
initiative to see that a portion of the donated bicycles were given to El Centro Del Inmigrante to get to those who
could use the refurbished bikes for work, transportation, or recreation.
About COJO
The Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island is a Jewish umbrella agency that is the central coordinating,
convenor, and resource body and agency for over 60 affiliated member organizations serving the Staten Island
community. Since its inception in 1967, COJO’s mission has been to identify and address the needs of the
disadvantaged, alleviate the plight of the poor, and serve as the beacon of the Jewish community on various communal
issues. COJO also is strong supporter of interfaith and intercommunal relations and cooperative ventures thereby
advocating for the enhancement of the quality of life for the needs of all Staten Islanders.
“On Staten Island, generosity keeps the wheels turning,” said CEO of Bike New York Ken Podziba.
“Every bike donated through Keep NYC Moving gets a second life — and gives someone else a fresh start. For
a child, that bike can mean a first taste of freedom. For a family, it can provide an affordable way to get around.
For others, it can open the door to better health, greater independence, and new opportunities. That’s the magic of
this program: neighbors helping neighbors in a way that’s practical, personal, and genuinely life-changing. Bike New
York is proud to team up with NYC DOT, the NYPD, the FerryHawks, our incredible community partners, and generous
supporters like TD and Amazon to prove that when Staten Islanders come together, they’re always scoring for the home
team.”
“The FerryHawks have taken pride each year in working with the community on impactful programming,” said
Staten Island FerryHawks Executive Vice President Gary Perone. “We are especially grateful to DOT’s
Roseann Caruana and Bike New York’s Ken Podziba in partnering on a great initiative for the Staten Island community
as together as we get ready to kick off an exciting summer here at Staten Island University Hospital ‘COMMUNITY
PARK. “On behalf of the organization and the Catsimatidis Family, we look forward to seeing all the smiles ride away
on their new bicycles from the park!”
“Creating healthier communities goes beyond the walls of the hospital, it starts with meeting people where they are
and giving them the tools to thrive,” said Senior Vice President & Hospital President at Northwell’s Staten
Island University Hospital Meagan Sills. “We are proud to once again support this initiative and help
expand access to safe, reliable transportation for members of our community. A bicycle may seem simple, but it can
open doors to greater independence, encourage physical activity, and strengthen connections across Staten Island. We
are grateful to be part of an effort that continues to make such a meaningful difference year after year.”
“Project Hospitality shares these bikes with homeless Staten Island teenager who live in our youth shelters, go to
our high schools, and are trying to find employment so they can live on their own,” said Project Hospitality
President/CEO Reverend Dr. Terry Troia. “Our kids live on the very margins of our society. These bikes
get them to where they have to go from the streets to stable and safe housing.”
“I truly have to thank NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn and Staten Island Borough Commissioner Roseann Caruana for
collaborating with the FerryHawks and with many important Staten Island community partners in making this year’s
Donate a Bike campaign a reality,” said Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) President Mendy
Mirocznik. “By continuing to work together, we have fostered an even stronger environment of
collaboration and have re-upped an Island-wide project that permits the people of Staten Island to see tangible
results once again. The smiles of the happy children and teenagers receiving these bikes is truly rewarding and
deeply gratifying. We feel it more so especially now that school is about to close for summer break and the positive
feeling of joy is priceless. Once again, the people of Staten Island have come together in fellowship, unity and
friendship and truly have made this Island a better place.”
“At PAL, we see every day how programs like Donate-A-Bike offer something as simple as a bike and can create
independence, encourage healthy lifestyles, and strengthen a young person’s connection to their community,” said
Police Athletic League (PAL) of New York City CEO Carlos Velazquez. “Programs like this are about
more than just bikes — they’re about opportunity, confidence, and making sure young people in every neighborhood
have access to experiences that keep them active, connected, and engaged. We’re proud to partner with the NYC
Department of Transportation to help make that possible for more families across New York City.”
“There is a lot of Staten Island to see and experience – our beautiful parks, beaches, and Boardwalk, to name a few –
especially as we move into the summer months,” said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella.
“A bike is a good, healthy way to experience Staten Island, and to otherwise travel throughout our City. We thank
those who donated their bikes to this good cause, and we thank DOT and all involved for giving those in need an
opportunity to own and enjoy a bike.”
“For the past four years, this initiative has created real opportunities for Staten Island families,” said
New York City Council Majority Whip Kamillah Hanks. “Thank you to the New York City Department of
Transportation, the New York City Police Department, and our community partners who have worked to collect,
refurbish, and distribute these bicycles. Learning to ride a bike is one of the great childhood experiences, giving
young people freedom, confidence, and a way to explore their community. For residents of all ages, biking is also a
reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly way to commute throughout our city.
“At a time when many families are navigating financial challenges, programs like this can have a meaningful impact,”
said Assemblyman Charles D. Fall. “Every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy the summer safely,
stay active, and experience the simple joy and freedom that comes with riding a bike. Efforts like this are an
investment in our children, our families, and the strength of our community. I’m incredibly grateful to NYC DOT,
NYPD, the Staten Island FerryHawks, Staten Island University Hospital, and all of our community partners for coming
together to make a difference in the lives of so many families.”
“El Centro is so grateful to receive these bikes for our community,” said El Centro Executive Director
Michelle Molina. “Many of our neighbors do not have the means to buy a car, and in some areas,
commuting to work means taking two buses. These bikes provide a free, healthy, and reliable transportation option
that helps people get to their jobs and provide for their families. It’s a wonderful idea—better for our health,
better for our wallets, and better for our neighborhoods.”
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