riginally called Bicycles for Refugees, this initiative began in November 2015 when a group of refugees in Harrisonburg identified transportation as a major challenge.
For many refugees, bicycling is the most efficient and reliable transportation available. Since the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition aims to foster all forms of cycling including for transportation, this partnership was a natural fit.
We have recently restructured and re-titled the program to better serve a broader array of people in the Harrisonburg community who are in need of a bicycle. The new name, Bikes for Neighbors, is inspired by the neighborly atmosphere of Harrisonburg and the “No matter where you are from, we are glad you’re our neighbor” signs, which originated in this lovely city.
Economically disadvantaged people,Immigrants and migrants 