Press Releases
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2025
Contact: (212) 839-4850, press@dot.nyc.gov
NYC DOT, NYPD, Staten Island FerryHawks, and Bike New York Partner to Donate Bikes to Underserved Communities
Staten Islanders From Underserved Communities in the Borough As Well as Persons Seeking Asylum Will Receive the Donated/Refurbished Bicycles for the Third Year in a Row
After Doubling the Amount of Donations in 2024 From the Year Prior, This Year's 253 Figure More Than Quadruples the Initial Donation Figure in 2023 As the Program Continues To Grow
Children picking out bicycles during last year's donation event in Staten Island. Photo Credit: NYC DOT
NEW YORK – New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced that NYC DOT partnered with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and community partners for the third year in a row to distribute donated and refurbished bicycles to adults and youth from underserved communities on Staten Island, as well as asylum seekers. NYC DOT Commissioner Rodriguez and officials from Bike New York, the NYPD, the Staten Island FerryHawks, and Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH)/Northwell will distribute the bikes before tonight's game between the FerryHawks against the Lancaster Stormers. Project Hospitality/El Centro Del Inmigrante, the College of Staten Island, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell, and the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) will also be on hand to receive a share of the bicycles. To date, over 450 bikes have been donated and donations this year quadrupled from 2023, with 253 bikes donated this year.
"This collaboration between NYC DOT, NYPD, the FerryHawks, Bike New York, and so many other great organizations just keeps getting better each year," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "Donations surge each year and that means so many more cyclists in need will benefit from receiving one of these great bicycles."
"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."
"For the third year in a row, I am pleased to see continued collaboration between the City and CBO partners in Staten Island to distribute bikes to immigrant communities," said NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Manuel Castro. "Mobility creates opportunities. For many immigrant New Yorkers, a bike is more than transportation. It is an essential tool for work, a step toward independence, and a foundation for economic stability."
NYC DOT held 12 collection events over six Saturdays earlier this year across the borough, double the number of events last year, 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. The FerryHawks stored the bikes each week at the SIUH Community Park as they were being collected and also once they were refurbished. Those who donated bikes were given two FerryHawks game tickets for each donated bike. Two additional leading Staten Island institutions, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden and Wagner College, participated in the program by opening their facilities for donations drop-offs.
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.
"Staten Islanders always knock it out of the park when it comes to supporting their community," said Ken Podziba, CEO of Bike New York. "Once again, they've stepped up to the plate—donating their used bikes to be refurbished and passed on to neighbors in need. With the Department of Transportation leading the charge, this all-star program is helping underserved communities, including asylum seekers, gain access to reliable transportation—as well as plenty of fun and healthy exercise. Huge thanks to DOT, the FerryHawks, NYPD, and all our community MVPs who keep hitting home runs for Staten Island."
"Being a contributing part of this community is a core FerryHawk value for John Catsimatidis and myself," said Staten Island FerryHawks President Eric Shuffler. "Working with DOT and the NYPD to help get these bicycles into the hands of Staten Islanders who want and need them was great - we look forward to doing more."
"Staten Island University Hospital is proud to partner on this important initiative and support a healthier, more equitable Staten Island," said Northwell Staten Island University Hospital Vice President and Deputy Hospital President Meagan Sills. "We believe that wellness begins with opportunity and something as simple as a donated bike can be a powerful tool for change. It's not just about getting from point A to point B, it's about empowering people to move forward in health, confidence, and connection to their community."
"Project Hospitality shares these bikes with homeless Staten Island teenager who live in our youth shelters, go to our highschools, 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."
"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."
"I want to extend my deepest gratitude to NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Staten Island Borough Commissioner Roseann Caruana for their meaningful collaboration with the FerryHawks and our valued community partners in bringing the 'Donate a Bike' campaign to life," said Mendy Mirocznik, president of the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO). "This initiative is a shining example of what can be achieved when public agencies, community organizations, and local leaders unite with a shared vision. Together, we've created more than just a program — we've delivered real, visible outcomes that are making a difference in the lives of Staten Islanders. The joy on the faces of the children and teenagers receiving their bikes is both heartwarming and humbling. With summer just around the corner, these donations are more than gifts — they are opportunities for freedom, fun, and healthy activity. This campaign has once again shown the strength of our Island's spirit — rooted in unity, generosity, and community. Staten Island is better because we came together."
"I'm truly grateful for the 'Donate a Bike' initiative and the spirit of generosity it brings to our community," said Assemblymember Charles D. Fall. "A bicycle may seem simple, but for many, it opens the door to opportunity—whether it's getting to school, work, or simply enjoying the freedom to move. I want to thank NYC DOT, NYPD, the Staten Island FerryHawks, Bike New York, Staten Island University Hospital, and all of our community partners for coming together to make this possible. This initiative reminds us that when we invest in each other, we all move forward."