News Flash

All Fire Stations Accepting Used Bikes Through December 14

DURHAM, N.C. – The holidays are right around the corner and that means new bikes for many children and adults. But, as exciting as new bikes are, they do pose a dilemma. What to do with old bikes?

The City of Durham Fire Department has teamed up with the Durham Bike Co-Op to help residents with that happy dilemma through Holiday Bicycle Recycle.

Holiday Bicycle Recycle, a two-week program that is underway now and will run through Saturday, December 14, allows the Durham community to drop off their used bikes, seven days a week, to any Fire Station for donation to the Durham Bike Co-Op. Each fire station will have highly-visible signs designating its bike collection area. Residents simply need to leave their old bikes in the collection area and the firefighters at each station will do the rest.

According to Durham Fire Chief Robert Zoldos, Holiday Bicycle Recycle is a fun program for his department to host, especially since he’s been an avid cyclist from a young age. “The bicycle has been a big part of my life and taught me many things, I believe in them, and the power they give us to climb any hill,” Zoldos said. “But bicycles don’t grow under trees. In order to give bikes to the community, the Durham Bike Co-Op needs bikes from the community. With this in mind, our department was thrilled to help give back to Durham by hosting Holiday Bicycle Recycle at each of our 19 fire stations.”

The Durham Bike Co-Op, an all-volunteer 501(c) 3 non-profit, has been committed to recovering, refurbishing, and redistributing bicycles – free of charge – throughout the Durham area since 2007. The Durham Fire and Police Departments have each partnered with the Bike Co-Op and Safe Kids on many monthly events, including Be Bike Smart.  At these events, each child leaves with a road-worthy bike and are fitted with a new helmet.

To find the nearest Durham Fire Station to drop off bikes, residents are encouraged to visit the department’s webpage to search by address.

“If you are getting or giving a new bike for holidays, or just have some used bikes in the way, bring them by your friendly neighborhood City of Durham Fire Station and help the good times roll,” Zoldos said.

About the City of Durham Fire Department

The Durham Fire Department strives to enhance the quality of life for the residents and visitors of Durham by minimizing the harmful effects of fires, medical emergencies, and other types of dangerous events. Guided by the City’s Strategic Plan, the department helps create a safer community by conducting fire and life safety education programs;  providing emergency responses to fires, medical calls, hazardous materials spills, technical rescue calls, and water rescue calls; explaining and enforcing the fire code; investigating arson and the cause of other fires; and maintaining readiness through constant training and maintenance of facilities and equipment. To learn more follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.