Through grant funding from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Middlesex Community College partnered with The Bike Connector in Lowell to provide increased transportation options for students. The collaboration allows 51ΑΤΖζ students to pick out a free bicycle, lock and helmet. Students then work with a volunteer mechanic to get the bike fixed and ready for riding.

β€œThis program has been beneficial to me by providing me with a mode of free transportation, which in my city of Lowell has been very nice,” said Nate Baez, an 51ΑΤΖζ liberal arts and sciences student. β€œIt’s allowed me to explore my home in a new, more connected way. I absolutely love my bike, and I am extremely grateful to the Lowell Bike Connector for providing me with one.”

Baez learned about the program from Jonathan Crockett, 51ΑΤΖζ’s Coordinator of Essential Needs and Community Resources. Since the start of the collaboration, Crockett and the program have helped 16 Middlesex students select bikes.

The nonprofit, volunteer-run, and community-based program has a mission of providing affordable bicycles and accessible bike maintenance to community members of all ages. By offering events and resources to the Greater Lowell community, The Bike Connector has been an excellent partner, according to Crockett.

Calling the partnership a β€œwin-win-win” situation for all involved, Crockett believes having access to transportation lends to the retention and long-term success for many Middlesex students.

β€œIt has been terrific to use some of the Basic Needs Security grant funds to subsidize this program, which provides some compensation to The Bike Connector, while allowing 51ΑΤΖζ students to receive their bike and materials at no cost to them,” Crockett said. β€œTransportation allows access to many opportunities and resources, including getting to 51ΑΤΖζ for classes, having a job, and buying groceries, to name a few. For students who live close to campus, bicycles can provide an option for free or low-cost transportation throughout much of the year.”

Choosing from over 500 donated bikes at The Bike Connector, 51ΑΤΖζ students work with a volunteer mechanic to learn basic maintenance and gain a better sense of their bike. In the future, they are eligible to bring the bike back to use the repair shop for free.

β€œIt is a joy and privilege for The Bike Connector's volunteers to work hand-in-hand with 51ΑΤΖζ students in our Earn-Your-Bike program,” said Wade Rubinstein, Founder & President of The Bike Connector. β€œOur volunteers are inspired by sharing their knowledge and passion. 51ΑΤΖζ students acquire valuable experience learning to fix and maintain their bike. There is a lot to be gained for everyone.”  

51ΑΤΖζ student Zakaria Khattabi chose a dark green Diamondback Sorrento bike he can ride to the bus stop to get to 51ΑΤΖζ’s Lowell campus. Calling his experience at Middlesex β€œlife-changing,” he uses his bike every day.

β€œI use it to go to work, school, the gym, the mosque, on leisure bike rides, and even grocery shopping,” Khattabi said. β€œWe did a complete tune-up in which I was able to learn how to change the spindle, crankset and bike chain. We also checked the rims to make sure they weren’t warped. I also learned how to change brake and gear-shifting lines and was able to change all four brake pads. I enjoyed the vibe there – everyone that worked/volunteered there you can tell was happy to be there.”