Two Dozen Bicycles Go to Vets

Redlands Police donated nearly two dozen bicycles Tuesday, Dec. 23, to an organization that pairs needy veterans with bicycles, which provides them with transportation to medical appointments and employment as well as physical exercise. The bicycles, unclaimed property which have been released for disposition, were donated to the Bikes 4 Vets Project, an organization founded by Redlands resident Joseph Mena to empower veterans living in the Inland Empire. Mena is a member of the San Bernardino County Veterans Advisory Committee 5th District, the VA Hospital Advisory Council, Disabled American Veteran Chapter 12 past Junior Vice Commander in San Bernardino and U.S. Vets Advisory Committee member. The organization depends on donations of bicycles from the community and an agreement with the Inland Empire Biking Alliance to inspect and repair bicycles at cost. Working with the Veterans Administration hospital in Loma Linda, Bikes 4 Vets identifies veterans without reliable means of transportation and provides the bikes for free. The only requirement the organization makes is that the recipient attends a road safety course. Bikes 4 Vets Project is currently searching for a secured warehouse where bicycles can be stored while they are being repaired. For more information about Redlands Police or the Bikes 4 Vets project, please find this article at www.redlandscitynews.com