Two Sarnia police officers are teaming up with Sarnia-Lambton Rebound to collect donations of bicycles for less fortunate youth in the city.
Constables Fraser Moore and Ryan Leblanc recently launched a not-for-profit organization called Pedals for Purpose.
Cst. Moore said 18 per cent of youth in the community live below the low-income cutoff line which makes it nearly impossible for them to buy a bike.
"It's more environmentally friendly to be biking around town rather than driving but it also gives youth a huge sense of independence," he said. "They're able to go to after school programs and meet up with friends without relying on their parents for rides. Once they're teens and have jobs, it can be their transportation to and from work."
Moore said they've already received about a dozen bikes, which are being stored in space donated by Best Storage on Campbell Street.
He said they're also working to implement a free bicycle repair service.
Monetary donations from the Sarnia Police Association have allowed them to fix up used bikes and make sure they have the proper safety features.
Money is being collected by Rebound.
Those with bikes can email pedalsforpurpose@gmail.com or visit them on Facebook.