Bikes for Tykes: The Rose 400

Last Saturday, over four hundred bikes were assembled for disadvantaged children throughout Indiana. Project “Bikes for Tykes”, a nationwide event that began in 1987, aids less fortunate families by reconstructing bicycles for holiday gifts that may not be otherwise affordable. Rose-Hulman has participated the past eight years. The compiled efforts of Rose students and faculty not only proved to be a productive community service event, but engineers also sharpened their problem-solving skills as they worked in teams. While some students organized parts, others assembled them or repaired bikes. “It was kind of crazy having to repair so many bikes, but it was a lot of fun,” comments Sophia Sullivan, Rose-Hulman student.

The Exchange Club of Terre Haute sponsors the annual “Bikes for Tykes” project that provides children with Christmas gifts every year. Rose-Hulman, Morris Trucking, the Indiana Air National Guard, Time-Warner Cable and Pepsi Refreshment Services make the project possible. The public’s help with funds, used bikes, tools, and time will allow hundreds of local children to feel the excitement of receiving a bike from Santa. The bicycles will be distributed to various educational and community institutions within the next week.