Montgomery County’s Manuel Vera is on a mission to bring life back to dusty, unused bicycles and pass them on to those in need. Over the past few years, the 74-year-old retiree has refurbished and donated 700 bikes to refugees, immigrants, and local residents. What began as a simple hobby during the pandemic has turned into a full-blown community initiative.
Vera’s “workshop” is a converted storage unit in Silver Spring, where he spends a few days each week repairing donated bikes. Equipped with lighting and Wi-Fi, the space allows him to listen to music as he works. On his busiest days, Vera dedicates up to five hours fixing the bikes, each one going to someone who needs reliable transportation.
The idea sparked when Vera noticed unused bikes collecting dust in basements and garages. “A lot of these bikes are just sitting there, not benefiting anyone,” he explains. He started by offering to repair neighbors’ bikes for the cost of supplies, and soon word spread. People began donating old bikes, and Vera even put up a sign outside a church advertising free bikes, which quickly garnered attention.
Now, Vera has a waitlist of around 50 people hoping to receive a bike. He stands on street corners in Silver Spring, offering the refurbished bikes, often surprising passersby who ask, “What’s the catch?” Vera’s answer is always the same: there is none. His generosity and dedication continue to inspire his community, providing both transportation and hope to those who need it most.
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Photo: Getty