From Donations To New Rides: Syosset Bike Giveaway This Sunday Will Help Community Stay Connected

SYOSSET, NY — With warmer weather, one way to stay socially connected and get outdoors is by biking around the community. Long Island Bicycle Co-Op in Syosset is hosting a giveaway on Sunday to help residents stay rolling this summer.

The local nonprofit organization refurbishes donated bicycles to give away freely to those in need. Director of Operations and Brentwood resident, Thomas Gernon, or as bike folks call him, 'Big Tom,' said their Syosset and St. James locations offer bicycles to all.

Whether it's to someone who needs transportation to work, a kid looking to join his friends on an after-school ride, or an experienced cyclist, "our doors are open to everyone."

Since 2019, LIBC has refurbished and given away more than 7,500 bicycles, including about 2,000 in 2024 alone. Their mission is to provide free bikes to families in need, promote healthy living, and keep bikes out of landfills.

"Bicycles are like the synapses of any community," Gernon said. "They help people to have fun, get healthy, go to school, get to work, and honestly, they're a great way to socialize and bring people together."

The organization relies on community members to keep running, and has a team of volunteers who have dedicated time and effort to their cause to ensure everyone has a bicycle they can enjoy with friends and family.

LIBC said they are always accepting donations, either in monetary form or bikes that are no longer needed. The organization lost its private funding in late 2025, and Gernon said LIBC is supported by community members' monetary donations. They are looking for volunteers so they can hold giveaways more often in Nassau County.

Sunday's giveaway will be the first at the LIBC's Syosset location.

The giveaway will be this Sunday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 15 Burke Lane in Syosset.

More than 100 carefully-restored bikes have been brought back to life and will be given for free to those in need. This is a first-come, first-served event. There is a suggested $30 donation to support the cause.

Their St. James location, at 8 Flower Fields, Unit 18, is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Giveaways occur fairly regularly at the St. James location.

More information can be found on the organization's website.