GERMANTOWN, MD — Have a bicycle you’re no longer using? Don’t throw it away just yet.
Montgomery County has launched BikeMatchMoCo — a new, free service that connects residents who want to donate their bicycle with those who need one to travel.
The process is simple.
To donate or receive a bike, fill out this online form. The county will use the basic information you provide to match you with either a bike donor or recipient. A match is not guaranteed.
“We will use our best efforts to make the best possible match of available bikes with recipients,” county officials said. “We will keep the application information confidential and will not share it with the donor or the recipient.”
GUIDELINES
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Bikes must be in ready-to-ride condition. If a bike needs repairs, here is a list of bike shops that are open and offering repair services.
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Thoroughly clean bikes with soap and water or isopropyl alcohol (at least 70 percent solution) or with another CDC-recommended disinfectant (see CDC Guidelines here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html).
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Bike donors and recipients are expected to participate in an outdoor, no-contact exchange in a public place — preferably at one of the county police-designated Exchange Zones. Both parties should wear masks and gloves.
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If you have a fever or cough, or have been exposed to someone who has a fever or cough, self-quarantine and refrain from participating.
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All bike exchanges are permanent. A recipient who no longer needs a bike, however, can donate it again through BikeMatchMoCo (bike must be in good condition and sanitized).
This article originally appeared on the Germantown Patch
