Moving to a new country can be difficult what with the language barrier – differences in food and cultural traditions.
But what can be more difficult is lacking a means of transportation.
That’s why honor students at the College of Southern Idaho started a drive to collect bicycles for the refugees through the CSI Refugee Center.
And Spoke and Wheel Bike Stop in Twin Falls has volunteered to help with the repairs and tune–ups.
Owner Michael Goudy says "It allows them to get work, get groceries and everything else on their bikes. It's a big benefit to them, helps them out a lot."
The bicycles can be used or new and the type of repairs depends on the condition of the bike.
"We can take just about anything because we can use parts, we can use the wheels sometimes as pedals, whatever off the bike. Yeah, just about anything."
Goudy says the shop has received bicycles in the past to donate to the refugees but on a smaller scale than this current bike drive.
"I hope people will bring more bikes by. In the wintertime like this, we're really slow, so it gives us something to do, we'll put their bikes to good use."
If you are interested in getting involved.
Call the Refugee Center at 736–2166.