Free bicycle in the USA

A bicycle is the main mode of transport for a J-1 student: buses are unreliable, and walking takes too long. Where can you get one? Some buy a new one at a store. Some look on Craigslist, some get them at student centers, and others look for different ways. By other ways, I mean searching for church organizations, foundations, or other individuals.

During my first summer, I stumbled upon business cards where a certain Papa Danny offered a free bicycle. What's the catch? As it turned out, there wasn't one. Papa Danny was a very religious old man who, at 65+, ran an Instagram account and offered a free bike in exchange for a selfie with him and a subsequent post.

We went to see him. A kind guy. He spends his time helping students with bicycles. His entire backyard was filled with broken bikes. We picked a good one, took a photo, and left. But it was nerve-wracking.

A couple of weeks later, my bike was stolen. I'm saying this to emphasize that you need to buy a lock; it's very important. I went and got another one. Papa Danny didn't even remember me.