TransOptions, Cycle Craft distribute bikes at Project self Sufficiency

NEWTON — Northwestern New Jersey non-profit TransOptions delivered two new children’s bikes at Project Self Sufficiency of Sussex County on Thursday, Aug. 21.

Along with the support of local bike shop, Cycle Craft, TransOptions awarded the bikes to Hannah Mellon of Sussex and Giani Amato of Franklin at Project Self Sufficiency’s annual Back to School Fair.

“Last year we conducted helmet fittings for the children here, but one child in particular left an impact on me,” said John F. Ciaffone, TransOptions president. “He did not have a bicycle, but anxiously asked if we had a bike for him in our bag full of helmets. It was heartbreaking, but this year we were able to come back and make it happen for two lucky kids.”

Both bikes were donated to TransOptions by Cycle Craft, which has shops in Jefferson and Andover, in addition to their main location in Parsippany and a fourth shop in Long Valley.

“They’ve always been a great partner and supporter of ours,” Ciaffone said. “Brendan Poh and his team at Cycle Craft continue to raise the bar in their generosity.”

In addition to the two bikes, TransOptions staff also equipped more than 100 children with new, properly-fitting bike helmets to ensure the safety of the young riders.