Bikes for Tykes volunteer Steve Sherman works on a bicycle that was in critical need of repair.  Throughout the morning, bicycles were worked on by several volunteers with Bikes for Tykes.  Some of those repairs included new inner tubes, tires, and brakes. (Submitted photo/Travis Anderson)

The concept of Ciclovia was first introduced to Immokalee residents in 2015. Since then, the event has become a staple in the community.

Based on the premise that streets are turned into a safe venue for pedestrians and bicyclists, Ciclovia Immokalee has worked to keep kids and families safe in the community by offering an open place to engage in outdoor activities.

Last weekend, Ciclovia Immokalee hosted their Boot Camp event at Immokalee Community Park where hundreds of residents showed up to partake in various games, pick up fresh vegetables and bread, get a flu shot, and have their bicycles inspected and repaired.

The Ciclovia program operates because dedicated volunteers work to ensure that the community is taken care of each and every month.

At this event, students from FGCU and The Immokalee Foundation helped set up and run various games while Harry Chapin Food Bank volunteers passed out vegetables, bread, and other household items.

The Pilot Club teamed up with Bikes for Tykes to give out bicycle helmets and provide much needed repairs for bicycles in the community.

Suzanne Fundingsland with the University of Florida Extension Office said “I’m so happy they are here because bikes are so important for transportation in Immokalee.

Volunteers, sponsors, partnerships, and financial donations are critical for the long-term success of programs like Ciclovia.

For more information on partnering with with Ciclovia, please go to their website www.cicloviaimmokalee.org.

For more information on helping to provide Bikes for Tykes with the financial resources to continue their mission of providing bicycles and helmets to underprivileged youth in Collier County, please visit www.bikesfortykes.org.