New rides bring smiles to refugee kids

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A donated bike provides that extra push.

Local refugees need and want to gain a sense of independence, as they adapt to life in the States.

Kyaw Oo exclaimed, "Before I walk, I didn't have a bike, I walk."

Burma native Kyaw Oo said his bike will make life a lot easier.

For 12-year-old Hussein Musa of Kenya, he's pedaling for other reasons.

"I feel happy, I can get exercise," he remarked.

Green Options Buffalo, an organization that promotes environmentally friendly transportation, teamed up with Jericho Road Ministries for the third annual bike give-away.

Many of the refugees don't speak english well, but their smiles and gestures of thanks say enough.

In all, 50 west side residents were equipped with new helmets and a new set of wheels, that will provide them access and opportunity.

Green Options Buffalo founder, Justin Booth said they were able to hand out more bikes this year compared to any other.

"We get the bicycles donated by the community and we have volunteers that work in our shop to recycle them and we put them back out into the community and give them to people that need them," Justin explained.

This program has been a success in it's in third year.