About Us |

Who We Are

The New Brunswick Bike Exchange is a program of PRAB, a nonprofit comprehensive human services organization, in partnership with the New Brunswick Recreation Department.
We are a group of volunteers serving Middlesex County in support of a healthier and more active community. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, from local residents to faculty and graduate students from nearby Rutgers University, to cycling enthusiasts from the surrounding area.

Mission

Our mission is to promote a healthy and active lifestyle through cycling while raising money to support community cycling programs as well as PRAB’s community services. To achieve this mission, Bike Exchange volunteers pick up, repair and refurbish donated bicycles, and recirculate them back into the community at a fraction of their original costs. Essentially, we make cycling more affordable/accessible, promote a healthier and more active lifestyle, keep unwanted bikes from choking our landfills, and help fund essential community services.

Our History

The New Brunswick Bike Exchange is the product of hard work and thoughtful connections. In the summer of 2012, cycling advocate Gerald Fittipaldi approached Russ White, founder of the Trenton Bike Exchange and godfather to them all, about the possibility of starting one in New Brunswick. The idea was brought to Jeffrey Vega, President of New Brunswick Tomorrow, who recognized the benefits that the Bike Exchange model would bring to New Brunswick. Jeffrey and NBT were instrumental in the early planning of the NBBE, bringing together Russ, Gerald, and Mario Vargas at PRAB and offering advice on recruitment.

What is the New Brunswick Bike Exchange

When Gerald had to relocate to Washington DC, he tapped Brian Stromberg to act as the new coordinator. Together with Julio Garcia, Director of Operations at PRAB, Brian began the work of recruitment and planning in the fall of 2012. Unfortunately, Hurricane Sandy had other plans. Facilities damage from the hurricane and the use of the warehouse for Sandy relief operations delayed any meaningful progress until the spring. Recruitment of volunteers and the improvements to the facilities resumed in April 2013 and by June the NBBE was ready to open, due in large part to the efforts of a devoted core of volunteers and the dedication of PRAB. Brian left the area soon after the opening, and Leighann Kimber took over as Director.

In 2019, Leighann was no longer able to commit to an active role at the New Brunswick Bike Exchange, so she handed off the reins to Harv Moy but stayed on as an Advisor.

Our Staff

Harv Moy, Program Director, Senior Mechanic, Volunteer Educator

Volunteer since 2016

In addition to his work with the New Brunswick Bike Exchange, Harv volunteers as a Tour Marshal, Marshal Captain, or SAG Coordinator providing mechanical support and accident response to recreational and fundraising bike tours in our tri-state area for the last 25+ years that include:

– National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Bike MS NYC Tour

– Bike New York’s Five Boro Bike Tour, Discover Hudson Valley Ride, and Twin Lights Ride

– The Townships of Edison & Metuchen’s Mayor’s Bike Tour

– Transportation Alternative’s NYC Century Bike Tour, Tour de Brooklyn, Tour de Staten Island, and Tour de Queens

– Brooklyn Greenway Initiative’s Epic Ride

– American Cancer Society’s George Washington Bridge Challenge,

– Middlesex County Habitat for Humanity Bike Tour

Harv is also the Program Facilitator for Highland Park’s Adult Volleyball Programs.

Nelson Bayas, Shop Manager, Senior Mechanic

Volunteer since 2015

An IT Analyst by day, Nelson splits his free nights between wrenching at the Bike Exchange and playing drums with his band. Nelson is an avid cyclist who rides his bike to work at least 2 days a week and all year around. From time to time, Nelson participates on rides for charity and organized rides; and races an occasional triathlon. Nelson also has an affinity for travel near and far and exploring the local culture, foods, and drinks. “The best way to experience any city is by riding a bike to get around” is his philosophy.

Ricky George, Senior Mechanic

Volunteer since 2017

Jim Brittain, Senior Mechanic and Volunteer Educator

A founding volunteer who left due to work obligations, but upon retirement, promptly returned to us in 2022.

Leighann Kimber, Founder and Advisor

Volunteer since inception- 2013

Our YouTube intro:

About The New Brunswick Bike Exchange

Stats (Since our opening in May 2013 through Dec 2019)

Bikes Sold: 600+
Money raised for PRAB: $28,500