Transportation is crucial to getting around San Diego County and a new program will make it easier for ex-offenders to use refurbished bikes to get to work and other reentry programs.
The program, Providing Ex-Offenders Driving Alternatives for Life or PEDAL, is sponsored by the San Diego Crime Commission. It sends donated or confiscated bikes to the inmates at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility who refurbish them. The bikes are then given to ex-offenders who are transitioning back into society.
Corey Perez and Victoria Madrano received the first two bikes on Monday. The two are currently going through the parolee education program.
“It’s pretty difficult,” Perez said. “A program like this is very valuable for life skills, and also teaches you a trade.”
The PEDAL Program is supported by a grant made possible by the San Diego District Attorney’s Office. The office said successful reentry for ex-offenders is vital to keeping our streets safe and improving their chances of success.