Longview, Texas – A home‑grown business owner is turning two‑wheelers into a lifeline for workers who need reliable transportation. Gary Ford, co‑owner of Wooley G’s Bike and Fitness Shop, has donated roughly 15 bicycles to Newgate Mission’s Bike‑to‑Work program since September.
Why the bikes matter
“If you have a job and you need transportation, it just makes your world a little bit bigger so you can get around Longview,” said Bradley Gary, a staff member at Newgate Mission. For many residents, a bike is the missing link between a paycheck and a stable life.
Ford explained, “Giving them a mode of transportation to get to and from work could be the step that they need to kinda get back on their feet.” The program requires participants to show proof of employment and to purchase a helmet and lock, ensuring the bicycles are used responsibly and not left vulnerable to theft.
Community partnership fuels the effort
Newgate Mission Executive Director NaTusha Howard praised the growing support. “It’s been very popular. We have people come back and say ‘Thank God for the bicycles.’ We see people riding all the way in the Pine Tree area, saying, ‘This is how I get to work.’ At Newgate we try to give a hand so you can lift yourself up, and this is one of those aspects of it.”
Ford’s shop has long worked with the mission on bike repairs, but the recent surge in donations marks a new level of involvement. “We have people come by all the time either donating bicycles or don’t know what to do with bicycles or have one they just don’t need anymore,” he said.
Local roots inspire giving back
As a native of Longview, Ford feels a strong connection to the community. “As a local business, we’re more connected to the community versus a big‑box store. It’s a feel‑good thing that we’re able to give back to the people literally right around the corner,” he noted.
Recipients echo the impact. Andrew Coby, who recently received a bike, said, “I’ll probably be on time. A little bit early… I can kinda make a schedule a little bit better. A little bit better.”
Program guidelines and future plans
To qualify, participants must provide proof of employment and purchase a helmet and lock. Howard emphasized the importance of “skin in the game”: “We don’t want to provide you the bicycle and you put it somewhere and it gets stolen, so we’d also like for you to have some sort of ‘skin in the game’ by providing a bicycle lock and a bicycle chain.”
The program also offers repair assistance for any mechanical issues, such as flat tires, ensuring the bikes remain a dependable resource.
Looking ahead
With continued donations from local businesses and individuals, the Bike‑to‑Work program aims to expand its reach beyond the Pine Tree area, helping more Longview workers secure stable transportation and, ultimately, greater economic independence.
Ford summed up the sentiment shared by many volunteers: “It’s kinda fun. It’s brought out the kid in me and I can see it bring out the kid in other people too. That’s why it’s one of the favorite parts of my job.”
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
