Days before Christmas, a crook stole the primary means of transportation for a special needs woman from Parkland. But the generosity of a local bus driver has helped put Lori Niles back on wheels.
"I picked her up Wednesday and she didn't have her bike and so I said, 'Where is your bike?' " said Sylvie Pelesasa, who is a bus driver for Pierce Transit. "She went on to tell me someone had stolen it right from under her."
Nile's longtime bicycle was outfitted to help with her special needs. It was her transportation to volunteer at her local Goodwill and to get to church.
It was gone in an instant.
"She was crying and she was so devastated and upset and I started crying," said Pelesasa. "I was driving down Pacific Avenue in tears thinking I know what's it's like to be violated like that."
So Pelesasa jumped into action, determined to help Niles get a new bike.
"To console her, I just knew that I needed to do something, so I said don't worry, don't worry, I will make sure you get a bike," said Pelesasa
The Pierce Transit bus driver reached out to friends and even Goodwill who made donations for the brand new bicycle. Bike Tech in Tacoma helped outfit the bike for all Nile's needs: A new seat, lights, a basket, a water bottle and wider pedals.
Niles says she loves it.
"Oh yeah, it's good -yeah," said Niles.
Bike Tech has been providing service on the Parkland woman's bike for a number of years, adding that the new bike is a lot nicer than that one that was stolen.
'It's nice that she gets something new," said Alex Warren who works at Bike Tech. "It will be easier for her to take care of."
To see Niles soar on new wheels proves it feels better to give than receive. Those who donated to the bike fund say it's a reminder of the meaning of the holiday season.
"She's happy and that's what it's all about," said Pelesasa.
komonews.com
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