Lake Express collecting bikes for redistribution in Milwaukee

Operators of the Lake Express Ferry have organized a used bike collection to provide refurbished two-wheelers to children in Milwaukee's central city.

The bikes donated during Earth Week, April 18 to 22, will be repaired and distributed by the Milwaukee Bicycle Collective, 2910 W. Clybourn St.

Donors will receive a $50 gift certificate toward a trip on the Lake Express ferry, which crosses Lake Michigan in roughly 2 1/2 hours.

This is the second year Lake Express has teamed with the bike collective, and organizers expect to beat the 32 bikes donated in the first effort.

"Lake Express is committed to offering Milwaukeeans fun, safe and convenient transportation options that respect and protect our environment," said Ken Szallai, president of Lake Express. "Our partnership with the Milwaukee Bicycle Collective helps raise awareness of green travel while also supporting a worthy, environmentally conscientious organization that tis committed to helping Milwaukee's youth."

The donations will be accepted at the ferry terminal, 2330 S. Lincoln Memorial Dr., between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Gift certificates are limited to one per donor.