Ace Wheelworks on Elm Street is a founding partner of Roll it Forward.

By Cathleen Twardzik

A Somerville bicycle shop is participating in a local initiative to encourage residents in the Boston area to donate old bikes to individuals in need of a two-wheeled ride.

Ace Wheelworks on Elm Street is a founding partner of Roll it Forward, part of the Boston Bikes initiative, organized by Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, said Nicole Freedman, Director of Bicycle Programs in Boston.

Its goal is to encourage residents in the Boston area to donate old bikes to individuals in need of a two-wheeled ride.

In Somerville, interested individuals may donate bicycles to Ace Wheelworks at 145 Elm Street by December 10, at the latest, if possible.

The bicycles, which are donated by local communities will be repaired and refurbished by the program’s partners.

After the restoration is complete, each bike will be matched with local residents.

“Roll it Forward” “directly addresses the lack of bike issue by getting bikes into the hands of interested parties,” said Freedman.  “We are working with partners, such as the Boston Housing Authority to identify individuals [who] want the bicycles.”

The grant-run program was “provided by the Boston Public Health Commission.  In the next 18 months, we will certainly be plotting out plans to make this program sustainable, long-term,” she said.