The International Institute of Bridgeport gave away free bicycles today donated by Northeast Community Cycles.

The bikes have been outfitted with safety equipment, such as lights and locks, with the goal to help people in difficult situations who need a way to get around.

“The bus system is limited in both in time and geography and so when people receive a bicycle you can see this sort of elation on their faces that this is first of all for them and them alone and it gives them greater access to move and greater freedom,” says Claudia Connor, President/CEO of IICONN. “So it's on multiple levels, it's something that's a really beautiful thing for us to be a part of and to see that in the expressions on their faces.”

It’s the second year for the bike distribution event and organizers hope to do more in the future.