Cycling Enthusiast brings old bikes back from the dead

Lake Erie Correctional Institution Officer Dennis Steighner is keeping busy – and putting smiles on kids in his Northeast Ohio community – all at the same time.  Steighner is an enthusiastic cyclist who has developed an ongoing project of refurbishing old bikes.   

Steighner began a year-long challenge to rehabilitate bicycles in partnership with the Conneaut, Ohio Optimist Club.  In his first year at it, Dennis repaired 17 unwanted bikes. The local American Legion Post donated $200 in his first year, to help defray the cost of bicycle parts.  Local churches also offer assistance by helping to distribute the bikes to needy children.

Then in his second year on the project Officer Steighner nearly doubled his effort.  He finished 2007 having brought 27 bikes back to life.  But his work is far from over.

Local businesses have now begun to provide storage space for the dilapidated bikes.  There are currently dozens awaiting repair. The Conneaut Police Department generously donated 30 bicycles that otherwise would have been junked.

Officer Steighner has enjoyed cycling for a quarter-century.  In conjunction with the Ashtabula Dream Center he also organized an annual road trip from Conneaut, Ohio to Erie, Pennsylvania and back.

(posted 03/10/08)

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