The Pedals for Progress program at the Ellsworth Correctional Facility is going gangbusters, according to Sgt. Phillip DeCouteau.

The program, started in 1999, about a decade after the prison opened, has donated 16,000 refurbished bicycles and tricycles to less fortunate individuals across the state.

The donated items come from local sources across Kansas, including the Norton Correctional Facility. Norton also has a bicycle center, which is smaller than the one at ECF. NCF is mainly a wheelchair refurbishing center.

Quality work is stressed over production quantity, DeCouteau said. All sizes of bicycles are appreciated, but 24- and 26-inch models for males are in high demand.

The shop’s 25 inmates work six hours per day, five days a week, and receive a daily wage. To work in the shop, they must interview with DeCouteau.

“There are different advantages to being outside of the main facility”, said Brad, an inmate who has worked in the shop for six years.

“It’s a more comfortable way to spend your day, and takes your mind off the daily grind.”

Brad enjoys the many thank you letters and videos the shop workers receive. When the workers “help people in the community, they help each other, and form a brotherhood.” Working there “gives an opportunity to get a good work ethic later in life. Some inmates have never had a job before,” he said.

Brad also was instrumental in constructing new shelving and work tables as the program has grown.

In 2019, the workshop donated 1,010 bicycles to 46 different entities in 26 Kansas cities. The facility also donates to other non-profits for fundraising and special events.

ECF also refurbished about 800 wheelchairs in 2019. Most of these were sent to Wheels for the World, a faith-based ministry that distributes wheelchairs, aluminum canes, walkers and crutches internationally.

“One thing I tell the guys, is that things will change,” DeCouteau said. This program “helps the inmates pick up some skill sets, and they treat it as a stepping stone to something bigger upon release.”

Besides the bicycle shop, DeCouteau also supervises the wheelchair refurbishing, arc welding, and upholstery departments. He also teaches a computer class.

Orders for bicycles for the upcoming Christmas season need to be placed as soon as possible, giving DeCouteau and the workers as much time as possible to fulfill.

To donate, please take items or monetary donations to Ellsworth Correctional Facility, or contact DeCouteau at Phillip.DeCouteau@ks.gov.