Did you know Madison was ranked the 7th happiest city in the country by Reader’s Digest last month? Consideration was given to the residents’ emotional and physical well-being, employment opportunities, sense of community, and focus on environmentalism. What a fortuitous time to highlight a nonprofit organization that positively impacts Madison in all of these ways: Bikes for Kids Wisconsin.
In 2017, Bikes for Kids Wisconsin opened the doors to its nonprofit bicycle shop and has been helping to increase bicycle-based transportation for everyone since - not just kids and not just people who can afford them. Last year, 2,518 bikes were donated to people in the Madison area who use their new-to-them bicycle for transportation to work and life’s other errands and events. Many of these 2,518 bikes, as Bikes for Kids’ name suggests, were given to kids looking to learn the valuable life skill of riding a bike while building a sense of belonging and independence with other neighborhood children. Without the opportunity, kids age out of becoming interested in bikeriding at about age 11 or 12. It’s just an added benefit that biking has tremendous health rewards at every age!
Bikes for Kids Wisconsin’s efforts are far-reaching and long-lasting, too. When Bikes for Kids Wisconsin receives bikes suited for rougher terrain, they donate them overseas to their partner organizations in Ghana, Malawi, El Salvador, and Honduras where these specifications are perfect for the country’s landscape. Bikes that have seen the end of their lifecycle can also be given to Bikes for Kids Wisconsin for proper disposal. Since the organization started only eight years ago, they have saved ~ 84,000 pounds of metal going into our landfills. (That’s about the weight of a house!)
As is true with any great cause, there are a lot of helpers behind the scenes. Bike donations come from community members (like you!) and are refurbished by Bikes for Kids Wisconsin’s volunteer bike mechanics and community members looking to pitch in. Now that the snow has melted, you may be thinking about dusting off your bicycle to enjoy a ride on one of Madison’s many beautiful bike paths. Or, you may realize your bike may be better used by someone else. Either way, Bike for Kids Wisconsin likely has a way you can get involved:
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Purchase your next bike from Bikes for Kids Wisconsin bike center at 354 Coyier Lane, Madison
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Donate your previously-loved bike
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Get your bike tuned up at their bike shop; proceeds go towards Bikes for Kids Wisconsin’s work
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Make a financial contribution
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Volunteer on your own or with a group - no experience needed to help in many ways!
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Stop by Bikes for Kids Wisconsin’s Everything Bikes Fundraising Sale on May 10th at the bike center from 10am-2pm to pick up your next ride. The event will happen rain or shine!
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