By Mason Braasch | Photography by PT McMahon
Free Bikes 4 Kidz, a nonprofit that provides bikes to underserved communities in Dane County, has already donated more than 2,000 bikes this year. But to help fill the needs of the more than 2,500 bike requests they received, the organization is hosting another donation day.
On Saturday, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., drop off used adult- and kid-sized bikes at one of several locations around Madison. Executive Director Kristie Goforth — who was also a 2021 BRAVA Woman to Watch — says the goal is to collect at least 500 gently-used bicycles.
“If you have a bike that you’re currently not using and looking to donate, hold on to it until Sept. 18, if possible,” Goforth says. “It will be put to very good use!”
Since 2017, Free Bikes 4 Kidz’s mission has been to put a bicycle in the hands of any kid that wants one in Dane County. The nonprofit gives away roughly 2,000 bikes a year.
“So many amazing things come from a kid owning a bike. It helps build self confidence, independence, establishes healthy habits early on and creates positive, lifelong memories.” says Goforth.
If you would like to donate your gently-used bike on Sept. 18, check here for updates on donation locations. So far, donation locations include, Delta Beer Lab (167 E Badger Rd., Madison), Breese Stevens Field (917 E Mifflin St., Madison) and Lexus of Madison (8000 Airport Rd, Middleton).
Free Bikes 4 Kidz will accept bikes with broken brakes, flat tires, chains, and missing parts like handlebar grips or saddles, but requests that the bike be in usable condition, and able to be repaired.
