FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 29, 2023
Madison, WI – Each year, Free Bikes 4 Kidz Madison hosts its bike donation drive in October and November. They are on a mission to collect unused bikes from the community, refurbish them, then give them free of charge to people who either cannot afford to purchase their own bikes or to those who have been historically excluded from the cycling industry.
In fall of 2022, Free Bikes 4 Kidz collected approximately 1,400 bikes in Dane County and Milwaukee County. Individuals, apartment complexes, police departments, and schools were among some of the bicycle donors.
Every January, the organization opens their application process for other charitable organizations or public schools to apply to be distribution partners. The distribution partners determine who will receive bikes each year.
So far in 2023, Free Bikes 4 Kidz Madison has received over 2,500 requests for bikes. Since the organization can only give away as many bikes as they collect, that means that over 1,000 people are at risk of not receiving bikes this year.
Free Bikes 4 Kidz Madison is calling out to the community to help reduce this shortage by donating their unused bikes now. Executive Director Kristie Goforth said, “If your kids have outgrown their bikes, or if you plan to upgrade your bike, or maybe you own an apartment complex with a lot of unclaimed bicycles, we’d love you to bring them to us! We’ll refurbish them, keep them out of the landfill, and we’ll find new owners for them this May.”
She added, “When a kid has a bike, it means they gain an appreciation for a bike being a vehicle, not just a toy. Bikes provide young kids with transportation and independence. Kids use their bikes to get to school, to their friend’s house, to the library, or to a first job. There are so many ways a bike is beneficial for a kid. Bikes provide physical and mental well-being, social and emotional development, and confidence.”
Bicycles can be dropped off at the Free Bikes 4 Kidz Madison workshop Monday-Friday between 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. Or, they can be dropped off Monday-Wednesday nights between 6:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. The address for the workshop is 354 Coyier Lane, Madison, WI 53713.
Free Bikes 4 Kidz Madison held its first bike giveaway in spring of 2017. Since then, the organization has given away over 8,300 bicycles mostly in Dane County. The organization has started providing bikes to Milwaukee and Racine and held its first bike collection in Milwaukee in November of 2022.
The organization gives away the full bike package which includes bikes, helmets, bike pumps, locks, headlights and taillights. Free Bikes 4 Kidz Madison is a 501c3 charitable organization that is funded by donations and grants. 
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