Free Bikes 4 Kidz Madison, a local nonprofit organization that held its first bike giveaway in Madison in spring 2017, has given away its 10,000th bicycle to transportation-challenged people in Dane County and beyond.
Through bike donation drives and refurbishment efforts, Free Bikes 4 Kidz Madiso (FB4K Madison) aims to promote healthy living, environmental consciousness, and community engagement. The organization gives bikes away through a robust network of other charitable organizations and public schools.
“One of the reasons we are so excited about this number is because the impact is so great. These 10,000 bike recipients likely would have never received a bike if it wasn’t for our work. Through our experience we know that if a kid doesn’t have a bicycle, they won’t think about a bike as a mode of transportation as an adult because they won’t have experienced all the benefits of owning a bike,” said Free Bikes 4 Kidz Madison Executive Director Kristie GoForth in a statement.
Alan, a student at Madison West High School, was the recipient of the 10,000th bike on Friday, Nov. 17. Alan is a positive influence on his fellow students due to his positive attitude and is beloved by all at the school, his wrestling coach Ron Klein says, according to a press release from FB4K Madiosn, and has been walking a long distance to school since his bike was stolen. Although replacing Alan’s bike was delayed because of the passing of his grandfather, his coach was finally able to get Alan his new bicycle, a Giant mountain bike.
Every spring, approximately 2,000 bikes are distributed by Free Bikes 4 Kidz Madison to marginalized communities in Dane County, Milwaukee County and Racine County. To donate to the organization, click here.
