The community is asked to donate used bikes 2-6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Parish Hall at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3700 Canyon Road. Courtesy/FB4K

FB4K News:

• Nonprofit Expects to Repair and Rehome 1,500 Bikes

New Mexico residents are invited to donate outgrown child and adult bikes during Free Bikes 4 Kidz’ (FB4K) annual collection weekend Sept. 9-11.

This is the second year of the non-profit’s operation in New Mexico, which gave away 1,100 bikes in 2021.

During the 9 weeks following the bike drive, volunteers clean and repair the donated bikes so they can be placed with families experiencing financial hardship.

Free Bikes 4 Kidz doesn’t actually distribute the bikes, instead relying on 20+ partner organizations around New Mexico. FB4K has established relationships with a diverse network of public schools, afterschool programs, advocacy groups, native health organizations, and crisis centers. Presenting sponsor UPS also plays a key role in the collection and transportation of the bikes.

“It’s often a hassle for parents of growing kids to list an outgrown bike on Craigslist or to make necessary minor repairs so it can be passed on,” FB4K board member Bill Lane said. “Free Bikes 4 Kidz solves two problems, keeping bicycles out of landfills and putting more kids on bikes.”

And then of course, there are the health benefits: in the US, less than 20 percent of children meet physical activity guidelines,15 million suffer from obesity and diabetes. Socio-economic disparities exacerbate these conditions. FB4K is out to change the outcomes.

“We want to give every kid the chance to experience the independence and self-confidence that comes with owning a bicycle,” Lane said.

Used Bike Drop-off Locations:

• Los Alamos
  • Friday, Sept. 9, 2-6 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 10, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
  • Parish Hall, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3700 Canyon Road 
• Albuquerque
  • Saturday, Sept. 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Sport Systems & Balloon Fiesta Park (across from Balloon Fiesta Museum)
• Santa Fe
  • Sunday, Sept. 11, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Century Bank on St. Michaels Drive and Fashion Outlet Mall of Santa Fe

Hundreds of volunteers will be needed to reach this year’s 1,500 bike goal. Interested parties may email volunteer@fb4knm.org to help with collection days, cleaning or repair.

About FB4K:

New Mexico is the 11th state to join a national growing movement called Free Bikes 4 Kidz (FB4K.) Since its founding in Minnesota in 2008, FB4K has given away more than 100,000 refurbished bikes nationally. In most cities, the model is the same: one weekend a year, volunteers collect hundreds of used bikes and over the next two months will refurbish the salvageable ones. A free helmet is provided with every bike that is given away. Learn more at www.fb4knm.org.

View of many used bikes the community dropped off to the Parish Hall at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church during the Free Bikes 4 Kidz event in 2021. Courtesy/FB4K