Our Kids Bikes program sprinted off to a great start on October 20th, when we participated in Sunnyside Elementary School’s Bike Swap. Thanks to brilliant blogger (link to CYLRAB) and generous yellow bike contributor Adrienne Johnson, the Sunnyside PTA had invited us to be a part of this great project.
At Sunnyside’s bike swap, families can bring an old or outgrown kid’s bike and trade it in for a refurbished kid’s bike that fits. A bike for a bike. For those who have kids, you know all too well how quickly kids grow out of things. This swap enables families to support children’s bike riding sustainably by putting used bikes back into the community and collecting other bikes in need of repair or an appropriately sized rider.
On the day of the swap, our very own Nathan and Mary Kay woke up early (on a Saturday, y’all!) to haul all our kids bikes over to Sunnyside. Luckily, as members of the SF Bike Coalition, we were able to use their free trailer rental. We brought 10 kid’s bikes, our mobile shop, and parts and supplies to the school, all via pedal power.
At Sunnyside’s bike swap, families can bring an old or outgrown kid’s bike and trade it in for a refurbished kid’s bike that fits. A bike for a bike. For those who have kids, you know all too well how quickly kids grow out of things. This swap enables families to support children’s bike riding sustainably by putting used bikes back into the community and collecting other bikes in need of repair or an appropriately sized rider.
On the day of the swap, our very own Nathan and Mary Kay woke up early (on a Saturday, y’all!) to haul all our kids bikes over to Sunnyside. Luckily, as members of the SF Bike Coalition, we were able to use their free trailer rental. We brought 10 kid’s bikes, our mobile shop, and parts and supplies to the school, all via pedal power.
Our two fearless volunteers worked to match each child with a new-to-them bike. Not only were they able to get a bike, but able to participate in a great SFBC Safe Routes to School ride training with their great leader Jason. And lest we forget those kids who need help learning how to ride, Matt and his team from YBike was amazing helping those young people out on their new bikes!
Each family and child walked away happy. We were lucky enough to witness a young girl go from a scoot to a pedal bike for the first time. The joy on her face reminded us why we love biking and why this work is so important.
Each family and child walked away happy. We were lucky enough to witness a young girl go from a scoot to a pedal bike for the first time. The joy on her face reminded us why we love biking and why this work is so important.
Thank you to Sunnyside for partnering with SFYBP to keep kids on bikes--we look forward to the next swap!
11/18/12 Update: SFYBP is in talks to establish and run a quarterly Bike Swap & Rodeo with a elementary school and community youth organizations.
11/18/12 Update: SFYBP is in talks to establish and run a quarterly Bike Swap & Rodeo with a elementary school and community youth organizations.
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