Submitted by: Sandee Cirian. Sandee has been a volunteer, Board Member and staff at Community Cycles. She was delighted to discover a cycling movement in Boulder that didn’t involve spandex and immediately joined in 2016. Thanks to Sandee, and feel free to submit your own cycling opinion. You could be featured next!
As an adult, you forget what it meant to get your first bike. Ask someone – you’ll see them be a bit surprised, then you’ll see a smile as they recall and tell you about the style, color, and how they got it. Sometimes their story includes Christmas or birthday, a crash (where they’ll show you their scar), or maybe it’s a hand-me-down from an older sibling.
Any way they got a bike, they’ll remember and love to tell you the story!
For a child, they’ll remember the thrilling rush and excitement of being able to balance and pedal. Every wobble feels like an adventure, and then suddenly you’re gliding along, the wind in your hair. It’s a big accomplishment, like you’ve unlocked a new world where you can explore and go faster. There’s also that little bit of fear—what if you fall?—but it’s overshadowed by the joy of discovering something new and the pride of mastering it.
But giving a child a bike means more than a fun story, which is why I’m writing this today. It’s more than just a mode of transportation; it represents independence and the ability to explore beyond the confines of home. A bike can be a ticket to new experiences—riding with friends or discovering new neighborhoods. I’m here to encourage you to donate your old or unused kids bikes.
Here’s why I’m asking:
Having a Bike Can Make a Lifelong Impact on Kids’ Health
Having a bike can make a lasting impact on physical and mental health and development, and a love of the outdoors.
Physical Activity: Riding a bike is a fun way to get exercise, helping children develop strength, endurance, and coordination. It encourages them to be active, which is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and may help to reduce the risk of heart disease later in life.
Mental Well-Being: Physical activity, including cycling, releases endorphins, which can boost mood and reduce stress and anxiety. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and confidence. Riding with friends or family promotes social skills and teamwork, contributing to overall emotional well-being.
Love of Nature: Nature has a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety. Spending time outdoors fosters a love for nature and an understanding of the environment. Outdoor activities often lead to a fondness for nature that carries into adulthood.
You Can Make a Difference
We’re on a mission to bring joy and adventure to children in our community, and we need your help! We’re collecting gently used kids’ bikes to donate to those in need.
How You Can Help:
- Donate Your Bike: If you have a gently used bike that your child has outgrown or no longer uses, consider donating it to our cause. We collect kids’ bikes all year long, refurbish and safety check them. We give them all away (350+) over 2 days in early December.
- Host a Bike Donation Drive: We welcome your family, neighborhood, school business or other community organization to host a bike donation drive. Contact me here – I love coordinating these!
- Make a Monetary Donation: If you don’t have kids or bikes, you can still be a part of this wonderful cause. You can make a monetary donation here.
- Volunteer to give away kids bikes: The 2024 Kid’s Holiday Bike Giveaway is December 7 and 14th. Sign up to volunteer here.
- Spread the Word: Share this message with friends and family who might also have bikes to donate.
Together, we can make a lasting positive impact in the lives of children. Remember what a bike can mean to a child and do your part to spread that joy.
Thank you for your support!
Ray’s Soapbox welcomes submissions from Community Cycles members and supporters. Timely cycling-related topics of local interest are given first preference. Our guidelines: Maximum length is 350 words. No name-calling or ad hominem attacks. Keep it positive, please. All submissions are subject to editing. We reserve the right to not publish submissions. Photos or other graphics are encouraged. (soapbox photo credit: Peggy Price)
Submit your idea here. We’ll help you kick your text and photo into shape.