Matching free bikes to families in need
Bikes For All (B4A) is a collaboration of area bike advocates whose mission is to get good, used bikes to children and families who might not otherwise be able to afford them.
In the summer of 2022, B4A repaired 55 bicycles and matched them with families in the area. The bicycles were donated by FNT members and other individuals in the community and repaired by B4A’s crew of volunteer mechanics. Each bicycle also went out w/ a new helmet, lights and sturdy lock for the riders. The project was so successful that we are reviving it each summer for the foreseeable future.
Free repair events
During the summer of 2023, B4A will continue the bike-matching program. In addition, B4A has developed a series of free bike repair events hosted by a variety of Northampton’s large apartment complexes. Events at Hampshire Heights and Meadowbrook last July were a success with more than 25 residents’ bikes repaired and safety-checked by B4A mechanics. Not only is this labor free but a generous grant from MassBike allows B4A to supply all of the materials needed for the repairs (tubes, tires, cables, brakes, etc).
Bicycle Donations
Do you have a good, used bicycle that you or a family member has outgrown? Would you like to donate it to the B4A bike-matching program? It’s simple: take a picture of the bike and email it to sean@fntrails.org. Unfortunately, not every older bicycle can economically be brought up to B4A’s safety standards. Sean will assess the bike and perhaps ask a few follow up questions to the donor. If the bike meets our criteria (most do!) then B4A will arrange for the bicycle to be picked up and delivered to B4A’s shop.
Other
Video of 2020’s bike-matching program
B4A’s volunteer mechanics
B4A’s Allies
- MassBike
- Northampton Housing Authority
- Pedal People
- Northampton Public Schools
- Hampshire Bicycle Exchange
- Friends of the Northampton Trails
- City of Northampton / ARPA
