By: Ryan Duey
Photo Courtesy of Kids Bikes Recycling
Kids Bikes Recycling, a nonprofit program out of Manhattan, provides recycled bicycles to children up to 18 years old through its annual Bike Swap Events. These annual events help promote bicycling, along with providing free bicycles to children throughout the area.
Karen Hawes, Kids Bikes Recycling Founder, started the program in 2016 after seeing children riding public bicycles that were way too big for them. She knew kids wanted to ride, but did not have their own bikes. She spoke about how the program works.
“We take bicycles that are in pretty good shape. We repair them, meet certain safety standards.”
“Then we get them back out into the community through two city bike swaps to get children onto bicycles and to get them up and running for exercise.”
“Also, we have children in the Manhattan District who need to walk to school if they’re within 2 1/2 miles of school, so it helps children get to school.”
Hawes said they host two bike swap events a year, one at the Riley County Fairgrounds and one in Ogden at the Community Center. The Ogden Bike Swap is scheduled for Sunday, August 24th, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Hawes explained how the event works.
“People between the ages of 0 and 18 bring a bicycle swap for a bigger or better bicycle.”
“At 3:00, we give away all the remaining bicycles to people who don’t have one.”
“We also give away helmets, streamers, spells, and people can have their bicycle tubes changed for free.”
Hawes said this program would not be possible without the support of their many sponsors, including: The Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, The Optimist Club, Kansas Health Foundation, and many more.
It is a first-come-first-serve event, with Hawes stating that many large families take advantage of this program. It is highly encouraged that parents bring their children early. Parents do need to be present with their children.
The event is open to anyone, not just Riley County residents. To learn more about the program and the upcoming bike swap, visit the KBR Facebook page.
