Do you have a bike that is a little unloved, because you’ve got lots of bike options in your garage, your current bike is too big or small, or you are one of the lucky ducks shopping for a new bike? Whatever your reasoning may be for wanting to get rid of a bike, consider donating it and do a lot of good, locally and globally.
LOCAL SHOPS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Arlington: Phoenix Bikes
Mission: Phoenix Bikes educates youth, promotes bicycling, and builds community by providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment that reinforces teamwork, hard work, and entrepreneurship through bike maintenance education programs.
Donations accepted: Used bicycles (including kid’s bikes), bike parts, and accessories.
How to donate: Drop off donations at the shop any time it’s open or pick up may be able to be arranged.
District of Columbia: Gearin’ Up
Mission: Gearin’ Up equips DC-area youth with tools for success through job training and experiential education.
Donations accepted: Used bicycles, bicycle parts, and accessories in any condition.
How to donate: Donations can be brought by the DC-based shop any time it’s open.
GLOBAL ORGANIZATIONS
Bikes for the World
Mission: To make quality used bicycles and parts available to lower income people in developing countries and to enhance their lives and livelihoods through better transport.
Donations accepted: Used bicycles, bicycle parts, and accessories in good condition. They also accept used portable sewing machines in working order.
How to donate: Donations can be brought to several local partnering bike shops, a scheduled community collection event, or pick-up can be arranged.
The next local local collection for Bikes for the World will be during Arlington County’s biannual E–CARE event on March 31, 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., at Yorktown High School.
About the Author
