It's Time to Fund Kid's Bikes!

As one of the founders of the Wish For Wheels FoCo program, I’m super excited that our initiative, which has donated over 1,000 bikes and helmets to PSD second graders since 2020, is expanding under a new name.  MyCycle will still provide bikes and helmets to second graders at PSD Title One schools but will now have the flexibility to provide bikes to kids in other grades, other schools, other local school districts, and to kids with different adaptive needs. Since Bike Fort Collins is now the sole non-profit administering the program, all of your funds will stay in Northern Colorado.

And here’s the part I’m most excited about for 2024: we’re stepping up the quality of the bikes, BIG TIME. The cornerstone of the program remains to get second-grade kids on bikes. This year, those kids will receive bikes that are much higher quality, thanks to a partnership with Scheels, which will provide helmets and Retropcet 20″ wheeled bikes.

The Highpoints

• Each bike and helmet package costs $175.00
• Every donor is invited to help build and hand out bikes/helmets during our build event in mid-October.
• MyCycle Angels. The MyCycle Angels pilot will be the first step in developing an innovative new approach to provide access to customized bikes for kids with adaptive needs.
• Team Challenge Details are below.
• The bike build/giveaway will be in mid-October. Volunteers will be needed!
• Donate here.

Let’s Go!

This year, we’re working with a compressed timeline, so let’s get busy! We have from now until mid October to fund at least 300 bikes! 

How are the bikes funded?

• Individual donors: Individual donors can fund an entire bike or make a partial donation. You can donate here.
• Business Partnerships:  If you know of a business that might be interested in donating multiple bikes or matching your donation and participating in the build day, please let us know! Contact Mike Moses w/ Bike Fort Collins to make that connection. mike.moses@bikefortcollins.org
• Team Challenge:  Since the program started, local riders have donated over 1/3 of the total bikes as part of the Team Challenge, and we’re looking to kick some more ass this year. Details below.

Team Challenge

The Team Challenge is a great way for local teams, clubs, and privateers to get more kids on bikes. Check out the rules below and start trash-talking those other teams.  Not on a team? No problem. If all you privateers outshine the mega teams, you’ll get a party of your own. Just be sure to note that you’re unaffiliated/privateer when you donate on the Bike Fort Collins website.  And remember, while the Team Challenge is fun and all, the ultimate goal is to get bikes to kids, so even if your team isn’t participating or if you’re not on a team, PLEASE consider donating regardless.

• Roster Percentage Competition is all about the ratio of donated bikes compared to the total number of team members, not just the total bikes donated. For instance, if a team of 6 buys 6 bikes, they’re at 100% participation and could actually outshine a team of 100 that funds 35 bikes.
• Total Bikes Competition it’s exactly what it sounds like – the team that donates the most bikes takes the crown.

The winning teams win beer or pizza sponsored by Bike Fort Collins.

Last year, the Poudre Sunrise Cyclists won both the Total Bikes Competition Roster and Percentage Participation Competition, but Team BOB, FCCT, and the Wolfpack were giving them the business. Who’s going to take the crowns this year?

MyCycle Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/27/24
Mike Moses
Bike Fort Collins
mike.moses@bikefortcollins.org

MyCycle, Powered by Bike Fort Collins, gives kids free bikes and helmets.

Fort Collins, CO: MyCycle is a Bike/Build/Give program providing free bikes and helmets to 2nd-graders in need within the Poudre School District’s Title 1 schools. With the launch of MyCycle, Bike Fort Collins is expanding their efforts to competitively source the highest quality bikes available to ensure kids in need receive a well-built, reliable bike they can enjoy and ride for many years.

“In 2020, Bike Fort Collins and our Founding Sponsor, Your Group Ride, began successfully providing bikes and helmets to kids in need within PSD Title 1 schools through a partnership with Wish for Wheels and our Wish for Wheels FOCO program.” With the launch of MyCycle in 2024, we are expanding our efforts to provide an even higher level of equipment options and quality to get more kids riding bikes, having fun, and enjoying the lifelong health benefits of cycling.”

– Mike Moses, Executive Director, Bike Fort Collins

The launch of the MyCycle program will also include a pilot program, MyCycle Angels. The MyCycle Angels pilot will be the first step in developing an innovative new approach to provide access to customized bikes for kids with adaptive needs.

About Bike Fort Collins: Bike Fort Collins is a non-profit, bicycle advocacy organization with the mission to increase participation in active transportation, advance bicycle culture, and influence policy changes to promote safer streets and communities while creating an inclusive and empowering culture for all bicyclists, regardless of ability or identity. Put most simply: More bikes. Safer streets.