Seattle’s children need not ride a bike that doesn’t fit. The annual Bike Works Kids Bike Swap is tomorrow, May 7 at the Genesee Playfield in Columbia City. Kids can trade in their old bikes for one that better fits their size and character. BW will assess the old bike and give a very fair credit for use towards the purchase of a different one, typically for $12 or less. And they get a whole corral of bikes to choose from.
Volunteers have been working for months to save bikes from the dump to get them ready for the swap (see our story from last year). Providing massively affordable bikes to children through community power and love… Have I mentioned that I LOVE BIKE WORKS!?
From the BW website:
2011 Kids Bike Swap – May 7th, 2011, from 10am to 4pm
at Genesee Playfield located at 43rd Ave S and S Genesee St
Bike Works will hold its 15th Annual Kids’ Bike Swap on Saturday, May 7th, 2011, from 10 am – 4 pm at Genesee Playfield (43rd Ave S and S Genesee St). This annual event is an opportunity for families to trade in a bike their child has outgrown for a larger bike – just in time for the summer riding season! The Kid’s Bike Swap helps to facilitate the flow of affordable bicycles within the community and keeps fully functional bikes out of our local landfills. This year, Bike Works has overhauled over 145 kids’ bikes to kick-off the swap!
How it Works: At the swap, each bike that is brought to be swapped is assigned a trade value, which can then be applied towards a “new” bike. If the chosen bike’s value exceeds that of the trade value the “customer” is responsible for the difference. Typically, when a bike is exchanged, the “customer” is able to take home a newly recycled ride for $12 or less. Families looking to buy a bike, who do not have a bike to trade in, are welcome to come after 12 pm.
This year’s Swap also provides an opportunity for the community to meet Bike Works’ new Executive Director, Deb Salls. “I am excited to meet the families that have been supporting this event for the last 15 years,” Salls says. “This event is in perfect alignment with our mission and vision – making bikes assessable and affordable in an environmentally friendly way.”
Seattle Children’s will fit free bike helmets and provide education on bicycle helmet safety. There will also be a “Family Bike” expo, with examples of different bikes and trailers that allow families to be car free.
