ThuRsday Recycle and Reuse: Bicycles

ThuRs Recycle and Reuse

My daughters (who shall remain nameless) loved her pink banana-seat bike with the huge handlebars. She named the bike “Rosie” and couldn’t bear to part with it. We stored it for her until she moved into her first apartment upon college graduation. I have no clue where it is now.

A better idea might be to donate the bike while it is still fairly rust-free. Charitable thrift stores are a good place to start. Even bikes that are not serviceable can be used to scavenge parts. New parts add up quickly for a non-profit organization.

Several other agencies that accept bikes to refurbish are:

• Bikes for Tykes – Bikes for Tykes is dedicated to providing a pre-loved bicycle to every deserving child in America. There are over 25 Bikes For Tykes chapters around the U.S. and in Canada.
• The International Bicycle Fund – IBike’s mission is to promote bicycle transportation and international understanding. Recognizing that sending a bicycle to another country is not particularly feasible, IBike has three lists filled with organizations to help you find a local donation center for bikes, parts and accessories.

Think of donating these bicycle related items also: helmets, tools, parts, shoes, reflectors, flaps, tires, pumps and locks.

When I lived in Manassas, VA, there was an artistic gardener who spray painted over 15 bicycles white and used them as a kind of picket fence. I don’t think the neighbors appreciated it. It was an original idea! All the same, it still might be a better idea to donate the bike.

More posts in this series:

• On Being Content and Giving Away the Excess February 26, 2010
• ThuRsday Recycle and Reuse: Toys March 4, 2010
• ThuRsday Recycle and Reuse: Prom Dresses March 11, 2010
• ThuRsday Recycle and Reuse: Eyeglasses March 18, 2010
• ThuRsday Recycle and Reuse: Bicycles March 25, 2010

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