Building Sustainability Together: Our New Partnership Model
2024 has been a year like no other at Bikes for Kids Wisconsin. We’ve achieved unprecedented success, breaking records across all areas of our work: bike distribution, partnership engagement, international outreach, Bike Mechanics programming, and fundraising efforts.
Our impact in 2024:
- Distributed 2,518 bicycles throughout Wisconsin, spanning Ashland, Dane, Marathon, Milwaukee, and Racine Counties – surpassing our previous record of 2,126 bikes in 2021
- Increased our international efforts, delivering 555 bikes to Ghana and 546 to Zomba, Malawi
- Reached a remarkable total of 12,619 bicycles distributed since our first giveaway event in 2017
- Achieved 250% growth in our Bike Mechanics program compared to 2023
Our Journey
This growth emerges from our history and evolution. We began as a chapter of Free Bikes 4 Kidz, which helped establish our foundation in Dane County’s bike-loving community. In December 2023, we made the strategic decision to separate from the national organization to better serve our community’s unique needs and expand our impact. While we remain deeply grateful for Free Bikes 4 Kidz’s role in launching our mission, this transition has opened new horizons of opportunity.
The original Free Bikes 4 Kidz model centered on providing everything at no cost. However, sustainable operations require addressing real costs: marketing to raise awareness, parts for bicycle restoration, waste management, and basic operational overhead. This reality led us to reimagine our approach.
Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability
To continue our mission of transportation equity and maintain our service quality, we’ve introduced a new partnership model for 2025. This model includes a $20 per bicycle application fee for our distribution partners. For context, each bike costs us $135 to collect, refurbish, and distribute, and has a market value of an average of $200 for children’s bikes and $600 for adult-sized bikes.
These bikes serve as essential transportation lifelines, helping people access:
- Schools and educational activities
- Workplaces
- Food resources
- Community centers
- Libraries
- Other vital services
Why this matters:
- Partners invest just 15% of our actual costs
- We continue to subsidize 85% of each bike’s preparation
- This modest investment helps ensure bikes reach those who need them most
- The model strengthens program sustainability while maintaining accessibility
Changes to Our Helmet Program
We’ve also adjusted our helmet distribution approach. Rather than providing free helmets at an annual cost of $20,000, we now offer partners access to helmets at reduced prices. This change reflects the real costs involved in providing safe, reliable transportation.
Impact on Communities
The combined $20 bike application fee and helmet cost represents a minimal investment for transformative returns:
- Enhanced access to employment opportunities
- Improved school attendance
- Better reach to essential services
- Increased community participation
Looking Forward
We understand that this Sustainability Framework requires a shift in thinking about who we are as an organization. These changes are part of our organization’s maturation and commitment to long-term service delivery. They are a necessary transition as our array of programming grows, as we continue to innovate, and remain steadfast in our commitment and position being the largest entity in the state of Wisconsin providing these critical services.
We are:
- Implementing responsible fiscal practices to ensure program longevity,
- Creating stakeholder investment in outcomes,
- Maintaining focus on core mission while adapting to increased demand,
- Building a model that can be sustained and potentially replicated.
These efforts support our vision of establishing a 15,000-square-foot bike center near our current location, preferably adjacent to a bike path.
To review our array of programming, view our current needs, and gain better understanding of our impact, click here for an overview.
Get Involved
We invite you to learn more about our programs, impact, and current needs by:
- Scheduling a facility tour
- Volunteering with us
- Supporting our transportation equity mission
For questions, please email our Executive Director, Kristie GoForth