Several groups collaborate to support youth at Harmony Apartments through special bike giveaway and gun violence awareness event

Madison, WI – On Friday, June 7, the North Star Neighborhood Association, Bikes for Kids Wisconsin, Madison Police Department-East District, and Public Health of Madison and Dane County will collaborate to give bikes to youth living at the Harmony Apartments in east Madison. Approximately 40 bicycles will be distributed at this special outreach event.

A Wear Orange event will be taking place simultaneously honoring survivors and building community with those working to end gun violence. Wear Orange is a national awareness initiative taking place June 7-9, 2024. Bikes for Kids Wisconsin is a nonprofit dedicated to increasing the use of bicycle-based transportation for everyone and provides bikes to thousands of people in need through their Bike Giveaway events. This event will focus on children in need living in the North Star neighborhood.

North Star Neighborhood Association treasurer, Bob Hogan, stated, “The North Star Neighborhood Association is excited to collaborate in providing free bikes to kids so they can enjoy time outdoors in the community. This event is important because residents of Harmony are our neighbors; they have experienced the trauma of gun violence. This initiative has generated positive excitement with the kids about being an active member in their community, and about having a bike to enjoy their neighborhood in a way many have not in the past. The NSNA supports these efforts and looks forward to increased engagement in our neighborhood-wide activities. We want all our neighborhood residents to feel welcome and a sense of pride and belonging in our community.”

Randy Molina, the Violence Prevention Response and Engagement Coordinator at Public Health Madison & Dane County added, “The consequences of gun violence affect individuals, families and communities all across this country. Building awareness, strengthening our communities and empowering our youth are some of the best ways we can increase safety and prevent violence in all its forms. Events like this that bring it all together are important in showing that it takes all of us working together to make positive and long lasting changes.”

Ryan Harvey, the Operations Manager of Bikes for Kids Wisconsin stressed the importance of all kids having bikes, not just those who can afford them. “Bikes can level the playing field for kids whose families are experiencing financial hardship and difficult times. They’re also fun to ride so they can provide a sort of therapy in stressful situations.”

Additional partners include Officer Victoria Wickersheim, Officer Laura DeLoach of the Madison Police Department-East District, developer Royal Capital, and City of Madison Alder Derek Field. More details can be found on the Bikes for Kids Wisconsin website:
https://bikesforkidswi.org/bikes-for-kids-wi-supports-special-bike-giveaway-event-at-meadowlands-harmony-apartments/

About North Star Neighborhood Association (NSNA):
The North Star Neighborhood Association is committed to taking an active role in making
everyone feel welcome, safe, and a part of the community. northstarmadison.org

About Bikes for Kids Wisconsin:
Formerly known as Free Bikes 4 Kidz Madison, Bikes for Kids Wisconsin is a 501c3 nonprofit
organization that held its first bike giveaway in Madison in spring 2017. The organization hosts its annual bike giveaway program distributing 2,000 bikes annually, provides used bike sales and low-cost service for the public, and youth education through its Bike Mechanics classes in the fall. Bikes for Kids Wisconsin is powered by our love of cycling, our community, and our planet. We increase the use of bicycle-based transportation for everyone through access, low-cost repairs, and education.

Media inquiries:
Bikes for Kids Wisconsin – Executive Director Kristie GoForth, by Email, call or
text 608-405-0385.