Bikes for Kids Wisconsin Announces 2026 Cohort of 38 Bike Recipient Organizations Throughout Wisconsin

Madison, WI – Bikes for Kids Wisconsin is excited to announce its 2026 cohort of 38 partner organizations to receive bicycles in March and April. Each year, Bikes for Kids Wisconsin collects thousands of donated bicycles from the public and keeps them out of the landfill by refurbishing them for transportation to underserved communities across Wisconsin.

This year’s recipients include a diverse range of other 501c3 organizations, schools, tribes, and community centers, all dedicated to empowering individuals through the gift of mobility. Bikes for Kids Wisconsin ensures that bicycles are distributed efficiently and equitably to those in need. Since the inaugural Bike Giveaway event in spring 2017, Bikes for Kids has supported 258 organizations, distributed more than 14,800 bicycles, kept over 450,000 pounds of materials out of landfills, totalling an investment of more than $3.5 million back into Wisconsin communities.

Volunteers play a crucial role in our mission, investing their time and expertise to refurbish bicycles and ensure they are safe for their new owners. In 2025 alone, volunteers contributed over 3,600 hours to refurbish bicycles, breaking down bikes that could not be saved, packing shipping containers for Ghana, Malawi, and Sierra Leone. Their dedication embodies the spirit of community and generosity that drives the organization forward. Corporate teams and volunteer groups of 6-20 people are welcome for team building experiences on Fridays from 12:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. at the bike center located in south Madison.

With two professional mechanics on staff, Bikes for Kids upholds the highest standards of safety and quality in every bicycle that is distributed. Bikes for Kids Wisconsin is the largest retailer of used bikes in the state of Wisconsin. When you purchase a bike or hire us for your repairs, your service charge and purchase are supporting others receiving bikes that would otherwise not have had the opportunity to own a bicycle.

If you are inspired to join or financially support our community, visit the Bikes for Kids Wisconsin website at BikesForKidsWI.org. Donating a bicycle is just the first step in the journey. It costs approximately $150 to provide one geared bicycle with accessories to one individual, totaling a cost of $300,000 each year to distribute 2,000 bicycles.

38 Bike Distribution Partners for 2026

6:8 Inc. – Sauk/Dane/Columbia Counties

Active Learning Connection – Adams County

Active Youth Wisconsin – Dane County

African Center for Community Development, Inc. – Madison

Alexander Middle School – Nekoosa

Badger Rock Middle School – Madison

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County

Bike Love Program at One Big Tent – Portage County

Black Hawk Middle School – Madison

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee

Bridge Lake Point Waunona Neighborhood Center – Madison

Central Heights Middle School – Sun Prairie

Friends of Fitchburg Parks and Natural Areas – Fitchburg

Allied Drive-Dunns Marsh Neighborhood Association – Fitchburg

Greater Wisconsin Adult Family Homes – Madison/Fox Valley/Sheboygan

Harmony Apartments – Madison

Hawthorne Elementary School – Madison

James C. Wright Middle School – Madison

John Muir Elementary School – Madison

Logan’s Heart and Smiles – Dane County

MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary – Milwaukee

Mamie’s Backyard Garden – Madison

Midvale Elementary School – Madison

Memorial High School – Madison

Monona Grove School District – Monona/Cottage Grove

One City Schools – Madison

Oneida Nation – Brown/Outagamie Counties

Oregon School District

St. Croix Home Visiting Program – Burnett County

The Road Home – Dane County

Theresa Terrace Neighborhood Center – Madison

The Welcome Network – West Bend

University of Wisconsin – La Crosse

Vera Court Neighborhood Center – Madison

Verona School District

Village of Poynette

About Bikes for Kids Wisconsin:

Bikes for Kids Wisconsin is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that held its first bike giveaway in Madison in spring 2017. To date, the organization has distributed over 14,800 bicycles throughout the state of Wisconsin and has kept over 500,000 pounds of materials out of the Dane County landfill through their recycling efforts and circular economy.

The organizational programming includes its annual Bike Giveaway program; Bike Mechanics youth education program; the Bike to Work program for refugees and immigrants; Guided Rides Series for middle schoolers to fill the nurture gap for learning to navigate the city by bike, Meals on 2 Wheels grocery delivery service, and used bike sales and service for the public.

Bikes for Kids Wisconsin increase the use of bicycle-based transportation for underserved communities through access, low-cost repairs, and education.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.