Donate your old bike to a good home in need
Vancouver Farmers Markets teams up with Our Community Bikes to support transportation equity
Most of us rely on transportation to meet our basic needs whether it be to earn an income, access social support, services, or care for our mental health. At Our Community Bikes, they see bikes as a clear solution to get people where they need to go, as well as a tool to promote equity and positive environmental impact. As the cycling industry has surged in popularity with COVID-19, their non-profit shop and free bike program have also seen an increase in demand.
This year the Vancouver Farmers Market has partnered with Our Community Bikes to host bike drives at the markets. Together, market goers are invited to bring their old bikes to Vancouver Farmers Markets as a donation to Our Community Bikes . Donated bikes will be refurbished, providing training opportunities for new mechanics who are underrepresented in the cycling industry, at-risk youth, and volunteers.
Forty percent of donated bikes are given to people facing financial barriers, which works out to 80 – 100 bikes every year. The remaining bikes are sold through the social enterprise, while used parts provide affordable repair options. All proceeds are put back into the organization to fund other programs and operations.
Our Community Bikes is also offering bike tune ups by donation at any bike drive dates!
Anyone who wants to get their bike tuned or give their old bike a good home can drop it off at the following Vancouver Farmers Market bike drive locations:
- Trout Lake: Saturday, June 12
- Kitsilano: Sunday, July 11
- West End: Saturday, August 14
Our Community Bikes is looking for adult bikes (over 22’’ wheels), rust-free, without steel wheels (it’s steel if a magnet sticks to the rim). Individual donations assessed at a value over $100 are eligible for a tax deductible donation!
