Bike Donation FAQ
Donation FAQs From Website (pedals2people.org)
What kind of bikes does P2P accept for donation?
We accept adult bikes, 24" wheels or larger.
Generally speaking, we are looking for durable, quality bikes that can be set up for commuters. This includes rigid/hard tail mountain bikes and quality road bikes from the 80's, 90's, and 2000's. Older hard-tail mountain bikes and many older road bikes make great commuters. Acceptable bike brands include Bianchi, Trek, Cannondale, Giant, Bridgestone, Univega, Specialized, Novara, Jamis, Fuji, and others.
Will you take my classic cruiser or 3 speed?
If it's a single speed or if the gears are in the rear hub, and it doesn't need more than new tires, then we'll usually take these types of bikes. If it's an old 5-speed or a 10-speed bike, then we may accept it if there is room in our shop.
What brands of bikes are not accepted for donation?
We cannot take bikes that were purchased at Walmart, Shopko, Costco, Target, Fred Meyers, Toys R Us, and any other discount/department store. Some of these brands include Pacific, Magna, Next, Vertical, Mongoose, Huffy, Roadmaster, Murry Free Spirit, and many others. Some Schwinns, especially newer ones, also fall into this category.
If you have a bike of this make, please consider donating it to the Union Gospel Mission.
What's wrong with department store bikes?
Typically, these bikes are made with poor-quality components, have excessively heavy frames, and are usually difficult to bring back to ride-able condition when something breaks.
What about old, classic department store bikes?
If they are single speeds or 3-speeds then we probably will take it. See the "classic cruiser" question above.
I think my bike is a good donation candidate, but I don't know much about bikes, how can I check before I drop it off?
You can always email us a photo or bring your bike by the shop when we are open. If it's suitable, we'll take it. If not, then please don't be upset. Another great organization that accepts bikes to is the Union Gospel Mission, which serves many clients who depend on bikes for their mobility and independence.
Do you accept kid bikes?
Yes.
You guys used to take any bike. Why are you so selective now?
In 2008 we took all bike donations because we worked with The Village Bike Project (VBP), located in Moscow, ID, to ship bikes to Africa. All of the bikes that were not useful for our core programs were shipped to Ghana. We collected over 200 bikes for that project in 2008. Please consider contacting the VPB if you'd like to donate a bike to Africa.
Will you do more bike drives for Village Bike Project in the future?
It's not likely that we will ship bikes overseas again because it is too cost-prohibitive and requires dozens more volunteers than we have available to help at this time.
I have a bike that you won't take, what should I do with it?
We hate to see bikes go to the landfill. Here are some things you can do:
I've got parts. Will you take them?
If they are decent quality, serviceable, and have useful life in them, we might be able to use them. However, our shop is small and we do not have space for everything that comes our way. Don't be upset if we can't accept your parts. UGM is another great organization to which you can donate your parts/bikes.
Why don't you come and pick up bikes?
We don't have the volunteer staffing to pick up bikes.