14th Annual Kids’ Bike Swap, May 8

Bike Works, Columbia City’s nonprofit bike shop and youth bicycle education organization, is holding its 14th annual Kids’ Bike Swap on Saturday, May 8th, 2010, from 10 am – 4 pm at Genesee Playfield (43rd Ave S and S Genesee St). This annual event is an opportunity for families to trade in a bike their child has outgrown for a larger bike for the summer riding season! The Kid’s Bike Swap helps to facilitate the flow of affordable bicycles within the community while simultaneously keeping fully functional bikes out of our local landfills.

At the swap, each bike that is brought to be swapped is assigned a trade value, which can then be applied towards a “new” bike. If the chosen bike’s value exceeds that of the trade value the “customer” is responsible for the difference. Typically, when a bike is exchanged, the “customer” is able to take home a newly recycled ride for $12 or less. Families looking to buy a bike, who do not have a bike to trade in, are welcome to come after 12 pm.

This year’s Swap is also being sponsored by the Bicycle Alliance of Washington, who will be running a safety rodeo at the event. Children’s Hospital will be providing free helmets and there will be a “Family Bike” expo, with examples of different bikes and trailers that allow families to be car free.