We Collected 253 Bikes during the City-Wide Bike Donation Event

Springtime in Stillwater brings more than just blossoming flowers and warmer weather—it also marks the annual bike donation event sponsored by Lakeview Hospital and HealthPartners. This year, the community came together once again to support a cause close to many hearts, resulting in the collection of a remarkable 253 bikes.

In collaboration with Sustainable Stillwater MN and Family Means, this city-wide initiative aims to address a common issue: the abundance of old, unused bikes lying dormant in our community. By encouraging donations, the event not only clears out cluttered garages but also provides opportunities for these bikes to find new purpose and riders.

The donated bikes will be distributed among three deserving destinations:

1. Family Means: This organization will directly provide bikes to youth cycling groups in Cimarron and Landfall communities, ensuring that youngsters without access to bikes can experience the joy of riding and the freedom it brings.

2. Bikes4Kids (Ham Lake): Here, donated bikes will undergo refurbishment, transforming them into quality rides fit for eager young cyclists in the Twin Cities area. Bikes4Kids not only distributes bikes for free but also collaborates with Family Means to provide specially refurbished bikes to their youngest riders, facilitating memorable first-bike experiences.

3. Express Bikes (St. Paul): This organization offers a unique approach by providing job opportunities to inner-city youth. Through bike refurbishment and sales at discounted prices, Express Bikes not only supports employment but also makes bikes accessible to those who may not have had the means to afford them otherwise.

Since its inception, this collaborative effort has gained momentum, with last year's event alone resulting in over 400 donated bikes. Beyond the sheer number of bikes collected, the event serves as a testament to the community's commitment to creating opportunities and addressing needs.

The success of such an event wouldn't be possible without the generosity of donors, the support of organizations like Stillwater HS Mountain Bike Team, who provided their trailer for transportation, and the dedication of volunteers. Despite facing chilly, windy, and rainy conditions, volunteers tirelessly unloaded, sorted, and reloaded bikes, ensuring that the event ran smoothly and efficiently.

As the wheels keep turning and the community continues to pedal forward, events like Lakeview Hospital's annual bike donation serve as a reminder of the power of collaboration and the impact of collective action. Each donated bike represents not only a mode of transportation but also a symbol of hope, opportunity, and community spirit.