Everyone at BikeX knows about the bicycles we repair and distribute. This, of course, has been the primary focus of the organization since its founding. The growth and success of BikeX have allowed us to expand our focus to other bike-related accessories, including bicycle locks, helmets, and lights, which we supply to many of our partners alongside the bikes themselves.
This year, we significantly expanded the donation of bike accessories. More than half of our bikes are now accompanied by locks. The need is clear, as most of us are aware of community issues with bike theft. Board Member Jack Miller notes "Given all the effort required by us to repair a bike, it really makes sense to help ensure that these bikes aren‘t immediately stolen from the recipients."
Our partners couldn‘t agree more. Lakesha Roberts, Associate Director of Ecumenical Hunger Program in East Palo Alto indicates "Our number one choice of bicycle accessories is locks. We have lots of clients who come in asking for them." Adds Larry Purcell, founder of Catholic Worker House in Redwood City, "Because most of our clients do not have garages, the locks you supply are GOLD."
In addition to locks, we have also supplied our partners with dozens of helmets and rechargeable lights. This includes a helmet for each of the bikes we supply to our primary children‘s bikes recipient, Sunday Friends. While BikeX does receive an occasional lock or light as a donation, the vast majority of the bike accessories we supply to our partners are purchased by BikeX. Executive Director Andrew Yee has sought out grants to help with the costs, but we welcome donations from anyone in the community to sponsor these items. Please help us continue these donations by sponsoring a light, lock or helmet donation here. You can even pick your favorite charity!
Bikes to provide critical transportation; locks to help prevent theft; helmets and lights to keep riders safe. All are at the core of this organization.