How to Donate Used Bicycles in Washington State

Bicycles that are no longer being used or that are outgrown by their owners can easily be donated to a number of locations in Washington State. Both child and adult bikes of all types are accepted. The donated bikes are refurbished and given to someone who can't afford a bike of their own in both the local communities and in foreign countries. Washington offers a number of programs and charities to choose from.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Different Bike Programs

Things You’ll Need:

Old or outgrown bicycle

Step 1

Learn about Earn-a-Bike programs. Kids or adults that can't afford to buy a bicycle can earn one. Depending on the specific program, bikes are earned by working in a bike shop or by learning to fix bikes.

Step 2

Learn about Work4Wheels. This program gives bikes to low-income adult volunteers that donate their time to earn a bicycle.

Step 3

Select a charity. There are many opportunities to donate a bicycle all over Washington, including:

Bellingham Pedal Project
P.O. Box 3133
Bellingham, Washington
Phone: 360-671-3456

Bike Works
3709 South Ferdinand Street
Seattle, WA 98118
Phone: 206-725-9408
E-mail: info@bikeworks.org
Website: http://www.bikeworks.org
Their programs "invest in young people and encourage bicycling as a clean and healthy transportation alternative."

Sharing Wheels Community Bike Shop
2531 Broadway
Everett, WA
Phone: 425-252-6952
Website: http://www.sharingwheels.org
Their goal is "Connecting unused bicycles to people who need wheels" and they meet this by providing bicycles for both community programs and international programs.

The Bikery
1265 S Main St. #104
Seattle, WA
Phone: 206-568-3535
E-mail: info @thebikery.org
Website: http://www.thebikery.org
They provide Seattle and the surrounding areas with opportunities to "learn about, repair, and safely enjoy your bike."

Step 4

Check the charity's requirements. Donations can ebb and flow, creating times when organizations don't need certain items. They may have too many kids or adult bikes to house in their storage. The charity may also require that bicycles meet a certain standard. Check with your charity to make sure that you are donating a bike that matches their needs. Find out if cleaning or repairing is needed. Even if it's not required, most welcome a bike that has been freshly washed or tuned-up.

Step 5

Drop off your bike. Getting the bike to the charity can mean dropping it off at a certain location, at a certain date. Often volunteers can pick the bike up, or local bike shops will also take bikes. Check with the charity to find out how to get the bike to them.

Tips & Warnings

Many local bike shops are also affiliated with charities and swaps, and are great sources of information about donating your bike.

Article Written By Sarah Shelton

Based in Oregon, Sarah Shelton has worked as a freelance writer since 2008. She enjoys covering travel, home and garden, and automotive topics. Her articles have appeared nationwide with Internet Broadcasting, Adventure Travel and Real Estate Experts. With a major in biology, Shelton received her Bachelor of Science from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.

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