With the weather warming up, kids are eager to get outside and enjoy the sunshine with friends. One of the best ways to keep them active and engaged is by biking!
If your child doesn’t have a bike, they may qualify for a FREE bike through the Lake Region’s Adopt-A-Bike program. This program offers bikes to children in need, giving them a chance to experience the joy of biking without the cost.
How the Adopt-A-Bike Program Works
The Lake Region Solid Waste Authority sponsors the Adopt-A-Bike program, which helps divert unwanted and broken bikes from ending up in landfills. These discarded bikes are collected from specific drop-off locations across the Lake Region counties, typically at transfer stations, landfills, or recycling centers. Once collected, the bikes are transported to Franklin County, where they are sent to correctional facilities in Ellsworth or Lansing. Inmates at these facilities work to strip and refurbish the bikes, turning them into sturdy, functional bikes ready for adoption.
Once the bikes are refurbished, they are brought back to Franklin County. From there, they await adoption by families in the community.
How to Apply for a Free Bike
If you are interested in applying for a free bike, applications are available at local ECKAN offices and through various partner organizations who support the program. You can also download the application form online here.
Additionally, you can find program brochures at these designated application locations, which provide detailed information on how the program works, the benefits of cycling, and instructions for submitting your application. You can find a full list of participating locations by county on the Lake Region Solid Waste Authority's website.
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Why the Program is Important
The Adopt-A-Bike program not only helps children in need but also promotes environmental sustainability. By refurbishing bikes and reintroducing them into local communities, the program helps keep unwanted bicycles and associated scrap metal out of landfills. This initiative reduces waste and promotes a more sustainable lifestyle.
The program also contributes to the community by offering bikes to children, helping them engage in healthy recreational activities while supporting a local environmental cause. Behind the scenes, the Adopt-A-Bike program provides valuable job opportunities to inmates at Ellsworth and Lansing Correctional Facilities, who help restore these bikes and give them new life.
Get Your Child Involved Today!
This spring, give your child the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, stay active, and make new memories with a free bike from the Adopt-A-Bike program. By applying, you're not only helping your child but also supporting a community-driven, sustainable initiative that benefits everyone. Don't wait—apply today and get your child on the path to fun and fitness!
Disclaimer: This article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT.
