Here in chilly Iowa, we're nine months into our first year of
operating the Des Moines Bicycle Collective.
It seems that every time we turn around, we're tripping over another
stack of heavy, Magna-quality kids' bikes (12 and 16" wheels; some
24"). Most are in such pathetic shape (neglect or abuse) that the
scrap yard appears to be the only solution.
Our board can't seem to reach consensus on the best way to get our
arms around this and still be the good guys that keep bikes out of the
land fill.
I'm confident several of you will offer some first-hand solutions so
we can be more productive.
*It seems a shame to waste volunteer time stripping the bikes of
rubber so we can take them to the scrapyard. We got $10 for our last
truckload of 20 bikes.
*It doesn't make sense to spend much effort tuning up a kids' bike for
a $10 used sale when Walmart sells a new bike for $25-$30.
*Some of us are of the mind that any decent kids' bike should be given
away through Boys and Girls Clubs or similar.
We currently aren't suggesting a donation to drop off any bike (youth
or adult), although that may change soon if we can get a policy passed
for a $10 suggested donation.
Carl carlvoss@mac.com Mobile: 515-210-0237