Future of Pedal It Forward
Story and Photography by Kai Caddy
Pedal It Forward staff makes sure bikes and helmets fit their new riders.
Pedal it Forward’s executive director, Kenny Williams, said the next step in the business is working on a way to pivot into repairing bikes for those who aren’t able to afford repairs.
“A bike is great, but all bikes break and, unfortunately, fixing a bike can be as expensive as purchasing a bike, depending on the bike and the problem,” he said. “So, we’re starting to realize that we’re gonna have to be strategic about how we offer bike repair in a way that doesn’t compete with our local bike shops. We have such a good relationship with them. They send people to us all the time. That’s because sometimes they have to have the honest conversation: Your bike is totaled or the cost to repair your bike at the market rate is way out of your budget, but there’s a place that can help you.”
Williams said they are also working on ways to get higher-quality bikes to those who have shown a passion for cycling.
“We are focusing on more creative ways to get bikes to the right people,” he said. “We’re encouraging donations of entry-level mountain bikes. A subset of ‘everyone deserves a bike’ is that every kid who has actually fallen in love with mountain biking and joined the NICA team deserves a decent mountain bike. We run it the same way, but we hold every decent mountain bike that comes through and we are constantly asking the NICA coaches who’s that kid on your team who’s on a loaner who’s gonna have to return their bike at the end of the season?”
Moving into the rural areas of Benton and Washington counties has also been a point of emphasis.
“We’ve been going hard in Pea Ridge,” Williams said. “We’ve been doing tons of bikes in Decatur. We did a bike giveaway last year in Goshen. We’re getting onto these towns that are growing. Benton and Washington counties are big places, they want bikes out there to rip around on the dirt roads.”
Pedal It Forward staff makes sure bikes and helmets fit their new riders.
How to Get Involved
Pedal It Forward NWA
Williams said the biggest ways to support are:
1. Donate a bike or your old bike stuff.
2. Volunteer.
3. $25 funds the repair of one bike.
Locations:
Bentonville: 3902 NW Wishing Springs Road.
Rogers: 315 W. Olive St.
Springdale: 922 E. Emma Ave.
Visit pedalitforward.org for more info
In Central Arkansas
Recycle Bikes for Kids
717 E. 10th St., North Little Rock
Founded in 2008, RB4K has donated more than 23,000 bikes. Donated bikes go to kids for free. Adults have the opportunity to earn bikes.
The shop is open for volunteers Mondays from 1-7 p.m. or by appointment throughout the week.
Bike donations can be dropped off at: Arkansas Cycling and Fitness, The Community Bicyclist, J&P Bike Shop, Southwest Bike Shop, Spokes, Trek of Little Rock, Shift Modern Cyclery and Subaru of Little Rock.
Visit recyclebikesforkids.org for more info.
Conway Cycling Project
1820 Old Morrilton Highway
The Conway Cycling Project assists residents of Conway with bicycle repairs, maintenance and safety instruction, and also takes in gently used bikes and refurbishes them for those who need bicycles.
Volunteer hours vary by week. Check the group’s Facebook group for updates.
Visit cycleconway.com/conway-cycling-project for more information.
