Free Bikes 4 Kidz New Mexico
Grants Awarded
FB4KNM will partner with VVES to expand their school’s bicycle fleet and promote more regular, exemplary outdoor experiences for 267 students. OEF funds will directly support 1) the all-volunteer work at FB4KNM to supply bicycles, helmets and safety equipment to VVES and 2) VVES in its development of a robust, stable and engaging bike program, integrated with environmental stewardship programs. This initiative is designed to create pride-of-place and “querencia,” remove barriers to outdoor recreation, build lifelong healthy habits, and connect students to their local environments through safe, age-appropriate cycling-based outdoor education. Primary Goals: To launch during the academic year following funding approval and throughout the following 18 months. Increase equitable access to outdoor recreation by providing a school-owned bicycle fleet so all students, regardless of family income, can participate. Integrate outdoor education into the school curriculum using bicycling as a tool to teach environmental awareness, physical fitness, and experiential learning. Improve student physical and mental well-being through fun, outdoor play. Build foundational outdoor and cycling skills that promote confidence, safety, and long-term engagement in outdoor recreation. Foster environmental stewardship and community connection by encouraging students to explore and care for their local outdoor spaces. Develop a VVES bicycle loaner program by gradually delivering bikes to the campus for loan to students who do not own one. Program Objectives: Providing safe, properly sized bicycles and helmets for student use. Delivering structured outdoor education lessons aligned with grade-level standards. Teaching bicycle safety, trail etiquette, and environmental responsibility. Ensuring long-term sustainability through equipment maintenance and staff training. Our program benefits students at VVES, with priority on 1) the youngest students who do not have right-sized bicycles available, and 2) the fleet expansion for 4th and 5th graders, who will be most involved with Bosque environmental field trips. By embedding part of the program within the school day (during Genius Hour, two recesses and gym classes), the initiative includes students who cannot stay after school for VV Bike Club. Potential Program Scheduled Activities: Guided bicycle rides on school grounds, a nearby park, the Rio Grande Bosque and designated safe routes, with staff and vetted volunteers. Outdoor education lessons that integrate science, PE, and environmental studies. Bicycle safety and skills training, including helmet use, basic bike handling, and rules of the road/trail. Environmental exploration activities, (e.g., observing local ecosystems, learning about native plants, and discussing human impact on outdoor spaces. Team-building and leadership activities emphasizing cooperation, confidence, and personal growth through outdoor movement. Outcomes: Increased student participation in outdoor PE during the school day and during the supervised afterschool hours with Boys & Girls Club. Improved student confidence, fitness, and motor skills. Greater understanding of outdoor safety, environmental stewardship, and healthy lifestyles. Long-term integration of bicycling and outdoor education into VVE’s programming. Establishment of a replicable model that can be expanded to additional schools in the future, with South Valley schools in mind. The community sees many challenges in the conditions of their roads; we can learn by the lack of infrastructure, what needs fixing?
FB4KNM is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing bicycles to children in need across New Mexico. Our organization works to promote equity, health, and independence by ensuring kids have access to safe, reliable bikes. FB4KNM is donation and volunteer-based. We collect donated bicycles from the community and partners, then refurbish them through the help of volunteer cleaners and skilled mechanics. Each bike is carefully cleaned, repaired and safety-checked before being distributed. We fundraise to provide an appropriately-sized helmet with each bicycle given to a child. We collaborate with schools, social service agencies, tribal organizations, and community groups to identify children and families who will benefit most. We have identified and worked with Valle Vista Elementary School in the past, and have developed a strong working relationship with this Title I school in the South Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Beyond bike distribution, we emphasize community engagement, volunteerism, and sustainability. By reusing and restoring bikes, we reduce waste, while fostering hands-on service opportunities for individuals, businesses, and civic groups. With our entirely volunteer crew, FB4KNM helps children gain access to transportation, outdoor learning and recreation, and opportunities for physical activity—supporting healthier lifestyles and stronger communities throughout the state. Our goals with this grant are to further serve the enrollment of VVES in the expansion of a successful program that has a student waiting list, a need for additional bicycles and adult mentors to accompany students on environmental stewardship projects in the Rio Grande Bosque, proximate to the school campus.