NM Outdoor Recreation Division - Grant Recipient - Free Bikes 4 Kidz New Mexico
Non-profit
3615 Los Picaros Road SE, Albuquerque, NM 87105

Grants Awarded

2026
Outdoor Equity Fund
Bernalillo County
$30,000

Free Bikes 4 Kidz New Mexico (FB4KNM) plans to partner with Valle Vista Elementary School (VVES) in a bid to increase outdoor recreation and educational opportunities for 267 students. The initiative will enhance access to bicycles and safety equipment, fostering healthy habits, and enhancing environmental awareness through an engaging, cycling-based curriculum. Expected outcomes include improved student fitness, increased outdoor safety understanding, and better environmental stewardship. Additionally, the model may serve as a blueprint for expansion to additional schools in the future, focusing on South Valley schools.

Total Grants Awarded: $30,000

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.