“Good Wheel to All, and to All A Good Bike!”

That’s the refrain that now cycles throughout the metro – just in time for the holiday season, thanks to Free Bikes 4 Kidz. The Omaha nonprofit helps bring joy to under-served boys and girls during their annual bike give-away, held mid-December.

But like Santa’s elves, this massive goodwill effort is being done behind the scenes – in garages, warehouses and other venues – throughout the year.

In fact, its national collection drive had already been kick-started for more than 15 years.

So, just who’s greasing these wheels ...

Well, it all began, not so long ago, in a land, nearer than Omaha to the North Pole. Minneapolis, which can feel like a wintery wonderland – if you catch our drift.

“In 2008, Free Bikes 4 Kidz was born as a one-time hobby in a two-car garage, when a group of passionate cyclists collected, refurbished, and gave away 250 bikes over a two-week period,” according to its national organization, “then the following year – 5,000 bikes, and only grew from there.

“Since then, that hobby has grown to become the largest organization of its kind in the country,” it said.

In the years since, FB4K has expanded exponentially, with Omaha, the 18th city to open a chapter in the United States in 2022, and even more chapters around the country shifting into high gear.

To date, more than 100,000 free bikes have rolled through FB4K giveaways over the years, with future sights set on other locations throughout the United States and other parts of the world, the organization said.

But it takes more than a little magic to achieve this “good wheel” effort, according to Kevin Thompson, Vice President FNBO Corporate and Specialty Banking, who serves as Omaha’s chapter president.

In mid-2022 Thompson just happened to cross paths with Terry Esau, the founder of FB4K, and a national board member, who convinced him to establish a local chapter, now governed by a six-member board, mostly avid cyclists, all committed to community betterment.

“An organization that refurbishes bikes and gives them out to kids in the community for free is something I am happy to be involved with,” he said, of his commitment. “I look forward to the impact FB4K will have on Omaha’s youth,” he said of their projected goals.

Although not all the bikes are new, they are definitely brought up-to-speed, thanks to the chapter’s league of volunteers, who ensures they are mechanically ready to roll.

“The public donates gently used bikes, we organize volunteers to clean and refurbish them, and then we give them away to youth-serving, nonprofits and other organizations,” he said of their collection and distribution program.

 And, much like the classic tale of old and discarded toys, the same sentiment rings true for the donated cycles. They are just waiting for a child to love.

 “Every year, 25 million bikes are sold in the U.S. One-third of those bikes are 20-inch, wheel size or smaller. Since kids grow like weeds, over 8 million bikes are outgrown each year. This means there is a virtually endless supply of bikes with more life left in them, that need a new home,” he said. 

And, apparently, an ample supply of children, some who remain on the waiting list for their free set of wheels.

“FB4K Omaha provides hundreds of bikes each year to kids who don't have access to one. Many kids have never had a bike before they receive one from us, said Steph Dorland, marketing director at Max I. Walker and a founding board member.

You could say, the nonprofit is right within her wheelhouse. A media professional, she helps direct communications for the organization.

“I have been involved with FB4K Omaha since we started the chapter in 2022. My company sponsors the organization, and I met Kevin Thompson, our board president, through that. Kevin asked me to join the board shortly after, and I was thrilled to do so. I am a mom and a cyclist myself, so a nonprofit that benefits kids by getting them on bikes, outside, creating healthy habits and great memories, was an easy ‘yes’ for me,” she said.

“Besides the obvious benefits of getting exercise and improving overall health, for kids the benefit of biking is even bigger. It gets kids outside, away from screens, and out into fresh air and sunshine. Owning a bike instills a sense of pride and responsibility into a child, and they experience the freedom that comes with getting to explore their community with friends,” she said.

Thompson, working in tandem to expand their reach, agreed.

“The organization is specifically geared toward helping all kids ride into a happier, healthier childhood by providing bikes to those most in need. Not to mention, freedom to move around the community and provide transportation,” he said.

Even in the digital age, where social media seems to rule, they have perceived an uptick in cycling.

“We believe it is definitely an increased activity. The improvement in trail systems is probably the biggest driver,” he said, urging all cyclists to take get outside and enjoy them.

To date, the Omaha chapter has given away around 1,600 bikes, 500 in 2022 and 1,100 in 2023, their first two seasons. In 2024, they hope to giveaway 1,500 bikes. But that’s not all.

‘Every bike comes with a brand new helmet as well, so kids can begin riding safely right away, and that also ensures there is no financial burden on recipient families,” said Dorland, who urges children to stay on sidewalks, parks or designated trails. 

Down the road, as an added service, the chapter hopes to offer bike safety classes.

“We have a new board member this year, who is a trauma prevention specialist with UNMC, and, with his help, we would love to create and offer some bike safety programs for kids in the future,” she said.

Otherwise, to help children learn the rules of the road, UNMC held a success bike rodeo in April of this year, and Children’s Hospital has an annual event where they give away hundreds of free helmets each summer, she added.

To receive FB4K’s free bikes and helmets, recipients must be a non-profit, faith-based, school or community organization, they said.

The application process, as well as how to volunteer, donate, FAQs and other pertinent information is listed on the local chapter’s web site: https://fb4komaha.org.

“The last two years, we have had 20 organizations apply to receive bikes from us each year. Some have applied both years, and received bikes from us twice. They include Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands, Partnership 4 Kids, Latino Center of the Midlands, YMCA of Greater Omaha, Completely Kids, CUES School System, Dreams V Reality, plus many more,” Dorland said.

“We are proud to say that every organization that has applied to receive bikes from us over the past two years has received some bikes. We are not always able to fulfill the bike requests 100 percent, but we try to spread the love around to as many organizations as possible,” she said.

But they hope to course correct that.

“As we continue to grow, we expect both the number of bikes donated and the number of organizations requesting to receive bikes to increase, so it will be cool to watch the continued growth of FB4K Omaha,” she said.

Although the board gives freely of their time, they do have a few paid seasonal employees to facilitate cleaning, repairs and bike distribution.

“For a couple months during our campaign each year, we need dozens of volunteers to come in and clean bikes. Anyone can volunteer for this job, even kids, and it's a wonderful opportunity for clubs, organizations, team, troops and groups to volunteer together. We have several volunteer shifts each week – afternoons, evenings and weekends. And we also need a handful of volunteers with bike mechanic experience to make minor repairs or adjustments to bikes,” she said.

Their volunteer seasons runs through October and November. Last year they enlisted 200 volunteers, but they could always use more.

In addition to grants, their mission is made possible by the support of sponsors, including Baxter Auto Group, FNBO, Max I. Walker, Chesterman Co., The Parker Family Foundation, The William & Ruth Scott Family Foundation, plus many individual donors.

“It takes an average of only $25 to get a kid on a bike, so small dollar donations go a long way with FB4K Omaha, and everyone can make an impact, even if they don't have a lot to give,” she said.

Baxter has been a supporter of and contributor to the organization since it launched in Omaha, according to Mandy Wood, its director of communications.

“Last year, we funded the purchase of 1,000 helmets to give away with the new bikes. Everyone loved seeing so many kiddos with their new helmets and bikes,” she said.

“Partnering with Free Bikes 4 Kidz has been incredibly fulfilling for us. Their dedication to providing bikes to children in need not only promotes physical activity but also fosters a sense of joy and independence among young riders. We're proud to support an organization that truly makes a difference in our community,” she added.

However, people are asked to hold on to the bikes until the annual collection day, typically held toward the end of September, when they will be readied for riders.

“We look to find free or reduced rental space to store, clean and repair the bikes each year. It has been in two different locations thus far and will be in another location in 2024, to be determined,” Thompson said.

“We rely on the generosity of the community. Thanks to Storage Depot, NP Dodge, Millwork Commons and Milt's Storage, we have never had to pay for any storage space for the bikes,” Dorland said.

Once the bikes are ready for distribution, the recipient organizations retrieve the bikes from the temporary warehouse.

“Some organizations bring the youth they serve to receive bikes directly, others load up bikes to take back to their facility and distribute them there,” she said.

“The kids are absolutely thrilled to receive the bikes. We see so many smiles and so much joy and gratitude on giveaway day, which is right before Christmas. Sometimes the bikes are given as Christmas presents to the kids, and we can imagine how happy that day is when there is a bike under the tree,” she said.

Jim Swanson, director of Student and Family Support for the CUES School System, who helped distribute the bikes, agreed.

The CUES system, which includes Sacred Heart, Holy Name and All Saints schools, received close to 150 bikes during the past two years.

Many of CUES students include an under-resourced group of families. Of them, 43 percent are not from the United States, stemming from East Africa, Central and South America and Burma. Of that number, 10 to 12 percent of the students are under refugee status, he said.

Swanson knows first-hand the benefits of biking. Prior to CUES, he spent 27 years at Creighton Prep, as a counselor, basketball and soccer coach, as well as Spanish and theology instructor.

During that time, he rode his bike to school almost 3 to 4 miles daily, 80 percent of the time.

“Not only does it keep bikes out of the land fills, but gets kids outside, offering physical activity that helps strengthen their core and balance,” he said.

However, those are not the only benefits. There’s an even bigger picture here. One that can truly help the world – in essence – go round.

“We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel here. But to connect families to organizations that already exist,” he said.

The “good wheel” helps generate good will.

“As a result, families work with us even more to help support them. The important thing is that it is creating a bond to show we are all in this together.”

Putting his personal spin on the free bike giveaway, he calls it a “fantastic” program,” and hopes to participate again this year.

Since FB4K Omaha is a registered nonprofit, 100 percent of contributions are tax-deductible. The board ensures that 90 percent of all contributions go toward bikes for kids – only a small percent is used to cover other costs.

New or gently-used bikes of any size, including Strider bikes with no pedals, ideal for smaller children, will be accepted.

“We want bikes that look good and are safe and fun to ride,” they said.

To donate, volunteer or apply for bikes, please visit their web site at https://fb4komah.