Proceeds support youth bike education; bike donations may be made any time of year
By Bob & Tracy Palermini for Ashland.news
The skies were overcast, but there was excitement in Ashland on Saturday at the 32nd annual Rogue Valley Bike Swap. Hundreds of bikes of all sizes and types, as well as helmets and bike parts, were available for sale. The consignment sale was co-hosted by Ashland Parks & Recreation, Rogue Valley Transportation District, and Get ‘n Gear; proceeds from the sale benefit the youth bike education fund.
Donated bikes are collected throughout the year, and volunteers staffed bike drop off locations in Ashland and Medford on Friday to take consignment bikes and help owners set asking prices for their bikes. The sale was held at The Grove in Ashland from noon to 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Prospective buyers had an opportunity to view and test ride bikes and get bike safety checks, adjustments, and light tuning at no charge. The Ashland Police Department was also on hand to provide free bike registration, and visitors had opportunities to learn about bike events and local advocacy efforts.
Owners who consigned bikes for the sale receive 80% of the price if their bike is sold. Bikes unsold at the end of the swap must be be picked up by the owners or donated to the bike education program. APRC and RVTD partner with several local aid organizations to provide bicycles to individuals in need of free basic transportation or will carry over bikes for a future swap.
Organizers explained their vision for a new youth bike education program. The goal is to develop a bike safety curriculum and raise enough funds to purchase a fleet of youth bikes, helmets, and a trailer to transport them. The bikes will then be lent to elementary schools in the Rogue Valley so that physical education teachers can incorporate a hands-on bike safety program into their education program.
The 2024 bike swap saw 390 people visit the swap, and almost $18,000 in sales. Both totals are larger than last year, according to Sulaiman Shelton, the event manager for Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission.
Bicycle donations can be made any time during the year. Volunteer work parties are held twice a week throughout the year to work on donated bikes. Contact bike@RVTD.org or 541-552-2264 for more information.
Bob & Tracy Palermini are residents of Ashland, where he is staff photographer for Ashland.news, as well a board member. Email Bob at bobpal@gmail.com.
