Bike Collection Drive FAQ

How do I begin to set up a bike collection drive?

Choose a three or four hour window on a weekend day when the bikes will be collected, and secure a public venue people can find easily, like a school, church, community center, etc. Check our schedule to make sure that your date will not conflict with another drive. Publicize your drive as widely as possible. (Scroll down to see suggested publicity methods)


What kind of bikes do you hope to receive?

We try to rescue bikes that are gathering dust in someone's garage or basement. We aren't looking for folks to donate bikes that they still actively use. We use all types of bikes except heavily rusted ones- these should be recycled.


How can we find out more about how the donated bikes will be used?

Arrange for a member of your group to come to the Bikes Not Bombs center on a Wednesday night. There you will find out about our mission, receive a short tour, and see how bikes are processed for use in our programs.


When the collection is done, will Bikes Not Bombs take away the collected bikes?

A BNB volunteer will arrive during your drive and transport the collected bikes to our Roxbury center at the end of the day. Contact our bike donations coordinator to work out details and get your drive listed on the calendar.


Should we try to get a cash donation with each bike?

Processing, storing, and transporting bikes costs money- we request a $10 donation with each bike, if possible, but we won't turn away bikes if the donor cannot afford to make a cash donation.


Is additional volunteer help on the day of the collection desirable?

Yes, day-of volunteers can help unload, process, and load the bikes. Two or three is generally a good number of volunteers.


Are donations to Bikes Not Bombs tax deductible?

We are a 501 (c) 3 charity under the IRS code; donated bikes are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.


What are some ways to publicize my bike drive?

-Ask for a small blurb or article to be printed in the town paper
-Post a notice on the town events site or email list
-Send a notice home with each kid in a certain school
-Make an announcement at your church
-Post signs on utility poles and bulletin boards in high traffic areas around town
-Put a notice at your local transfer station
-Mention it to your local bike shop owner- see if they have abandoned bikes or parts


Anything else?

Yes! Click here to read the musings of a local mom who organized a successful bike drive along with her son in 2005.