Bike Del Rio Launches Bike Donation Program

Bike Del Rio hosted "Volunteer Night" on April 29 before their weekly Tuesday social ride

Addressing a critical transportation gap in Del Rio, Bike Del Rio has launched a vital Bike Donation Program to provide bicycles to community members facing financial hardship. Bike Del Rio, a ragtag team of passionate volunteers dedicated to promoting cycling for fun, fitness, and community wellness, is expanding its impact with a new mission focused on service. Over the last 2 years, they have cultivated a thriving cycling culture in Del Rio, supported local wellness nonprofits, and advocated for better biking infrastructure.

Residents have reached out to Bike Del Rio (BDR) and requested resources for low-income community members who are interested in bicycling or are in dire need of a bike. They said, “we learned that accessibility to the group was limited by a socioeconomic gap.” And the Bike Donation Program was born! BDR recently acquired 15 bicycles for donation to local residents and is actively seeking nominations for recipients, 5 bikes still need to find their match.

While some of the 15 bikes will be used for parts, the goal is to refurbish and donate 10 bikes to community members in need. Before the bikes can be given away, they require tune-ups and replacement of some parts. To further empower the recipients and the wider community, BDR is hosting a free maintenance workshop to teach essential bike care. Donation recipients and their sponsors will be specifically invited to attend this workshop to learn how to properly maintain their new bikes. Once all the donated bikes have been inspected and pass rigorous safety checks, BDR will hold a ceremony where the recipients will receive their bike, along with a helmet and a bike lock.

Bike Del Rio ride leaders picked up surplus bikes from the DRPD warehouse, after winning the auction

Donations will be prioritized for people who cannot otherwise afford to purchase a bike, already know how to ride a bike, and rely upon biking as their main mode of transportation. BDR is directly addressing hurdles faced by community members whose bikes have been lost, stolen, or broken and who lack the financial means for replacement, forcing them to walk long distances to work or school. Some donors already identified include: a woman who commutes 6 miles every day on foot, a man who lost everything in a fire, a homeless resident, a hardworking deaf chef, and an elderly veteran whose bike was stolen.

"Bike Del Rio, working in our community, has identified a short list of individuals within Del Rio who are facing significant transportation challenges. This includes individuals with disabilities who rely on walking to get to work, and others whose bicycles (their primary mode of transport) have broken down and who lack the resources to replace them, forcing them to walk long distances. Providing these individuals with reliable transportation will directly improve their quality of life, increase their access to employment and essential services, and enhance their overall well-being," stated Bike Del Rio in a public announcement.

Founded in March 2023 by a small group of volunteers, Bike Del Rio has rapidly grown to encompass over 600 members. BDR has built strong friendships. Their past community service efforts were primarily in a support role for other local non-profits. Now, they are tackling a project on their own. This heartwarming initiative coincides with Bike Del Rio's ongoing efforts to strengthen its volunteer base.

On Tuesday evening, April 29, the organization held a "Volunteer Night" at Mesquite Creek Outfitters and invited community members to learn more about how they can contribute to Bike Del Rio's mission. Volunteer Night aimed to engage a new wave of enthusiastic individuals to help sustain and expand the group's activities. Attendees heard about the current needs of Bike Del Rio, the rewarding experience of becoming a ride leader, and various local initiatives where volunteers are needed. The evening also provided a platform for sharing ideas and connecting with fellow cycling enthusiasts.

BDR volunteers are called Ride Leaders. While the group has seen some changes in ride leadership over time, its core mission and vision remain strong. They continuously educate new riders in skills and safety, taking a “safety first” approach. Their motto is, “no rider left behind,” ensuring all new riders feel safe and comfortable on the road and with the peloton.

Gilda Morin described her journey, from a first-time rider with the group, to now a committed Ride Leader: “I was hesitant at first because I don’t ride fast and I don’t know much about cycling, I was worried I couldn’t keep up. But I never felt like I would be left behind. I felt protected, I thought, I can do this. I learned that being a Ride Leader means more than being in the front, it's about helping new riders learn the routine and helping everyone get back safe. Usually, I ride in the back and make sure no one gets lost. There are many different ways to help.”

Jake Carsten has been a key player for Bike Del Rio's advocacy and infrastructure projects, including collaborations with the Del Rio Rotary Club and Del Rio Parks Foundation on initiatives like Hike/Bike Trails proposed near the Golf Course, the Bike Pump Track proposed near the Skate Garden, and the "All Kids Bike" program implemented at Elementary Schools. Carsten also helped push forward the 2025 BMX Action Sports Event with the Main Street Program, and helped Bike Del Rio become affiliated with the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA).

Bike Del Rio have transformed bike riding into a form of community service

Ana Sanchez, an avid biker and runner, volunteers with Bike Del Rio, the Amistad PTSD Awareness Group, Del Rio Run Crew, and more, demonstrating Bike Del Rio's collaborative spirit. During BDR Volunteer Night, Sanchez outlined upcoming volunteer opportunities, where bikers can ride as a community service. Bike Del Rio supports running events that fundraise and raise awareness. They escort runners to the finish lines at various 5Ks and the annual Amistad PTSD Awareness Marathon. Ride Leaders also have the opportunity to help educate new riders on bike skills and safety. Like at the upcoming Bike Rally, hosted by Safe Kids Val Verde and the Val Verde Regional Medical Center (VVRMC), on May 31st.

Volunteers emphasized the crucial role community involvement plays in keeping Bike Del Rio's wheels turning. As the organization continues to grow and evolve, and old ride leaders cycle out, BDR needs young blood to keep the momentum going. The group is also actively seeking donations to support their programs: used bicycles, helmets, lights, locks, air pumps, tubes, wheel repair kits, and first aid kits. Anyone can be of service and is also encouraged to connect.

Follow the link to contact Bike Del Rio about volunteer opportunities, community bike rides, or the bike donation program. Connect with the group via Facebook messenger. www.facebook.com/groups/bikedelrio.