Kids Bike Swap seeking donations of children's bikes

Community members are invited to attend the Kid’s Bike Swap on Saturday April 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Flathead Lake State Park Wayfarer’s to trade out their too-small bikes for one that fits properly. The event is being organized by Bigfork's Skyler Doak and a number of other local residents in partnership with REI, Bigfork Innovations Group and the Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce.

“The hope is that we get enough bikes and they can show up and get a bike that’s more appropriate for them,” said Chamber Executive Director Rebekah King.

Doak said he was inspired to hold the swap after volunteering at a similar event hosted by a bike shop in Oregon.

"It just seemed like a good year with limited bike resources with the pandemic and Bigfork not having a bike shop," he said.

Attendees are asked to drop off their bikes before the event so volunteers can get the bikes tuned up and ready to ride. Doak and a handful of other bike enthusiasts will be performing the tune-ups free of charge.

Drop-offs are accepted at the chamber offices, located at 8155 Montana 35, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 12-22 and on the day of the event at the upper lot at Wayfarer’s. Bikes can also be dropped outside those hours by appointment.

In order to test out the bikes, all riders are required to wear a helmet. Those who don't have a bike to exchange are still invited to attend, Doak said. In addition to the swap, there will be raffles and workshops at the event.

"It's just such a good way for kids to get outside and get some exercise," Doak said of biking. "It's also me thinking down the road that Bigfork needs better bike and pedestrian infrastructure and the best way to start with that is getting young residents out and biking."

Flathead State Park Wayfarer's is located at 8600 Montana 35. The Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce offices are at 8155 Montana 35 and can be reached at 837-5888.