Bike Works‘ 16th Annual Kids Bike Swap will be held on Saturday, May 12th, 2012, from 10 am – 4 pm at the Rainier Community Center (4600 38th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118).

This event is an opportunity for families to trade in a bike their child has outgrown for a larger bike – just in time for the summer riding season! The Kids Bike Swap helps to facilitate the flow of affordable bicycles within the community and keeps fully functional bikes out of our local landfills.

How the Kids Bike Swap Works
Bike Works staff and volunteers have been hard at work all year refurbishing used bikes to bring to the Kids Bike Swap. On the day of the event, families can bring bikes that their children have outgrown and the bike is assigned a trade-in value. The families can then look through all of the bikes we have fixed up and pick out a new bike. The trade-in value can then be used to deduct from the cost of their new bike. (If the chosen bike’s value exceeds that of the trade-in value, the customer is responsible for the difference.) Typically, when a bike is swapped the customer is able to take home their newly refurbished ride for $20 or less. Families looking to buy a bike, who do not have a bike to trade in, are welcome to shop for a low-cost bike after 12 pm.

NEW THIS YEAR: The Bike Works Community Festival
Join the hundreds of other families participating in the Kids Bike Swap! To make things even better, this year there’s no need to wait in line. Families can drop off their trade-in bike and enjoy all sorts of fun activities until their number is called. In addition to the Bike Swap and bike activities, all families are invited to join in the festival, with kid-friendly bands, gardening tips, food and much more! There will also be a Family Bike Expo, with examples of different bikes and trailers that allow families to be car free. Admission is free and everyone is welcome at the festival. You don’t have to bring a bike to join in all the activities.

Free Helmets
Seattle Children’s will provide helmet fittings and free bike helmets, as well as provide education on bicycle helmet safety.

Another Kickstarter project- along the same lines of the Lazer Urbanize.

I like the idea of having integrated lights for safety- though for real illumination of the road ahead- a more powerful bar or helmet mount would likely be necessary.

Thanks Mike D!

Today in Seattle:

Cyclists of Seattle Rise Up!

It’s been awhile since we’ve had any major design changes around here, and – with things about to get really busy with the Nine to Five and Tour de Watertower on the horizon – I figured if I didn’t do it now it would probably wait until Fall. We’re still working out the kinks so be sure to let us know how the new site is working for you!

I am loving that Seattle has removed the bollards on the BG going from Fremont to Ballard.
Thanks Seattle.

Coming around to the Pioneer Square Art Walk next month.  You should stop by this:

More information

And then check out the Bicycle Alliance of Washington and their open house and alley party with photos of the Tour de France by Mike Hone.  They’ll be pouring a special collaboration beer by Schooner Exact- so you know it’s going to be good.

Fixed Gear is out.  It’s time to put some flair on the cruiser and hit the road.