'This is transforming lives': Howard nonprofit distributes thousands of free bikes to children in need

Dec. 13—Ted Cochran still remembers his first bicycle, a single speed red Murray.

Cochran, 68, grew up in Clarksville and would take his Murray to the Wilde Lake Giant when it first opened to buy 30-cent root beer and bike around empty parking lots with friends.

"It was a blast," said Cochran, whose father, Edward L. Cochran, served as Howard County executive in the 1970s. "We were very independent back then and I think it's important that kids have that same sort of experience."

After returning to the county in 2019, Ted Cochran harnessed his lifelong love of cycling to launch Free Bikes 4 Kidz Maryland, the local affiliate of a Minneapolis-based nonprofit with one mission: to give away as many bikes as possible to children in need.

Since its first year distributing about 500 bikes, the organization has grown exponentially. On Dec. 10, FB4K Maryland gave away nearly 1,000 bicycles of all shapes, sizes and colors at its annual Giveaway Day event.

"I'm ecstatic with the growth and the work of Free Bikes 4 Kidz, ensuring that our young people not only have bikes for fun but for their physical and mental health," said County Executive Calvin Ball, as he walked amid a sea of bikes at the giveaway. "This is transforming lives."

FB4K volunteers, clad in purple shirts and Santa hats, presented families and children referred by public schools, nonprofits and social service agencies, with bikes and helmets. Since Oct. 1, more than 3,000 volunteer hours and 25 gallons of cleaning fluid went into refurbishing the bike fleet, which was sourced from public donations as well as the Alpha Ridge Landfill.

"I think it's really amazing what they're doing for the community," said Brandi Stokenbury, 28, of Jessup, whose children Kayden, Brooke and Mia received bikes at the event. "Bikes are really expensive."

Kayden plans to bike with his friends and siblings, and was pleased with his new bike's blue and orange colors.

"I'm glad I got it," he said. "It goes similar with my school colors and I like how the brakes work."

DJ Hill, 11, of Columbia, was equally happy with his bike's purple frame, which matched his Baltimore Ravens sweatshirt.

"I feel great," said Hill, who wants to practice using the gear shifter. "Like, really great."

Opening opportunities, one bike at a time

Bike ownership can lead to a variety of health and economic benefits, Cochran said, but the cost means many children lack access to cycling in the county.

"We're very wealthy, but very stratified in wealth," he said. "There are more than enough kids that the schools can refer to us."

About 30% of Howard County public school students are enrolled in the Free and Reduced Price Meals program, according to Superintendent Michael Martirano, a nearly 10% increase from the 2014-2016 school year.

"Families that are having that much trouble putting food on the table certainly can't afford [to buy] their kids a bike," Cochran said. "These kids are not getting the experiences that a lot of other kids get."

When the refurbishment season starts in October, FB4K welcomes volunteers of all skill levels to help with bike prep, from filling tires to replacing broken gears. New cyclists and students who help out learn basic mechanics.

"It's a safe place for them to learn how to work on bikes and improve their skills, because if they mess it up someone else will be there to help," said Betsy Schultz, a physical education teacher at Bellows Spring Elementary School and FB4K Maryland vice president who runs the school system's bicycle education program.

A sustainable future for Howard County bikes

Last year, the global bicycle market was valued at nearly $60 billion, with 20 million units sold in the U.S. alone, according to technology consultant SkyQuest. But millions of children's bikes are outgrown every year, leaving a virtually limitless supply for FB4K to tap into.

As part of their sustainable model, FB4K Maryland strips parts from any bikes they can't use and sends them to a recycling center, rather than leaving them in landfills.

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In 2019 the County Council adopted its Complete Street Policy, a series of infrastructure improvements, from expanded sidewalks to pedestrian crossings, to promote walking, biking and more sustainable forms of transportation in the region. In fiscal 2021, the initiative installed or repaired 76 crosswalks and 14 miles of trail and bicycle infrastructure.

"We've expanded our pathways and roadway system to create a truly multimodal transportation system to connect our community," Ball said. "Free Bikes 4 Kidz, and the county's investment in Free Bikes 4 Kidz, is helping to make that a reality."

While the Columbia Giveaway Day continues to grow, Cochran wants to expand FB4K Maryland's efforts beyond county lines. During the next week, his team is distributing another 1,000 bikes to nonprofits and schools in Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Montgomery counties, along with Baltimore City, bringing the annual giveaway total close to 3,000.

Increased bike use ultimately creates a healthy environment for all road users, said Chris Tsien, a cycling enthusiast and FB4K Maryland board member. As county governments invest more money in infrastructure and younger generations embrace cycling, drivers will keep a closer eye on the road.

"The more people on bicycles, the safer it is to bicycle," Tsien said. "If your kid is out there on a bicycle, you're going to drive more safely."

To learn more about how to volunteer, donate or receive a bike, visit: https://fb4kmaryland.org/