Bikes for Kids Wisconsin, in partnership with Madison neighborhood collaborators, is set to host a bicycle giveaway this Friday, aimed at addressing gun violence in the community.
Scheduled for June 7 at the east Madison Harmony Apartments, the event will see the distribution of over 40 bicycles to children residing in the North Star neighborhood. Coinciding with the giveaway is an observance of Wear Orange Day, a national initiative raising awareness about gun violence.
The initiative underscores the collaborative efforts of Bikes for Kids Wisconsin and local partners, including the North Star Neighborhood Association. Together, they have readied the bicycles for distribution, aiming to provide children with a source of enjoyment and promote healthy activities as the school year draws to a close.
Kristie Goforth, the executive director of Bikes for Kids Wisconsin, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “[It’s a] great way to end the school year, let kids have bikes, and fun things to do and healthy activities.”
Notably, the event holds particular significance for Officer Victoria Wickersheim, given its location at Harmony apartments, where two homicides occurred last year, one involving a 15-year-old girl. Wickersheim expressed hope that the event would contribute to fostering a safer environment as summer approaches.
“Hopefully [it can] deter any potential violence that this community experienced last year. Not just in the community, but in the city as a whole,” remarked Wickersheim.
The initiative serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts to address safety and gun violence in the North Star community. For those interested in learning more about Bikes for Kids or the upcoming event, further information is available here.