The City of Reno is peddling toward 500 bicycles to give away in tandem with Christmas in Reno’s Snow Party and Cook-Off.
Bart Jetton, Reno city mayor, said the city’s original goal was 100 bicycles. However, the community came together and they are now nearing 500 bicycles.
The giveaway began in 2019 when the city of Reno wanted to give away a bicycle to a little boy and one to a little girl.
“I saw all the kids that were disappointed they didn’t win,” Jetton said about the giveaway in 2019. “So I went to Walmart and got 12 more bicycles and we gave those away.”
Jetton said he wanted this year’s giveaway to be bigger, so he set a goal of 100 bicycles, and when they reached 70 bicycles, he said, “whatever we don’t reach, I will supply the rest.”
With the help of Reno Mayor Pro Tem Joey McCarthy, Jetton and the city began taking donations.
“It went a lot better than expected,” Jetton said. “I think it’s going to make a bunch of kids happy.”
For anyone who wants to donate either monetarily or a bicycle, donations can be delivered to Reno City Hall, 160 Blackburn St. in Reno. Checks can be made out to The City of Reno.
“We planned on spending some money from the Parks and Trails Committee,” Jetton said, “but we got so many donations, that it can be saved for other purposes.”
The bicycles will be given away during the Christmas in Reno event on Dec. 12 at Reno City Park.