By: Belle Norton
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) — Fayetteville residents now have a more convenient way to donate their old bicycles, thanks to a new partnership between the city’s Recycling and Trash Collection (RTC) Department and the nonprofit Pedal It Forward. The initiative aims to keep bikes out of landfills while providing free, refurbished bicycles to those in need within the community.
Pedal It Forward is a nonprofit organization that collects and repairs donated bikes before distributing them across Northwest Arkansas. Previously, the nearest drop-off site was in Springdale, making it difficult for some Fayetteville residents to contribute. With this new location, residents now have a local and accessible option to donate year-round.
The program aligns with the city’s environmental goals, including diverting 40% of waste from landfills. Each year, around 15 million bicycles are discarded globally, many ending up in landfills. With this program, Fayetteville residents can now donate used bikes, bike parts, and bike accessories year-round, reducing unnecessary waste. Even bicycles that are too damaged to be repaired will not go to waste, as they can be recycled for scrap metal, ensuring minimal waste.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the program provides reliable transportation to individuals who may not have access to other options. Bicycles offer an affordable and sustainable way to commute to work, attend appointments, or travel to school. The initiative also helps individuals gain independence while promoting physical activity.
“This is helping our entire region,” Faebyan Whittle, environmental educator, said. “Not only being more healthy and having an active life but give them mobility so if they need to get to work or they need to get to an appointment they actually have a way of transporting themselves.”
Pedal It Forward works with various local organizations, called Pedal Partners, to distribute bikes to underserved populations. These partners include schools, the Department of Veterans Affairs, youth programs, homeless shelters, and recovery programs. Many of these groups have developed bicycle-based initiatives to support their missions and help individuals gain independence.
While Pedal It Forward receives donated bikes, the organization still faces costs associated with refurbishing them, purchasing helmets, renting shop space, and transporting bikes to distribution sites. The nonprofit relies on community support through donations, sponsorships, and volunteers who assist with bike repairs and deliveries.
Residents can donate bicycles in any condition, as volunteers repair and refurbish them before giving them away. Even those beyond repair can be salvaged for parts or recycled. The organization also accepts bike accessories, such as helmets, locks, and lights, to ensure recipients have everything they need for safe riding.
Fayetteville residents who want to contribute can drop off donations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Recycling and Trash Collection office, located at 1560 S. Happy Hollow Road. Those interested in volunteering or making a financial contribution can learn more at pedalitforward.org.