Bikes, Hope, and Good Karma

Grantee Spotlight

One of this year’s grantees is Good Karma Bikes, a nonprofit bike shop dedicated to serving low-income families, veterans, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Through their programs, they refurbish thousands of donated bicycles—providing mobility, independence, and a renewed sense of possibility to those in need.

This past year, Good Karma Bikes tackled a pressing issue in East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park: chronic absenteeism in local schools. With rates as high as 55 percent at schools like Costano Elementary, many children couldn’t attend school simply because they lacked transportation.

To address this challenge, Good Karma Bikes partnered with City Year, providing free bikes, helmets, and locks to students across the district. Since October 2023, they’ve distributed 60 bikes to children in grades K-6, ensuring they can get to school reliably and safely. This spring, Good Karma Bikes worked to expand the program to more schools and collaborate with the Boys and Girls Club to meet additional needs.

As we reflect on the season of giving, stories like this remind us of the power of generosity. Imagine the joy of a child receiving their first bike—along with the opportunity to attend school and chase their dreams. Good Karma Bikes’ mission embodies the spirit of connection, collaboration, and generosity PACF fosters.