MISSOULA, MT— Free Cycles, a long-standing nonprofit organization dedicated to bike repair, reuse, and environmental stewardship, has launched a fundraising campaign to pay off the mortgage on its property and ensure its continued presence in the Missoula community.
The Missoula-based group, founded in 1996, aims to raise $800,000 within the next year to eliminate its property debt. Bob Giordano, executive director and one of Free Cycles’ founding members, emphasized the importance of securing the space for future generations.
“This work is about community coming together, fixing bikes, reusing, recycling, environmental stewardship, and participating in community life,” Giordano said. “We want to raise $800,000 to pay off the debt on this property and ensure we can stay here and keep doing the things we love — and that the community really loves.”
Free Cycles has become a community staple in Missoula, welcoming a diverse range of people from all walks of life. According to Giordano, the organization serves everyone from wealthy donors to unhoused individuals, creating a space where people connect through shared values of sustainability and community engagement.
“We strive to improve the city by putting more people on bikes and making people feel a part of the community,” Giordano explained. “We want to lower pollution and reduce the need to drive everywhere, which harms the community, the planet, and individuals.”
While monetary donations are crucial to reaching their goal, Free Cycles also encourages community members to support the mission in other ways. Giordano invites people to donate extra bikes and tools, volunteer their time, spread the word about the organization, or simply choose to walk and bike more often.
Free Cycles’ fundraising effort is a vital step toward preserving a unique community resource that promotes sustainability, connection, and healthier lifestyles in Missoula.
