Meals on 2 Wheels Rollout Celebration

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courtesy Bikes for Kids Wisconsin

Meals on 2 Wheels volunteer Pepe Barros, an e-cargo bike and trailer.

Meals on 2 Wheels volunteer Pepe Barros, an e-cargo bike and trailer.

media release: Bikes for Kids Wisconsin, a nonprofit dedicated to providing access to bicycle-based transportation solutions for unserved communities, will launch a new program called Meals on 2 Wheels on Tuesday, June 2, at 10:00 A.M at the bike center located at 354 Coyier Lane, Madison, WI 53713. By using e-cargo bikes to deliver groceries from food pantries, this innovative food access program will serve individuals facing the most significant transportation and mobility barriers, nearly emission free. 

The public is invited to celebrate the inaugural season of the launch of Meals on 2 Wheels on June 2 from 10:00 A.M. – 10:45 A.M. By using e-cargo bikes and trailers, Bikes for Kids Wisconsin will leverage its volunteer workforce to increase access to food by delivering groceries from The River Food Pantry. The Rollout Celebration kicks off the start of the inaugural season for Meals on 2 Wheels which will run from June 2 through October. The program was made possible by financial  support from Willy Street Co-op, MGE Foundation, Dane County, and Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin. More details can be found on their website at https://bikesforkidswi.org/announcing-meals-on-2-wheels/ 

In fall of 2025, the organization piloted the program focusing on the final mile delivery of getting food to peoples’ doorsteps using bikes as the solution. The pilot program was very successful and demonstrated that e-cargo bikes were just as efficient as car delivery and proved to be easier due to the nimble nature of bikes having the ability to pull right up to the door with no parking needed. Pilot rider, Pepe Barros, stated that, “Bicycles make so much sense for these types of operations especially in cities like Madison.” 

Jamie Midthun, the River Delivers coordinator stated, “Not only does this partnership increase the number of deliveries we’ll be able to make each week thereby increasing access to food in our community, it also reduces transportation barriers to healthy food for underserved households in the Madison region. We also see important relationships blossoming out of the delivery model versus the impersonal experience of shopping for groceries.” 

The event will feature refreshments and a food and tube drive with nonperishable food donations going to The River Food Pantry and new bike tubes or gently used bike parts going to Bikes for Kids Wisconsin. This event will take place during Madison Bike Week as an added bonus for those wanting to embrace Bike Week events.

Volunteers needed!

Love sitting in the saddle? Want to pedal with a purpose? Sign up as a volunteer Delivery Rider for our new Meals on 2 Wheels Program starting June 2 through October 2026! Riders will deliver groceries by bike from The River Food Pantry to people who are confined to their homes. Routes are 12-15 miles and take place Tuesday through Friday. Commit to one shift a week or more! Our goal is to recruit 15 volunteers. Commit to a weekly route or signup as a backup rider if they need a substitute.

MORE DETAILS

• We will provide the e-cargo bike and trailer thanks to grant supporters like the Willy Street Coop! The e-cargo bike will not be a front loaded bike.

• You'll pick up the bike at Bikes for Kids then head to The River to load up. River staff will provide you with your locations. Your route will end at a location close to Bikes for Kids. 

• Training will be provided prior to your first shift so you can practice riding the bike and hauling a large load. 

• The public is invited to join us for the Meals on 2 Wheels rollout event on the morning of Tuesday, June 2nd as our Bike Week event at BFKWI!

Email us for info or to sign up or for questions. Support innovative delivery that creates a healthier community for all! 

Bikes for Kids Wisconsin is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides bicycle-based transportation solutions for underserved communities. The organization offers an array of programming including the Bike Giveaway and Bike to Work Programs, Bike Mechanics Youth Education Program, and the  Meals on 2 Wheels grocery delivery program. Bikes for Kids is open to the public for bike sales and repair services.