In Moncton, Krista Richard has spent the past 14 years collecting donated bicycles, repairing them, and giving them away free of charge through her program, Bikes and Trikes for Everyone. What began as a small community effort has grown into a life-changing project that has helped thousands of children enjoy a more active and connected childhood.
This year, Richard reached a new milestone by giving away 88 bikes in a single day. Last year alone, more than 400 bicycles found new homes with grateful families.
But for Richard, the impact goes far beyond transportation or outdoor fun. She believes bicycles help strengthen communities and encourage children to spend more time outside building friendships instead of staying indoors glued to screens.
She explained that when children ride bikes together, neighbors naturally begin connecting with one another, helping families form stronger community bonds. Her mission reflects a growing movement encouraging outdoor play, healthy activity, and positive social interaction for children of all ages.
The need for the program continues to rise, with hundreds of children currently waiting for bikes. Even so, Richard remains committed to helping as many families as possible, one repaired bicycle at a time.
The most rewarding moments often come from the reactions she receives from the children themselves. One young boy was so excited after receiving his bike that he kept riding past her repeating, “You do good job.”
Stories like that are a reminder that even simple acts of kindness can create lasting memories and bring real joy to families. Through dedication, generosity, and community support, Richard’s program continues to make summers brighter for children who otherwise may have gone without.
For many kids, a bicycle is more than just a toy — it represents freedom, friendship, confidence, and adventure. And thanks to caring people like Krista Richard, those experiences are becoming possible for more children every year.
