For nearly four decades, Folsom State Prison has been home to a remarkable holiday tradition: an annual bike donation program that delivers refurbished bicycles to those in need across the region. This year, the program continued its legacy of generosity, with more than 200 bikes refurbished by inmates to bring smiles to countless kids—and even some adults—this holiday season.
The bicycles were distributed this week to various nonprofit organizations, which will deliver them to those in need.
The program, which began in 1986, is a collaboration between the prison and several local service organizations, including the Cameron Park Rotary and the Folsom Moose Lodge. Bicycles are donated year-round, many arriving in disrepair. Inside the walls of Folsom Prison, inmates take on the task of restoring the bikes to like-new condition in the prison’s workshop.
“This program allows the incarcerated individuals here to give back,” said Folsom State Prison Warden Joseph Tuggle. “It brings them into the Christmas spirit and gives them a chance to make a positive impact.”
Used bicycles are collected throughout the year through the joint efforts of the prison and its partner organizations. Donations are dropped off at the prison gates or brought to places like the Folsom Moose Lodge. From there, the bikes are delivered to the prison’s unique workshop, where inmates assess and refurbish them.
Parts and supplies to rehabilitate the bicycles are provided by the Cameron Park Rotary, a practice started more than 20 years ago by longtime Rotarian and Moose member Joe Ryan. Since then, the partnership has continued to grow.
Some bikes are stripped for parts, while others are repaired with new tires, seats, and paint. The end result? Bikes that look and function like new, ready to bring joy to those who might otherwise go without.
Robert, an inmate who participated in this year’s program, shared how the experience has changed him.
“I’ve been clean for seven years now, and doing these bikes is something I’ve never been able to do before in prison,” Robert said. “My family is proud of me, and I’m proud of me too. It feels good to do something like this. I’ve spent so much of my life causing chaos, but this program has allowed me to do something good for others. It’s changed me in ways I didn’t think were possible.”
The success of the bike donation program wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Cameron Park Rotary and the Folsom Moose Lodge. The Rotary provides much of the funding and parts needed to restore the bicycles. Joe Ryan, the program’s champion, works year-round to ensure its success.
“I look forward to this event every year, and it really gets better and better,” said Ryan. “From the bicycles seeing new life to the many people it touches during collection, coordination, and distribution, this program is a win-win.”
Next week, Ryan will take part in distributing the bikes that the Moose Lodge has committed to delivering, and he looks forward to bringing smiles to those less fortunate.
Beyond spreading holiday cheer, the program offers inmates a chance to give back to the community. “It’s their chance to contribute in a meaningful way,” added Tuggle. “This program helps participants reconnect with the spirit of giving and feel part of something positive.”
With its origins dating back to 1986, the Folsom State Prison Bike Donation Program continues to be a symbol of community collaboration, redemption, and holiday cheer. As the refurbished bikes are distributed just in time for Christmas, children across the region will experience the joy of unwrapping a special gift that represents much more than just a bicycle.
“This program is about giving second chances—to the bikes, to the children, and to the people who work on them,” Ryan said. “It’s what the holiday season is all about.”
