It was cold and rainy Saturday, but at the Folsom Moose Lodge, excitement was shining bright for the organization’s annual Christmas bike giveaway. Braving the weather, families gathered that the lodge on Scott Street,where there were many young faces were shining bright with anticipation and graciousness.
This year’s event was made possible through a partnership between the Folsom Moose Lodge and the Folsom Prison Bike Program, a unique initiative that combines restoration, redemption, and community service. Since 1986, inmates at Folsom State Prison have been refurbishing donated bicycles in a workshop within the prison walls. These bikes, often arriving in disrepair, are transformed into like-new condition by inmates who meticulously replace parts, repaint frames, and ensure the bikes are ready for new riders.
The highlight of the day was the moment when children’s names were called, and they excitedly stepped forward to claim their newly refurbished bikes. Laughter and cheers echoed through the lodge as shiny bicycles found new homes.
“This program allows the incarcerated individuals here to give back,” said Folsom State Prison Warden Joseph Tuggle earlier this month as Folsom Prison distributed some 200 bikes to local organizations like the Folsom Moose Lodge. “It brings them into the Christmas spirit and gives them a chance to make a positive impact.”
As detailed in a previous Folsom Times article earlier this month, Folsom Prison’s bike workshop receives support from organizations like the Cameron Park Rotary and the Folsom Moose Lodge. Longtime Rotarian and Moose member Joe Ryan has been instrumental in sustaining the program, securing funding and coordinating the year-round collection of bicycles. Some bikes are stripped for parts, while others are restored with new tires, seats, and fresh paint, ensuring they are safe and appealing for their new owners.
This year, the Folsom Moose Lodge not only distributed the refurbished bikes but also collaborated with local businesses to provide additional safety gear. “A big thank you to Travis and his team at Folsom Trek Bike Shop for the generous donation of helmets,” the lodge shared in a statement. “Their contribution ensures the children can ride their bikes safely. A very special thank you also goes out to Joe Ryan for his tireless efforts in making this tradition possible.”
The history of the Folsom Prison Bike Program underscores its profound impact. Since its inception nearly four decades ago, the initiative has provided more than 200 bikes annually to children and families in need across the region. Beyond delivering holiday cheer, the program offers inmates a sense of purpose and an opportunity to reconnect with the community.
“It’s about giving second chances—to the bikes, to the children, and to the people who work on them,” said Ryan. “This program embodies the true spirit of the holiday season.”
As this year’s event concluded, it was clear that the annual Christmas bike giveaway is much more than a tradition. It is a powerful reminder of the community’s capacity for kindness, collaboration, and hope. For the children riding off on their new bikes, and for the volunteers and inmates who made it possible, this celebration of giving continued to shine bright in the heart of Folsom.
