East San Jose students receive free bikes to improve school attendance

Good Karma Bikes is partnering with YMCA Silicon Valley to provide third, fourth, and fifth grade students in the Berryessa Union School District with bicycles, some of whom have a longer distance to travel after the closure of three elementary schools this year. The students are part of the YMCA Expanded Learning Program at Noble Elementary School.

The idea came together following the school closures and the nonprofit’s concerns there would be an increase in absenteeism with students finding it difficult to attend class. The bike shop is donating 50 bicycles to former Toyon Elementary School students.

James Gardner, Good Karma Bikes founder and CEO, told San Jose Spotlight. “If a student is not in class, they’re going to be left behind. This gives them the opportunity to be in class, to learn.”

Jenny Circle, development director of Good Karma Bikes, said providing transportation for children will put them on an equal playing field, increasing their self-esteem, independence and success.

“California is seeing a very high rate of absenteeism, where children face transportation barriers — maybe they have a single parent that works multiple jobs,” Circle told San Jose Spotlight. “Giving them a bike not only helps them get to school, but it keeps them active. It lets them participate in after-school sports, get to the library or YMCA and … get outdoors.”

Student chronic absenteeism statewide hit 30% in the 2021-22 school year during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the California Department of Education. Following concentrated efforts, absenteeism dropped to 20% during the 2023-24 school year.

Berryessa Union School District Trustee Jaria Jaug said receiving free bicycles means a lot to students.

“The cost of living here in Santa Clara County and in Berryessa is so high,” Jaug told San Jose Spotlight. “By providing free bikes to students who may otherwise be unable to afford it, our students won’t have to worry about how they can get to school and how expensive bikes are to get.”

Parent Cathy Nguyen said the new bike has helped her son dramatically.

“Since he has his bike, he can go to … Noble Library Park and ride his bike around the neighborhood. It gives the kids a chance to be together and a sense of community,” she told San Jose Spotlight.

Berryessa Union School District Superintendent Roxane Fuentes said she’s grateful for the donation of bicycles and helmets, which promote school attendance.

“Encouraging active, healthy lifestyles starts with access,” Fuentes told San Jose Spotlight. “Good Karma Bikes has the mission of supporting not only safe and healthy living for kids, but also that they go to school every day. I can’t think of a better way to excite a kid to get to school than with a new bike. Hopefully, that’s what it does for our kiddos.”

Good Karma Bikes is requesting donations of bicycles, bike helmets, and bike lights.

There are about 6,000 students enrolled in 10 schools throughout Berryessa Union School District.

In December, board trustees voted to close three elementary schools for the 2025-26 academic year: Cherrywood, Toyon and Laneview. The closure was needed to address a $6 million operating budget deficit. By reducing the number of schools, district officials hoped to save about $2.5 million each year and keep the district fiscally solvent.