Give or Sell?

[angelcat]

CE has been finding, and fixing up older bikes, and has given several away to a family down the street that needed them. We have one bike left, and there are more kids in the neighborhood that have made comments to the fact that they would like one as well, but I have a problem. These same kids were making comments about the ones we gave the family, in such a way, that it gave me the idea they may want to steal them. (They all had bikes at that time)

My queastion to you all is, should we see the bike to those kids, or give it away to them?

Vote, and if you have the time, give your reasons below!

Thanks!

The CaAaT

[osprey4]

I would give a bike only to a child that was reasonably responsible. Not to one that had had their bike stolen or ruined due to neglect.

Of course, around my neighborhood, kids are so spoiled, if their bike is wrecked or stolen, the parents will just go out and buy a new one. I get tired of seeing kids leaving their bikes all over the street, throwing them down on the ground rathan use the kick-stand, leaving them out in the rain, etc.

[thekingofpain]

Other:
Think of a way to allow them to "earn" the reward---maybe help you around the yard---or clean up the neighborhood, help an older neighbor that can use it---or whatever other creative thing you can come up with---
I did that with some kids here with computers---one had so much interest in what I was doing I HAD to set him up---AMD 900/monitor/kb/mouse from some cast off parts, parents took my suggestion and got him online immediately, plus he has 2 sisters, everyone is happy and the parents have tried to pay me for the computer but he has earned it---I havnt had to pick up one avocado leaf in months and I dont need to ask him to do it---

Similar situation with 2 other neighbors with loads of kids---
It might have cost me a couple bucks along the way but its been worth it a 100 times over as far as my relationship with the neighbors and kids goes, my simple generosity has been rewarded many many times...