Okay, this got me thinking too. I have my doubts, but I won't bore you with them. I'll just go crazy and tell you my solution!

What we need, here on Bike Forums, is a new forum, "The Virtual Bike Co-op." There would basically be two types of threads: requests and offers.

A typical request might be something like "I'm a college student in Suburban New Jersey and I need a bike for getting around. Needs fenders and a luggage rack. I promise to take good care of it." There's no reason why someone couldn't post something like "I'm a high school long distance runner and want to get into competitive bike racing but can't afford a decent road bike," for that matter. Those are just random examples I made up. BF members can read the requests and, perhaps, one of us who is reasonably local will feel moved to take on this project, post what s/he needs to provide this person with a bike, and other BF members can, if they wish, contribute. Ideally the person receiving this gift would take part in assembly &c and would be willing to buy some of the parts needed for it --such as tires.

A typical offer might be like this. This is for real, by the way, I'm not making this up: In zip code 08648, I have a Nishiki Olympic frame and most of its parts. Looks like a 19 or 21 size frame. Needs a fork. Depending what one wanted to do with it, it might need other parts as well. If someone wants it, they should let me know.

There might also be requests to borrow a bike for a specific event, such as a cross-country tour; and loan offers for equally specific events.

Anyway, that's what I think we should do about your suggestion, Holiday!