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Rich City RIDESRich City RIDES is a counterculture organization founded in August 2012 in Richmond, CA to counterbalance non-human infrastructure with human infrastructure by encouraging people to the utilize the most significant asset in any city: the street.
In a time when people living in marginalized communities are most at risk for poor health, lack of activity, lack of opportunity, poor nutrition and subject to living in areas with the highest levels of pollution, Rich City RIDES uses bicycles to create possibilities for the most vulnerable members of the cycling community to improve health, economic stability and individual and collective capacity. Through direct engagement with people using mindful and active transportation, they galvanize communities and reconnect neighborhoods, one person, one family at a time. Beyond being a cooperatively-owned business that is also one of the founding member organizations of Cooperation Richmond, Rich City RIDES offers several community-based programs. EARN-A-BIKE PROGRAM In the Youth Earn-A-Bike (EAB) Apprentice program, youth work on bike projects in teams, developing teamwork and communication skills. Youth earn bicycles by their participation in the program. But before a bike is earned, the Jr. Apprentice must first earn a helmet, a set of lights, and a lock. During their "earning time" they are taught and encouraged to properly use the safety equipment and are required to bring these items to each workshop. To encourage and support their Inter-generational Family Initiative, additional credits are earned for bringing in other youth, parents and family members. YOUTH AND FAMILY SOCIAL RIDES The Youth and Family Social Rides are held every Sunday morning. We meet at the bike shop at 9:30 a.m. to sign in and saddle up; we roll out by 10 a.m. and return by 2:00 p.m. Rich City Rides provides bikes and safety equipment to all who need them with the caveat that they must stay until the end of the ride. BIKE REPAIR WORKSHOPS Rich City RIDES holds Bike Repair Workshops every Friday from 5 pm to 7 pm. At these workshops, they lend out tools in-shop for community members to use to repair/maintain their own bikes (parts are not included). They also have a professional mechanic onsite to answer questions for free. COMMUTER CYCLIST PROGRAM The Commuter Cyclist Program provides bikes, bike repairs and safety equipment to the entire community, with a special focus on those who use bikes as their only means of transportation. For some commuters, using a bike is not a choice, but a necessity. It is how they get to and from work, the store and home every day. Rich City RIDES has provided over 100 bikes to community members, including those who are most vulnerable and underrepresented amongst cyclists. Along with bikes, they also provide free bike repair workshops and an opportunity to ride and learn how to ride safely. https://www.richcityrides.org/ |