Community Cycles – a grantee of the Community Foundation – comprises bicyclists and supporters of bicycle transportation who seek to positively impact our shared environment, and to build community in unique ways.
Community Cycles – a grantee of the Community Foundation – comprises bicyclists and supporters of bicycle transportation who seek to positively impact our shared environment, and to build community in unique ways. Indeed, well-established environmental benefits of bicycling include minimizing use of fossil fuels, reducing air pollution and congestion, and reducing the need to build, service and dispose of cars. Not to mention, bicycling is associated with numerous health benefits, too.
“In our shop, people learn to fix their own bikes, or purchase a very affordable bike – or even get one for free, if they can’t afford it,” says Sue Prant, Executive Director. “Our staff goes above and beyond the services you’ll find in a traditional bike shop. We’ll help you identify the right bike and the right gear for you – whatever you need for your life and your lifestyle, and to make you feel safe – and we’ll help guide you toward riding your bike for everyday transportation.
“We provide the bridge – the knowledge and the understanding – for people who maybe don’t ride so much now, but who may become people who ride all the time. Our services are a really good deal, and so are our bikes, rebuilt by excellent mechanics.”
Additionally, Community Cycles provides a range of workshops and programs for both kids and adults, as well as people with disabilities.
“I’m most proud of our Transitions program for at-risk and disabled youths,” says Sue. “We offer them vocational training in bicycle mechanics, and also place them in jobs. We just placed a second student with Boulder Bcycle, and one of them is now one of our assistant instructors.”
Continues Sue, “We work with kids who run the spectrum – from those who don’t speak, to those with autism, and other behavioral health issues that you can’t ‘see.’ Research has shown that many of them respond well to repetitive, detailed tasks – we’ve found that to be true.”
The Transitions program, now in its second year, is funded in part by the Community Foundation.
Many Community Cycles dues paying members – some 3K strong – also provide advocacy on behalf of walkers and bikers.
“We keep an eye out for people in Boulder County to make sure they have safe places to walk and bike,” explains Sue. “Every time a new street design comes through, or a new parking lot is built, we weigh in on city plans to ensure access, safety and appropriate conditions for bikes and peds.
“But you don’t have to be a dues paying member to get involved. I encourage everyone to simply stop by the shop to learn more. It’s a welcoming space for community members to get a recycled, repaired, refurbished or donated bike, if they don’t have one – and to learn about bicycle repair, and ways to get engaged in bicycle safety and advocacy.”
Consider volunteering, joining or donating to the many creative ways Community Cycles improves our community’s access to bike parking, transit, paths, lanes, and trails; as well as their efforts to advance bicycling in local and regional planning processes, advocate for new construction that is bicycle-friendly, and work to re-envision existing roads, schools, workplaces and shopping centers to increase cyclists’ safety.
