The first year of the Routt County Riders (RCR) Community Bike Shop, located at 2730 Downhill Plaza, Unit 106a, has been a remarkable period of growth and community building. The shop has quickly become a vital resource for cyclists, families, and local organizations, focusing on making cycling accessible to everyone. The Bike Match program has bridged the gap between those in need of bikes and those with bikes to donate. This year alone, Bike Match successfully matched 160 donated bicycles and 51 new e-bikes to members of our community. The new e-bikes were funded by a Colorado Energy Office e-bike distribution grant..
RCR’s Bike Match program aims to provide bikes to people who might not otherwise have access to one, whether for transportation, exercise, or recreation. Bikes are donated to the shop, refurbished by RCR mechanics, and matched with community members in need. Since its inception, Bike Match has had a profound impact on Steamboat Springs, matching 576 bikes—meaning roughly 1 in 20 people in the community has received a bike through the program.
This initiative has not only given people access to affordable transportation, but also provided a sense of freedom and mobility. In the new community shop, donated bikes are repaired and mechanics guide riders with repairs on their own bikes. These expanded services have allowed Bike Match to enhance its ability to serve the community and empower individuals to explore the Yampa Valley.The success of the Community Bike Shop is bolstered by collaborations with local non-profits, allowing RCR to expand its reach and deepen its impact.
One such notable partnership is with the Boys and Girls Club of Steamboat Springs. This summer, two high school interns from the shop maintained a fleet of 100 donated bikes for the club, learning valuable bike maintenance skills while ensuring safe, reliable equipment for BGC participants. These bikes are used for an estimated 3,000 trips each summer, helping kids access various club activities.
Another key collaboration is with The Cycle Effect, a non-profit that engages girls in cycling to promote self-esteem and wellness. Through Bike Match, the shop provides bikes to the program participants and their families, fostering the opportunity for family rides and cycling experiences outside of the program’s training.
This year also saw the launch of a partnership with the Routt County Fatherhood Program, which provides bikes and organizes family-friendly cycling activities, helping families bond through outdoor recreation.
The RCR Community Bike Shop has partnered with other local non-profits, including Partners for Youth and Advocates of Routt County, providing bikes to those in need. From bike donation drives to workshops, the shop’s outreach has united the community around a shared passion for cycling and sustainability, promoting health and well-being for all.
As the Bike Shop enters its second year, there is potential for even more growth. Plans include expanding the Bike Match program, increasing community shop hours, and offering more educational opportunities. With a continued focus on community support, the shop is poised to remain a cornerstone of Routt County’s cycling scene for years to come.
Written by Matthew Rochon – Program Manager, RCR Bike Match
