Our Reason for Being

In this first blog, as I try to get the hang of how to do this, I’d like to convey Upcycle Bike’s reason for being. It all comes down to a statement I have heard over and over again from various organizations serving diverse population groups in and around Grand Rapids.

“Transportation is one of our biggest challenges as an organization.”

AYA Youth Collective members gain greater access to their resources using our bikes.

We all know that vehicles are expensive. They are expensive to buy, they are expensive to fuel, they are expensive to maintain, and they are expensive to insure. Personal vehicles are not an option for many area residents.

The bus service is an important resource that is used extensively. The city bike and scooter share program is also an option. One organization even told me that Uber rides are one of their biggest expenses. Although all of these resources are important to the community, they have one big limitation: the freedom of flexibility.

For those of us used to jumping in our vehicle at a moment’s notice, we usually don’t think about how valuable the freedom of flexibility is until that vehicle is in the shop. It’s an issue. Bus lines are fixed. Bike and scooter rentals are not always convenient. Besides being expensive, Uber rides are not always available on a regular basis or at a moment’s notice.

To have one’s own bike, though, can allow for the freedom of flexibility. Bikes are ready when you are, and, unlike a vehicle, they are much more affordable. Sure, a bike requires some maintenance, but that maintenance is so much more affordable and so much easier to address. Bikes can even be combined with the bus service to broaden commuting options. A new friend of mine calls bikes “Freedom Machines.” I can’t think of a better term.

Take your bike on the bus for even greater transportation freedom.

Of course, we live in Michigan where the winters are harsh. Admittedly, a bike is not a panacea, but it is a valuable transportation resource and can be the go-to arrow in the transportation quiver.

So, this is our reason for being. We want to provide an accessible and affordable transportation resource to Grand Rapids area community members. We strive to create greater access to community resources for everyone. Thankfully we live in and around an amazing community where organizations make it a priority to provide vital resources to those in need. Upcycle Bikes just wants to make it a bit easier to access those resources and to take advantage of a broader set of opportunities.

Before founding Upcycle Bikes, I didn’t realize that all it would take is a functional and safe refurbished bike to impact greater access to resources. Based on the requests and feedback we get from the organizations in our Nonprofit Partner Program and the excitement, gratitude, and relief we witness from our new riders, we think we’re on to something big. We hope you do, too, and will join us in our mission.

A community member from The Democratic Republic of The Congo showing off her new ride.