Community Cycles makes an impact across Boulder County every year with programs that put bikes into the hands of people so they can get where they need to go. And we provide the support and resources to make bicycling a regular part of their lives.
For many, a bike means more than just a way to get from point A to point B. It can mean reliable transportation, greater independence, access to work and school, and a stronger connection to the community.
By helping people become confident, regular bicycle commuters, Community Cycles is creating healthier, more connected communities—one bike ride at a time.
More Bikes for Low Income Residents
Community Cycles is partnering with Mobility for All to bring our Earn-a-Bike program to sites operated by the Boulder County Housing Authority. Through this partnership, we are hosting hands-on education events covering skills like Bike Maintenance 101. We also offer bike tune-up days where community members can get help adjusting brakes and gears, repairing flat tires, and taking care of other common maintenance needs.
The Community Cycles’ Earn-a-Bike Program was created to provide equitable access to bicycles throughout our community. Over 85 bikes are earned each year and is available to anyone in need of a bike. If you or someone you know is in need of a bike, please visit our page for more info.
Expanding Access to E-Bikes in Boulder County
Through the Community Access to Electric Bicycles Grant Program from the Colorado Energy Office (CEO), we have given 35 e-bikes to low income folks who work for the Boulder Valley School District or Boulder Community Health.
The e-bike program helps make biking a practical and accessible option for everyday commutes. It gives local workers another way to get to and from work without relying solely on a car. By putting e-bikes directly in the hands of community members, we’re helping more people experience the convenience, flexibility, and benefits of cycling around Boulder. We’re also providing resources to help participants feel confident getting around by bike. This includes route-planning support and accessories such as locks and panniers to make everyday riding safer and more convenient.
In exchange for getting the e-bikes, these employees will track their riding habits for 6 months. We’ll report back to the CEO how people are using their e-bikes, such as how often and how far, and how that trends across the seasons.
The CEO has offered this grant four times since 2021. We are proud to be the only organization to have received this grant all four times with the result of creating 182 new bicycle commuters.
We’re excited to see these e-bikes become part of daily life for BVSD and Boulder Community Health employees—and to support more sustainable transportation options across our community.
Commuter Support for Cyclists
We are also in the midst of a grant from the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG). These grants intend to support marketing, outreach and research projects that reduce driving alone and ultimately reduce traffic congestion and improve regional air quality. Our particular project encourages longer-distance bike commutes by providing tune-ups, community rides, personalized wayfinding, and help with obtaining affordable bikes and e-bikes.
The most popular piece of this program is a group ride on Wednesday mornings. The ride starts outside of the City of Boulder along the Hwy 36 Bikeway and comes into Boulder in time for people to get to work. We are working with employers like the University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder Community Health, the City of Boulder, downtown Boulder to include stops along the way. The new group of e-bike commuters mentioned above are finding a nice camaraderie!
Building a More Connected Community
Across Boulder County, Community Cycles is working to make bicycling a practical, accessible option for more people. Whether someone needs a bike to get to work, an e-bike to make a longer commute possible, or support and encouragement to feel comfortable riding on their own, our programs are designed to meet people where they are.
A bike can be much more than a way to get from point A to point B. It can provide reliable transportation, greater independence, access to work and school, and a stronger connection to the community. By pairing bikes with education, resources, and ongoing support, we’re helping people make bicycling a regular part of their lives.
We’re proud of the impact these programs have across Boulder County. We’ll continue working to expand access to the bikes, skills, and resources people need to get where they’re going. Together, we’re creating healthier, more connected communities—one bike ride at a time.