Our Community
Sure, we’re a bike shop but we see our community as broader than that. Maybe it’s because we ride bicycles everyday we see and connect with those on and off two wheels and with the environment. We know that bike infrastructure, regulations, and awareness needs improvement everywhere, even in Portland, Oregon. To us, advocacy starts with getting people on bikes and protecting resources so that everyone can enjoy all aspects our city.
Where we see the greatest need for our help is among those actually living on the street. We believe in supporting grassroots organizations that are reaching out to that segment of our community via bicycle. Many of the issues our community is facing will only be solved through the actions of groups like Street Books and Portland Street Medicine. Urban activity also takes a toll on natural resources. The Willamette River is one resource that provides many benefits so taking care of it and providing safe access is important for all Portlanders. Willamette Riverkeeper works hard to do just that.
That’s why we’re featuring and supporting these three organizations and encouraging you to support them too. Please take a moment, follow the links below, and learn a little bit about the great work these non-profit groups do. And if you’re inspired, volunteer or donate at a level that’s appropriate for you.
Willlamette Riverkeeper
The Willamette River flows through 187 miles of Oregon and directly through the center of Portland. Its role in the history, recreation, and habitat quality, of the region is significant. Splendid Cycles sits near the banks of the river and we care deeply about its health. That’s one reason we choose to support Willamette Riverkeeper. Another is the community they build by bringing people together to protect and enjoy the river.
According to their website, “Willamette Riverkeeper’s sole mission is to protect and restore the Willamette River. We believe that a river with good water quality and abundant natural habitat, safe for fishing and swimming is a basic public right. The Willamette River belongs to all of us, and should be protected as such.”
We agree!
Street Books
We love books. We love bikes. What’s not to love about an organization that combines these two things in a way that strengthens our community!
This group of volunteers takes their book lending library to the streets via two (and three) wheels. With regular hours and locations patrons can check out books just as they would at a brick-and-mortar library. However, no permanent address is required to get a library card, nor are due dates enforced. Instead connections are forged over book selections and literary conversations.
Through a shared love of books, Street Books strives to empower people on the streets through access to literature creating a community of support for people living outside. And that’s a mission we’re proud to support.
Portland Street Medicine
A “Portland, Oregon-based coalition of volunteer medical providers, social workers, care managers, and lay people, Portland Street Medicine is dedicated to reaching our most forgotten citizens.”
Portland has many social service agencies but getting care often requires travel which can be difficult for those living on the street. Portland Street Medicine does the traveling, often on foot or bicycle, taking treatment to the patient: basically, they make house calls. They also make regular rounds visiting those they know are in need continuing care.
Their mission is: To provide quality medical care to Portland citizens who are facing unstable housing or are sleeping on the streets. We think this hard-working group of volunteers provides much more! They work hard to make connections with their patients, listening, providing medical care, but also providing hope and dignity. We believe those are basic human rights, so we believe in supporting Portland Street Medicine.