Most job applications ask the same question: Do you have access to reliable transportation? The Spoke Folks, a nonprofit bicycle co-op, want every member of our community equipped to check “YES” with confidence.
The Spoke Folks started three years ago with $6,000 and a mission to help people in low income neighborhoods have access to safe and reliable bikes. Now, thanks to a $50,000 grant from Grand Rapids Community Foundation, The Spoke Folks are one step closer to achieving that mission.
The Spoke Folks promote the health, economic, social and environmental benefits of biking through cycling education workshops, community bike rides and bicycle repair sessions. The Spoke Folks know how important reliable transportation is for retaining employment. They hope to share their skills and resources to empower individuals to bicycle to work, even throughout the winter months.
The grant from Grand Rapids Community Foundation will allow The Spoke Folks to hire a full-time staff member to provide mechanical services from their mobile repair truck. The new staff member will educate and empower individuals to use bicycles as a steady, dependable mode of transportation.
“We’re very excited to be able to take our services to people, instead of asking them come to us,” said Jay Niewiek, Executive Director and Co-Founder of The Spoke Folks.
The Spoke Folks plan to use funding from Grand Rapids Community Foundation to double the amount of bikes sold and repaired. “It’s all about building the culture and ensuring safe, reliable bikes,” Niewiek said.
The Spoke Folks recognize that biking has been a part of Grand Rapids community for more than 30 years. Their goal is to broaden the lens beyond recreational riding and increase access for those who need bicycles for transportation, especially to and from employment.
"The Spoke Folks can now support residents at the neighborhood level with affordable access to bicycles for recreation and transportation," said Laurie Craft, Program Director at Grand Rapids Community Foundation, “The Spoke Folks have established partnerships at the neighborhood level that will enable them to engage more effectively with local residents.”
The Spoke Folks hope to continue community partnerships with LINC Community Revitalization, The Other Way Ministries, Well House and HQ Grand Rapids. The Spoke Folks are also looking to create even more partnerships with area nonprofits. “Increasing community partnerships means more people know they can count on us.” Niewiek said.
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