Community Invited to Support During the Holiday Season

One Year Since Near Bankruptcy, Community Cycling Center Has Recovered

One year ago, the Community Cycling Center announced it was at risk of closing its doors after more than a quarter century serving Portland’s youth and families. Thanks to strong community support, decisive internal changes, and renewed focus, the organization enters the 2025 holiday giving season in a more stable position, while still relying on donor support to sustain and grow its mission. Staff and volunteers of the Community Cycling Center hope that you can spread cheer by ensuring 400 people in 2026 gain access to free bikes and continue supporting our community through no-cost bike clubs, bike camps, the Repair Hub and so much more.

Over the past year, the Community Cycling Center surveyed over 100 community members and completed a strategic planning process, informing key operational changes. Retail space in the Alberta shop was redesigned to respond to customer needs, expand revenue-generating services, and support a better visitor experience. Customer service with a trauma informed lens is now a core training priority for all front-line staff while also hosting more community events such as bike fairs and community advocacy rides.

Despite scaling the annual operating budget by 25 percent, primarily in admin costs, the organization has continued to expand its impact. Across all programs, more than 400 bicycles have been provided to families and youth in the past year. Before the pandemic, similar numbers were only achieved during the organization’s large-scale Holiday Bike Drive event. Today, bikes are distributed through multiple community-based partnerships and year-round programming allowing community members access to bikes during dryer riding seasons, and giving staff the ability to have multiple touch points with the people they serve throughout the year.

The volunteer program has also rebounded. Volunteer engagement is now the strongest it has been since before the pandemic at 1,420 hours, fueling bike builds, repairs, and community programs.

“This past year showed what’s possible when Portland rallies around equitable access to transportation,” said Ruben Alvarado, Executive Director. “We’re not just keeping the doors open. We’re rebuilding a stronger, more community-centered Cycling Center that reflects what our neighbors have told us they need.”

Looking ahead, the Community Cycling Center is focused on financial sustainability, expanding program capacity, and deepening community partnerships. Holiday giving continues to be an essential part of making that work possible.

At the Community Cycling Center’s core, it simply wants to spread joy and empowerment through bikes. To afford their 2026 goal of bringing 400 bikes to people who would otherwise not have access to them, they need to raise $200,000 by December 31st. Donations can be made online, in person or by mailing a check at the bike shop located at 1700 NE Alberta Street Portland Oregon 97211, or through employer matching. Stock donations are also welcome.

About Community Cycling Center Founded in 1994, the Community Cycling Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to broadening access to bicycling and its benefits. Through education, programs, and free services, the organization works to make biking accessible and empowering for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.