At RICH CITY (RCR), our work is rooted in the belief that everyone residing in Richmond – especially Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities – deserves equitable access to safe, healthy, and vibrant neighborhoods. RCR is committed to dismantling the systemic barriers created by structural racism, disinvestment, and environmental injustice that have long marginalized these communities.
Rich City Rides is a bike shop/non-profit organization that offers bike repair, bike education/safety and community rides to the surrounding neighborhoods of Richmond. What began as a few neighbors fixing bikes became a movement for change. Rich City Rides turns wheels into opportunity, training youth, revitalizing parks, and creating a culture of health and hope across Richmond.
We create opportunities for the most vulnerable members of society to use cycling to improve health, economic stability, and individual and collective capacity while increasing the use of bikes for all community members as a sustainable social green mode of transportation.
RCR Commitments
Our values are reflected in the following:
1. Equity and Justice
We strive to operationalize racial equity and mobility justice in Richmond, California by empowering residents to take ownership of the transportation planning process while advocating for policies that ensure safe, affordable, and sustainable travel options for everyone.
2. Community Empowerment
We believe in building power from within. Through coalition-building and community organizing, we aim to create a strong base of residents who are participants and leaders in advocating for green space, food justice, and mobility justice. We refuse to accept direct funding from entities like the Chevron Refinery, whose operations have historically harmed our communities.
3.Youth Leadership
We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders through youth-led and supported mobility justice education programs. By providing opportunities for mentorship, skills development, and job readiness, we ensure that our youth are equipped to lead the fight against environmental racism and climate change.
4. Environmental Stewardship
We are committed to transforming Richmond into a city where parks, green spaces, and sustainable transportation options are accessible to all. Our programs and advocacy efforts aim to address the environmental injustices that have led to health disparities and reduced quality of life for Black and Brown residents.
5. Collaboration and Innovation
We understand that lasting change requires collaboration. As a founding member of the Richmond Our Power Coalition and a partner in the Climate Justice Alliance, we work with local and national organizations to model a Just Transition. Together, we aim to build resilient and regenerative economies that prioritize the needs of frontline communities.
6. Solidarity with Oppressed Peoples
We stand in unwavering solidarity with all oppressed peoples, both locally and globally. Our work is guided by a deep commitment to social justice, and we actively support movements that fight for the rights and dignity of marginalized communities. We believe true liberation is collective and that the struggles of challenged communities are interconnected.
7. Support for Reparations
We advocate for reparations for the descendants of enslaved Black Americans as a critical step toward addressing the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Black communities. We support efforts to repair the generational harm caused by systemic racism. We are actively working towards a future where these descendants receive the recognition, compensation, and opportunities they rightfully deserve.
8. Integrity and Accountability
We hold ourselves accountable to the communities we serve. Our commitment to not accepting direct funding from the Chevron Refinery ensures that our work remains aligned with our values. It ensures we are free from influences and entities that do not prioritize the well-being of our residents.
9. Community Health and Healing
Our commitment to community health and healing is at the heart of our mission. We recognize that health extends beyond physical well-being to encompass emotional, mental, and social dimensions. By promoting access to holistic health resources, mental health support, and wellness programs, we aim to address the systemic barriers that disproportionately affect our communities.
RICH CITY