Welcome to the Why We Ride film series, a collaboration between Rich City Rides and Steam the Streets that brings community cycling stories to the forefront. Funded through a grant from Our Power Richmond, this series of short vignettes asks community members why they ride and how biking supports their lives, their health, and our neighborhoods as a whole.
Vignette 1 — Andrew
Vignette 1 focuses on Andrew (@andrew.dhw), co-founder of 1905 Apparel, a Richmond-based brand that uplifts the community through fashion and culture. His story explores the connection between creativity, neighborhood pride, and the freedom that comes with riding a bike in Richmond.
Vignette 2 — Leslie
Vignette 2 shows Leslie Poblano, a student in Richmond and a Youth Fellow in our Youth Fellows Program, supported by the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) grant. Leslie shares why riding is important to her daily life and how youth leadership and mobility are connected in her community.
Vignette 3 — Dr. Daphne Miller
Vignette 3 centers on Dr. Daphne Miller, a physician and Faculty Leadership FMRP at LifeLong Medical Care. In this vignette, she shares why rides like ours are so valuable for community health, mental well-being, and building stronger, more connected neighborhoods.
Vignette 4 — Matias
Vignette 4 highlights Matias, a community member collaborating with the City of Richmond on the Transformative Climate Communities Program (TCC). His story emphasizes the importance of biking in building climate resilience, supporting local initiatives, and showing how daily rides contribute to broader changes in the city.
Vignette 5 — Shots Lopez
Vignette 5 spotlights Shots — Program Manager for our Rich PEP (Park Equity Project), Mayor of Albany, and a PhD candidate at UC Berkeley’s Environmental Science, Policy & Management program. Their vignette explores how riding supports their leadership, academic journey, and community engagement.
Vignette 6 — Anselmo Ramirez
Vignette 6 features Anselmo Ramirez, a Program Manager with Moving Forward, a Richmond-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering the community through health, academics, and service. Anselmo’s story highlights how biking supports his work, his wellness, and his commitment to uplifting Richmond youth and families.
Vignette 7 — Miki Masui
Vignette 7 features Miki Masui, a Youth Fellow with Rich City Rides. She reflects on biking as an underutilized yet powerful mode of transportation that supports healthier people, greener streets, and safer public spaces. The Youth Fellows Program is supported through the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) program called Richmond Rising.
Vignette 8 — Judah Grant
Vignette 8 follows Judah Gant, a Youth Fellow and Richmond High School student. He shares how riding supports his physical health as an athlete and creates space for connection and communication.
Vignette 8 — Carlos Torres
Vignette 9, the final vignette in the series, centers on Carlos Torres (C.T.), Outreach Manager at Rich City Rides. Carlos shares why riding matters to him as a parent, community member, and advocate for Richmond—highlighting biking as a way to connect with family, support community health, and create a more accessible, bike-friendly city for everyone.