New Transportation Van

The RCC transport van is our lifeline to youth - allowing us to deliver the connections and experiences we work so hard to provide.

Our ability to connect youth to cycling exists because of a handful of resources: the vehicles we use to transport youth and bicycles, our headquarters where we store and maintain our equipment, and our large fleet of bicycles and related equipment. Our headquarters not only acts as our bicycle work space, but doubles as a safe space for youth to unwind, study, work on their own bicycles, and escape the chaos of daily life in the projects.

Our vehicles provide safe transportation for youth, but they are rapidly showing their age. We currently utilize a 1993 diesel Bread Delivery truck that has been converted to passenger and bicycle storage space, and a 2003 transport van and trailer for connecting larger groups of teens to equipment. We have reached a point where the bill for repair and maintenance of our daily driver, the Van, has become unreasonable compared to it’s value. Our van has not had functioning air conditioning this year, and with its fixed position windows, you can imagine the feeling of being in the back seats, sitting beside 6-8 other teens with minimal air movement. It isn't pleasant, to say the very least. The small issues and inconveniences add up - imagine a summery drive to Pocahontas - 45 minutes from headquarters in 90+ degree temperatures. The heat impacts our youth's attitudes and mental outlook - they arrive and are already angry, frustrated, and arguing with each other. It takes us the entire ride to diffuse this, and then we get back in the van for another 45 minute hot drive back to Fairfield.

We fundraise monthly for operational costs - paying for rent, utilities, vehicle expenses, food for youth, and the money we use to pay our staff. It seems like every month, we cover our expenses but have not been able to save for a large purchase. Acquiring a new van on top of our normal monthly expenses seems so far out of scope with our current budget, as we work to cover just our base needs, that we know we need a bigger plan. After months of research, our minimum budgeting needs seem to be in the $35-40000 range. 

We need your help! Our transportation is paramount to our programming, and we're losing the reliability we need. As we quickly move toward the new year, this sits forefront in our mind. We have to find a solution, quickly.

This year, as you consider a year end charitable contribution to Richmond Cycling Corps, we ask you to think creatively. Your donation is a huge help toward reaching our goal - how can we make it go even further? We're all ears! If your company offers a donation-matching program, this is the time to inquire. Let us know how we can support your efforts, we're all in this together!