Bicycle Friendly Business

Frans Pauwels Memorial Community Bicycle Center| Silver Level

Business Highlights: The Frans Pauwels Memorial Community Bicycle Center is full of opportunities for community members.  In cooperation with the  WashCo BTC, people can 'earn' a membership which provides entitlements like free shop time with access to tools and advice, reduced costs for parts and service and accessories, Smart Cycling(R) classes taught by local LCIs and participation in local rides and community events. Employees receive the same opportunities, with an additional incentive of 'scholarships' to the many Smart Cycling classes.  From reduced prices to Traffic Skills 101 classes for "Individual Spokesperson" and Family Wheel levels, to our highest level, "Diamond Frame Contributor" at $500 entitles that donor to as many as 7 for whomever they choose. There is also an "Earn-a-Bike" program whereby a person who wants to earn a bike can do so by trading volunteer time.  Weekly community rides are open to employees and the community.

Most Compelling Bike Related Statistic: With a core group of about 10 volunteers who contribute their time and skills throughout the week, this community bike center is able to maintain regular shop hours and effect repairs for bikes.  Each volunteer rides their bike to work regardless of the weather and traffic conditions. The business also collects donated bicycles which are either refurbished for sale at low cost or responsibly recycled for parts and value of the metal.  Overall our sales average is 2.1 bikes per day; higher than many retail stores selling new bikes.

Most Compelling Bike Related Accomplishment: The The Frans Pauwels Memorial Community Bicycle Center celebrated its first anniversary this October.  They have recently partnered with the Hillsboro (Oregon) Parks & Recreation District to bring Kids Cycling Clinics to over 500 elementary and middle school kids they serve in their after school programs BLAST and ZONE.  Classes begin in January of 2010 and continue through the end of May.

Benefits from Being a Bike Friendly Business: The employees and volunteer staff are in good health and the morale is high. While they are struggling to stay afloat due to the economy and the reduced winter-time business, this Bicycling Center has achieved recognition in the greater Washington County region as THE resource for bicycle education, advocacy and community.  They have achieved corporate sponsorship from leading high tech industries and social service, community, faith based and governmental groups and agencies and referrals to provide "transportation Solutions ByCycle.”