RideWell

1. Who qualifies for RideWell?  RideWell was created to benefit local low income, homeless, at-risk kids and adults, individuals and families, with mobility related challenges. While we have partnered with organizations like RISE and CAPSLO to help find folks who need the bikes, you don’t have to be recommended by another organization to qualify. Need a bike but can’t afford one? Apply today!
2. Can I just get the bike and skip the Bike Education part? Nope. Even though many people already know how to ride a bike, we take bike safety very seriously. There are lots of commonplace potential accidents that are easily preventable with our short and fun Bike Ed course. We’ll teach you to bike safe and bike smart.
3. Who pays for this program? RideWell is funded in part by a Community Based Organization grant from SLO County and the Community Foundation‘s Opportunity to Thrive Grant Program.  Additional funding comes from contributors who support Bike SLO County with one-time or recurring donations.
4. Where do the bikes come from? Bike SLO County receives donated used bikes from individuals. Additionally, we receive abandoned bicycles through a partnership with the San Luis Obispo Police Department.
5. How do I donate a bike? If you have a gently used bike you’d like to donate we would love to have it. Bring your bicycle to the Bike Kitchen at 860 Pacific St, Suite 105, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (map) Tuesday 2 – 5 pm or Wednesday through Sunday between Noon – 5 pm. (Please note that we don’t take “department store” bikes or the following brands: Roadmaster, Huffy, Magna, Next, Motive, Promax, Route 66. These bicycles are often constructed with very low-quality parts in non-standard sizes and are not designed to be serviceable. Because of this we are unable to accept or refurbish these bikes.)
6. Can I make a contribution to help this program? A donation of $150 will help us provide one person with a refurbished bicycle, a new helmet, lock, lights, and a bike education course to make sure that they know how to bike safe and smart. Your donation of any amount helps us achieve our mission to improve the quality of life for everyone in SLO County through bike advocacy, education, and inspiration.  Donations can be made online at bikeslocounty.org/donate or via check to Bike SLO County, 860 Pacific St, Suite 105, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. Thank You!
7. Can I volunteer to help fix up RideWell bikes? Yes! Fill out our Volunteer Interest Form and we’ll be in touch. We also have RideWell Bike Build Nights on the Third Friday of every month from 5 – 7:30 PM in the Bike Kitchen. We provide the pizza, sodas and beer – you provide the elbow grease!

How do I donate a bike? If you have a gently used bike you’d like to donate we would love to have it. Bring your bicycle to the Bike Kitchen at 860 Pacific St, Suite 105, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (map) Tuesday 2 – 7 pm or Wednesday through Sunday between Noon – 5PM. (Please note that we don’t take “department store” bikes or the following brands: Roadmaster, Huffy, Magna, Next, Motive, Promax, Route 66. These bicycles are often constructed with very low quality parts in non-standard sizes and are not designed to be serviceable. Because of this we are unable to accept or refurbish these bikes.)

Can I make a contribution to help this program? A donation of $150 will help us provide one person with a bicycle, helmet, lights and a bike education course to make sure that they bike safe and smart. Your donation of any amount helps us achieve our mission to improve the quality of life for everyone in SLO County through bike advocacy, education and inspiration.  Donations can be made online at bikeslocounty.org/donate or via check to Bike SLO County, 860 Pacific St, Suite 105, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. Thank You!