BIGGEST LITTLE COMMUTER PROGRAM
Providing access to affordable transportation
The Biggest Little Commuter Program’s mission is employing bicycles to empower low-income individuals to overcome transportation barriers in the Truckee Meadows. Access to affordable transportation is a key and often-overlooked barrier to obtaining and maintaining employment. By providing subsidized bikes, locks, and other commuter essentials, Reno Bike Project aims to support low-income commuters to find jobs, keep more of their income, and access other community resources more effectively. To date, RBP has provided high quality bicycles and essential commuter accessories to more than 200 individuals through this program, helping get Reno to work by bike.
Overcoming transportation barriers
This program serves individuals in the Reno-Sparks metro area living at or under 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and struggling to afford and access transportation – an essential factor in obtaining and keeping employment. BLCP participants must be referred by a case manager (or similar) from an agency in our community because they request and demonstrate a need to overcome transportation barriers.
The costs associated with maintaining a bike are a fraction of the alternatives: the average annual operating cost for a bicycle is $308 vs. $8,469 for an automobile and vs. $780 for bus passes. The BLCP eases the initial cost of bicycle ownership by subsidizing high-quality commuter bicycles and U-locks for program participants, with the option to add commuter essentials (such as lights, racks, panniers, and tools) and upgrade the tires or seat, at steep discounts.
BLCP Partners in the Community
Below are just a few organizations whose clients we have served in the past, but the BLCP is not limited to clients referred by these entities. Representatives of agencies with case management services for Latinx/Spanish-speaking communities, Black communities, Tribal communities, LGBTQ+ communities, individuals transitioning out of the incarceration system or aging out of foster care, individuals doing physical rehabilitation, survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking, aging populations, single parents, etc. are invited to contact email us at [email protected] or call 775-323-4488 to inquire about the BLCP and refer clients.
- Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Children’s Cabinet
- Domestic Violence Resource Center
- Northern Nevada HOPES
- Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services
- Our Place