Weekend Feature
Rich City Rides is back on Macdonald Avenue, and the community bike collective is opening its doors with an even bigger vision for cycling and neighborhood connection.
“It’s really good to have the gift and bike shop open,” said Najari Smith, founder and executive director of Rich City Rides, as staff unpacked boxes and greeted neighbors this week. “Starting next week, we’re going to be open Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Monday through Thursday, from 2 to 7 p.m.”
The shop’s relaunch brings back popular programs and adds new energy to a decade-long effort to make Richmond more bike-friendly.
Rich City Rides Bike Shop closed ‘indefinitely’ after burglary
Najari Smith, Co-Founder of Rich City Rides Bike Skate Shop, announced the Mcdonald Avenue bike shop will be closed after a burglary earlier in the month. Smith said he discovered most of the sales floor had been cleared out after entering the bike shop on January 13. “The shelves, once
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“We’re doing our community Sunday self-care rides,” Smith said. “Those are starting at noon on Sundays, ending at 2, and then we all come down to the shop for a Skillshare, if you are looking to sharpen your skills on working on bikes.”
The “Everybody Rides” program is also back, designed to help residents who don’t own bikes join the rides.
“If somebody wants to join us for a bike ride and they don’t have a bike, they can sign up for the Everybody Rides program,” Smith said. “You come on three rides, we give you the bike for free.”
For staff, the reopening has been a hands-on effort. Zariyah Hill described her role as “a little bit of everything,” from unpacking shipments and checking inventory to helping customers pick out their perfect ride.
She pointed across the floor to one of her favorites, a shiny cruiser. “That one right there, it’s the kind of bike you let your hair blow in the wind while you’re riding it,” Hill said.
Beyond bikes, Rich City’s work has grown to include owning its building and leasing space to other small businesses. The group has also announced plans to expand its nonprofit efforts into broader community development.
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“There’s a lot of cool stuff happening,” Smith said.
Rich City Rides began more than a decade ago as a volunteer-led movement to promote safe streets and healthier lifestyles. The reopening of its storefront marks another milestone in its push to connect cycling with community health, youth development, and local economic empowerment.
Rich City Rides announces expansion and creation of new nonprofit
Rich City Rides says they have reached a major milestone by acquiring three properties to launch the Rich City Project, a series of eco-friendly community hubs focused on sustainability, diversity, and eco-conscious living. The bicycle advocacy organization founded in 2012 also announced its transformation into a 501c3 nonprofit known as
Soren Hemmila
For more information about Rich City Rides’ programs and events, visit richcityrides.org.
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