Job Access and Reverse Commute (jarc) Program fy 2009 Service Profiles Region X alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington October 2010 fta-08-0162 Job Access and Reverse Commute (jarc) fy 2009 Service Profiles: Region X

Community Cycling Center (503)

Create a Commuter Program (442)

Location: Portland (OR)
Type: Capital Investment Projects/Other capital projects
Goal: Improved access/connections
Service description: Create a Commuter provides refurbished bicycles and bicycle safety education for low-income adults who are seeking employment but do not have reliable transportation. The bicycles provide access to vital destinations such as jobs and services that were previously beyond their reach. A bicycle is an ideal mode to bridge gaps in service for these individuals. Bicycles can safely be used 24 hours a day, providing reliable transportation compatible with off-hours work schedules. Bicycling can also significantly reduce commuting times and expand mobility, especially when used in conjunction with the existing TriMet system.
Evaluation: We measure the success of the program by the number of individuals who successfully complete the training workshop having demonstrated the skills, knowledge and confidence to be safe cyclists on the road. All of the participants in the Create a Commuter program complete a pre and post workshop survey where we collect the following information:
- Participant demographics: Address, date of birth, gender, ethnicity, employment status
- Primary/Secondary mode of transportation
- Average distance traveled per day
- Personal goals for using the bicycle: Primary intended use and intended frequency of use
- Last time participant rode a bicycle 
Accomplishments: Our work with youth has been significant through our growing partnerships with Portland Youth Builders and Outside In. The youth who are referred to our Create a Commuter Program are engaged in workforce development programs and see the bicycle as a tool to assistant them in attaining and maintaining employment without the cost of a bus ticket or purchasing a car.
10/1/2006 - 9/30/07 Regular Bikes: 332 Special needs bikes: 19 Total Bikes: 351 Trailers: 6
10/1/2007 - 9/30/08 Regular Bikes: 210 Special needs bikes: N/A Total Bikes: 210 Trailers: 5
10/1/08 - 9/30/09 Regular Bikes: 196 Special needs bikes: 14 Total Bikes: 210 Trailers: 3 
Lessons learned: Identifying strong and committed partners is a critical part of designing a program such as ours. The Community Cycling Center specializes in refurbishing bicycles and effectively teaching bicycle safety and maintenance. We rely strongly on our partner organizations for their expertise and relationship with clients who are most appropriate referrals for our program. The success of the program is largely dependent on the strength of the partner’s ability to refer good participants and take a role in providing follow up to ensure their success with the bicycle over the long term.