For Adrian, every day used to feel like a race against time…
Before having reliable transportation, getting around took an emotional toll: limited job flexibility, public transportation schedules that were beyond his control, and time that he couldn’t get back with his children. Adrian had spent hours a day on his commute to work and back home, until he came across the PikeRide+ transportation affordability program.
““The bus was my means of transportation, and… it was a long day.””
Gaining access to a leased ebike through the PikeRide+ program transformed everything. By shaving hours off his weekly commute, Adrian finally had the time to spend with his family during the week.
“(The bike) got me to work quicker and like I said, the main thing was it got me to see my kids more often... It has been a real blessing.”
Adrian has since become one of the program’s highest-mileage riders, utilizing his ebike for his daily 5 a.m. commute to work despite snow and cold weather during Colorado’s winter months. A bicycle has been the tool to control his schedule, arrive on time, and show up for his family.
A two-hour walk can be replaced with a 30-minute bike ride, which is the difference between spending hours getting from point A to point B and having the time to enjoy the moments that matter most. When asked what it means to him to be able to see his kids more often, Adrian replied:
“Memories. We make more memories, you know what I’m saying? We connect a lot more. Even though sometimes we just wrestle and stuff like that, but, just to be able to see them - when they want to see me! ”
Recounting a story from this winter, Adrian reminded our staff of the impact that personalized transportation can make in a father’s life. On a snowy day when his family’s car wouldn’t start before school, Adrian was able to ride his bike to meet them from across town in 45 minutes. He got the car started, and ensured his kids wouldn’t miss school due to a lack of transportation that morning.
“Because of PikeRide, I’m able to live life a little bit more freely than I would if I didn’t have it... It’s taken away some of the challenges and obstacles, and it’s put me in a better peace of mind, because I can do certain things that I wouldn’t be able to do without it.”
Access to affordable, dependable transportation impacts everything - from maintaining strong relationships with family to securing stable employment. In neighborhoods where transportation access is lacking, many are left feeling isolated or unable to fully participate in economic and social life.
Programs like PikeRide+ help bridge the gap, offering a solution that helps people get where they need to go while also restoring their ability to engage in work, education, and meaningful personal connections.
Adrian’s story is a testament to the opportunity that transportation provides. A simple ebike, combined with the right support, can make all the difference - offering not just a means of travel, but a pathway to a better life.
To learn more about PikeRide’s nonprofit mission or support future transformations like these, please visit our Transportation Affordability page.