Dr. Laura Bishop
In Denver’s Montbello neighborhood, transportation options have long been limited. However, the Montbello Organizing Committee (MOC) has recently launched its Montbello Moves program, aiming to address this issue and provide residents with much-needed alternatives. The program introduces an e-bike library, offering 10 bikes for rent, which will become available to the public within the next two weeks. With each rental lasting up to three days, this service aims to alleviate transportation challenges in what the committee refers to as a “transportation desert.”
Mayra Gonzales, the chief impact officer with the MOC, emphasizes the significance of the program for residents without reliable transportation options. For instance, individuals have had to navigate multiple bus routes just to reach a nearby grocery store located on the opposite side of the neighborhood. The Montbello Moves program takes these difficulties into account and provides an accessible solution.
Extensive research led the committee to select an e-bike equipped with peddle assist, enabling riders to move forward only when pedaling. The bike offers various modes of assistance, accommodating different user preferences and settings. To ensure a seamless experience for renters, the MOC has hired its first bike librarian, Xitlaly Sandoval. Sandoval will assist users with bike operations, provide helmets and bike locks, and help them navigate the community.
The program doesn’t stop at e-bikes alone. As part of the library’s offerings, community groups and nonprofits can also rent a cargo or passenger van, which is wheelchair-friendly. While a pre-approval process is necessary, once completed, organizations can rent the van for 24-hour periods, providing flexibility and convenience.
The Montbello Moves program signifies a significant step toward increasing access and mobility options for Montbello residents. By providing e-bikes for rent and offering rental options for vans, the MOC aims to address the transportation challenges faced by those who are transit-dependent or do not own a personal vehicle. With this program, the Montbello community can look forward to improved accessibility and a better quality of life for its residents.
The Montbello Moves program in Denver’s Montbello neighborhood is tackling the issue of limited transportation options for residents. With the launch of an e-bike library, the program aims to provide alternatives to individuals who lack reliable transportation. Within the next two weeks, 10 e-bikes will be available for rent, with each rental lasting up to three days. This initiative is particularly significant for residents who have had to rely on multiple bus routes just to reach essential services, such as grocery stores located on the opposite side of the neighborhood.
The Montbello Organizing Committee (MOC) conducted extensive research to select an e-bike equipped with peddle assist. This feature allows riders to move forward only when pedaling, providing various modes of assistance to accommodate different user preferences. To ensure a seamless experience, the MOC has hired its first bike librarian, Xitlaly Sandoval. Sandoval’s role includes assisting users with bike operations, providing helmets and bike locks, and helping them navigate the community.
The program goes beyond e-bike rentals and also offers options for community groups and nonprofits to rent a cargo or passenger van. These vans are wheelchair-friendly and can be rented for 24-hour periods once the pre-approval process is completed. This additional rental option provides flexibility and convenience for organizations to meet their transportation needs.
The Montbello Moves program is a significant step toward increasing access and mobility options for Montbello residents. By introducing e-bikes for rent and offering van rental options, the MOC aims to address the transportation challenges faced by those who are transit-dependent or do not own a personal vehicle. This program represents an improvement in accessibility and quality of life for the Montbello community.
For more information about the Montbello Moves program, you can visit the Montbello Organizing Committee’s website at www.montbelloorganizing.org.
