RTC Bike Share Celebrates Women’s History Month

Las Vegas RTC Bike Share Celebrates Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. In Las Vegas, RTC Bike Share is proud to recognize and honor the women who have made a difference in our city and beyond. From trailblazing leaders to everyday heroes, women have played a vital role in shaping our community and making it the vibrant and diverse place it is today.

Women in Las Vegas History

Las Vegas has a rich history of influential women who have left an indelible mark on the city. From the early pioneers who settled the area to the modern-day leaders who continue to shape its future, these women have made significant contributions to Las Vegas in various fields, including politics, business, entertainment, and philanthropy.

  • Helen J. Stewart: Often referred to as the “First Lady of Las Vegas,” Helen J. Stewart was a pioneering entrepreneur and landowner who played a crucial role in the development of early Las Vegas.
  • Mayme Stocker: Mayme Stocker was a hotel owner and businesswoman who opened the Northern Club, the first legal casino in Las Vegas, in 1931.
  • Patricia Becker: Patricia Becker was the first woman to serve as mayor of Las Vegas, holding the position from 1991 to 1999.
  • Sheila Morago: Sheila Morago is the first woman to serve as president of the Nevada Resort Association, an organization that represents the interests of the state’s gaming industry.

RTC Bike Share Celebrates Women

Throughout the month of March, RTC Bike Share is celebrating Women’s History Month by highlighting the achievements of women in Las Vegas. On social media, we’ll be sharing stories of women who have made a difference in our community, as well as tips for exploring Las Vegas on two wheels.

Ride with RTC Bike Share

As you explore Las Vegas this Women’s History Month, consider taking a ride with RTC Bike Share. With more than 20 stations conveniently located throughout the city, RTC Bike Share offers an eco-friendly and healthy way to explore Las Vegas at your own pace. Whether you’re riding solo or with friends, RTC Bike Share is a fun and convenient way to celebrate Women’s History Month in Las Vegas.

Women’s History Month is a time to honor the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. In Las Vegas, we’re proud to celebrate the women who have made a difference in our city and beyond. From trailblazing leaders to everyday heroes, women have played a vital role in shaping our community and making it the vibrant and diverse place it is today. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s take a moment to recognize and honor the women who have helped shape Las Vegas into the city it is today.

2023 RTC Bike Share Annual Survey

We Would Love to Hear From You!

What do you love about RTC Bike Share? How can we improve?
Why do (or don’t) you ride?

To help us improve, we invite you to complete a brief survey about your experience with RTC Bike Share for a chance to win a $250 DTLV gift card bundle, including gift cards from some of your favorite downtown Las Vegas businesses.

This survey is open to everyone. Never used RTC Bike Share before? No problem! All feedback is welcome. The survey will take about 15 minutes to complete. Click here to complete the survey by September 7, 2023, to be automatically entered into a raffle for a chance to win a $250 DTLV gift card bundle!

Station Destinations: DTLV Black-Owned Businesses

Take RTC Bike Share and #BikeThere to support Black-owned businesses in Downtown Las Vegas! We’ve created a map with popular Black-owned businesses in Downtown Las Vegas that are within walking distance of RTC Bike Share stations.

Click the map to see stations and locations to #BikeThere in your area!

If you know of a Black-owned business located in DTLV that you would like to share with other bike share riders, let us know and we’ll add it to the map. Please send us an e-mail at [email protected]

Get Riding With A Discounted Downtowner Pass!

In celebration of American Heart Month, we’re extending a discounted Downtowner pass promotion to help you commit to improved cardiovascular health this year! Wondering how cycling contributes to a healthier heart? Here are a few benefits of regular cycling:

❤ Increases cardiovascular fitness

❤ Lowers blood pressure (which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke)

❤ Improves circulation

❤ Reduces Stress

❤ It only takes two to four hours of cycling a week to improve your cardiovascular health!

To help you get riding, now through the end of February, you can purchase an annual Downtowner pass at a discounted rate of $99. That’s 365 days of unlimited 60-minute rides for less than $100! Click below to purchase and use promo code NEWYOU to get your Downtowner pass for $99.

This promotion is good through February 28, 2023. One use per account holder. 365 days begins once the first ride is taken. Additional usage fees may apply for e-bike use and rides over 60 minutes. 

Happy Black History Month!

In honor of Black History Month, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on a few of the many stories of Black cyclists who have inspired change for Black people in the cycling world for Black people across the U.S.

Katherine T. “Kittie” Knox worked as a seamstress in the late 19th century. In 1884, after discovering a passion for cycling, she challenged the League of American Wheelmen’s policy of excluding Black people from membership by participating in cycling races. Eventually becoming the first Black American member of the league, Kittie’s bravery and efforts to advocate for the desegregation of the League of American Wheelmen contributed to a more inclusive and equitable future for cycling. In 1993, the name of the league was changed to League of American Bicyclists. The 1884 ban on Black people was officially lifted in 1999. Kittie Knox is now celebrated as a champion of racial and gender equality in bicycling. 

Today we have championed Black cyclists like Nelson Vails (the first and only Black Olympic medalist from the USA in cycling) and Ayesha McGowan (USA’s first Black Pro Woman Cyclist) in large thanks to Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor. Widely known as a cycling legend and one of the greatest cyclists of his era, Major competed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite facing significant racial discrimination, including being banned from races and facing threats and violence, Major went on to become one of the most successful cyclists of his time and was known as the “Fastest Bicycle Rider in the World.” He won numerous races and broke several world records, becoming a pioneering figure in the sport of cycling and an inspiring figure for Black Americans and people around the world. 

From creating cycling clubs and organized races as a way to promote physical fitness and community building to embracing cycling as a form of resistance against segregation and racism, the history of Black Americans in cycling is one of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite facing a multitude of challenges and discrimination, Black cyclists in America have made significant contributions to the sport of cycling and have continued to celebrate the freedom and empowerment that comes from riding a bike. 

Thanks for Riding With Us!

It was a busy October for RTC Bike Share! In addition to celebrating #6years with you, we also partnered with three organizations for three separate group rides throughout the downtown Las Vegas community. 

First, we partnered with Blacks in Nature for their first Black Business #DTLV Crawl. Blacks in Nature is a community group founded by Roz Brooks to create accessible outdoor experiences for people of color in the Las Vegas community. The group took RTC Bike Share all over #DTLV making stops at black-owned businesses including LAYOP Clothing, Sin City Seafood Kitchen & Lounge, Classic Jewel, Nail Therapy Beauty Boutique, Tap N Ash Social Club, and more. Visit https://blacksinnature.com for more information about the group and how to join. 

Next up, Nevada APA Conference! The 50th annual conference of the Nevada Chapter of the American Planning Association was held at the Plaza Hotel in downtown Las Vegas with the theme of Planning for the Challenges of Tomorrow. To get acquainted with some of the downtown Las Vegas neighborhoods, members utilized RTC Bike Share for an afternoon ride visiting Symphony Park, Arts District, and Fremont East District. For more information about the Nevada APA visit https://nevada.planning.org.

Finally, we partnered with the Southern Nevada Bicycle Coalition for the Bike2Art community ride through downtown Las Vegas. The 6-mile ride featured stops at DTLV murals and eateries where riders had the opportunity to indulge in food and beverage samples. The Southern Nevada Bicycle Coalition advocates for safer roadways, better trails, and more biking opportunities in Southern Nevada. To learn more about the Southern Nevada Bicycle Coalition and for details on becoming a member, visit https://snvbc.org.

Download Our New App!

We have created something new just for you! RTC Bike Share just introduced the RTC Bike Share app which includes upgraded features such as precise location to make undocking more secure, reminders about usage and e-bike fees so that you’re never caught off guard with usage fees, and personalized push notifications to enhance your bike share experience.

For the latest updates and promotions, download the new RTC Bike Share app. Click here for links to iOS and Google Play app stores to download the RTC Bike Share app today!

6 Years of RTC Bike Share!

It’s our birthday, and we’re most grateful for 6 years of bike sharing with you! To celebrate, we’re extending an exclusive deal with you. From now through October 31, you can purchase an Explorer Pass for $6 (regularly $15) by using the promo code: 6YEARS. 

In the spirit of 6 years of Bike Share, we wanted to share 6 fun facts with you:

  1. We have ridden more than 1.1 million miles since launching in 2016.
  2. A bicycle commuter who rides approximately 5 miles to work, 4 days a week, will save over 1,600 lbs of CO2 emissions a year. 
  3. Riding a bike between 30-60 minutes a day is associated with lower blood pressure in men and women.
  4. You can still get exercise from an e-bike! (Even our pedal-assist e-bikes require you to pedal for the power to kick in!) 
  5. Our launch date on October 27, 2016, was declared “Bike Share Day” by the City of Las Vegas.
  6. This year, we surpassed 200,000 rides all thanks to you, our riders!

Why stop at 200,000 rides?! As the temperature cools down, it’s the perfect time to go wheels up! Tell a friend and plan a ride (or 6!) to some of your favorite DTLV destinations. When you’re ready to get those wheels spinning, click the button below to purchase your pass, and don’t forget to use 6YEARS for a $6 Explorer Pass! Download the free RTC Bike Share app on the Apple App Store and Google Play. 

Celebrate National Bike Month!

May is National Bike Month, and we can’t wait to get rolling on two wheels and #BikeThere! Throughout the month, the RTC and its partners are hosting community bike rides, bike safety and maintenance events, and expansion of the RTC Bike Share system.

Whether you’re riding for fun, fitness, with family, or taking essential trips to work or shop, you are part of our movement for safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet, and happier people.

Everyone is invited to join the fun!

Join RTC Bike Share for a Group Ride

Take a lucky ride with RTC Bike Share on Friday, May 13, 2022! The group ride will be approximately one hour long, riding from Fremont East to the Arts District with stops along the way to enjoy local art and shops. Visit this link to sign up and use code RTCBS22.

We will meet at the Fremont and 7th RTC Bike Share station on May 13, 2022, at 5:00 pm to depart no later than 5:15 pm. Riders will be required to sign a waiver and wear a helmet. No helmet? No problem! RTC Bike share will have helmets available for those who need them. All participants must have an active RTC Bike Share account. This ride will be limited to twenty (20) riders.

Looking for more ways to #BikeThere?

Check out additional events organized by the RTC:

  • Congresswoman Titus Infrastructure Funding Press Conference Thursday, May 5, 2022
  • Bike Safety and Maintenance Event in Henderson, NV Sunday, May 22, 2022, 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Register in advance here.
  • Bike to Work Week Monday, May 16, 2022 through Friday, May 20, 2022

For additional details and event registration, visit the RTC’s National Bike Month webpage.

DTLV Bike Ride Guide: Entertain

You’ve checked out some local art, grabbed a cup of coffee (or two), and tried some unique culinary dishes in downtown Las Vegas. Now it’s time to really spin into some fun with our DTLV Ride Guide: Entertain. Find yourself amused with our fourth week’s ride experience in DTLV.

  • The Mob Museum: Did you know that there’s some truth to the movie Casino? Take a deep dive into the true stories that inspired the 1995 film, view hundreds of artifacts, and experience immersive exhibits at The Mob Museum. Steps away from our Stewart & 3rd station is a Vegas experience you can’t refuse! 
  • Container Park: Looking for a place to get a head start on holiday shopping? Craving a unique whiskey cocktail? Maybe you want to climb a treehouse! You can do all three and more at Container Park. Dock at our Fremont & 7th station to access this outdoor shopping and entertainment complex. 
  • Ferguson’s Downtown: A city block rooted in community, you can find 13 shops of local movers and shakers as well as unique dining experiences. Catch some live music during the monthly DTLV Field Trip, an open-air evening excursion featuring alternative R&B, groovy hip-hop, and indie-pop artists. Dock at Fremont & 10th.
  • 18bin: A short walk from our Arts District-Casino Center station in the heart of the Arts District, 18bin offers craft cocktails, great music, and tasty traditional and vegan food. Dance the night away in their outdoor patio space that often features local DJs.
  • ReBAR: Dock at California & Main to get to this funky hangout for cocktails, bar eats, and a playful selection of antiques and memorabilia. On select nights, you might catch a live show in their back patio theater space. 
  • Able Baker Brewing: Did you know that this brewery got its name from the first two atomic bombs detonated at the Nevada Test Site? With artwork influenced by the Atomic Age, you can also try over 30 craft beers on tap and delicious bar eats from their in-house scratch kitchen. Dock at Main & Utah.