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]
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.
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.
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.
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!
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:
We have ridden more than 1.1 million miles since launching in 2016.
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.
Riding a bike between 30-60 minutes a day is associated with lower blood pressure in men and women.
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!)
Our launch date on October 27, 2016, was declared “Bike Share Day” by the City of Las Vegas.
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.
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
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.
Have you been following along our weekly ride guides? Have you worked up an appetite? You’re in luck because our third installment of ride guides, DTLV Bike Ride Guide: Eat, will serve up some delicious bites! From East Fremont to the Arts District, we’ve got the best guide to bring you one ride closer to satisfying your cravings.
Ferguson’s Downtown: Dock at our Fremont and 10th station to enjoy the new dining experiences at Ferguson’s. In search of a place that offers variety? Check out Vegas Test Kitchen which offers a variety of cuisines weekly from celebrated chefs testing new concepts. Looking to enjoy American cuisine and craft cocktails in a retro desert charm setting? Check out Peyote!
Vegenation: In search of a plant-based meal with some community-sourced ingredients? Dock at Carson & 7th, and cross Carson to Vegenation! With a fully plant-based menu, Vegenation also works with local small businesses to source their beer, booze, coffee, tea, artisan cheeses, seasonal herbs, and art.
Pizza Rock: Dock at 3rd and Stewart to indulge in a specialty pie while jamming out to old and new rock tunes. Pizza rock features gourmet pizzas in a variety of styles, 23 rotating drafts, craft cocktails, and over 60 bottled and canned beer; all served up in an artistic and energetic atmosphere.
Rick’s Rollin Smoke BBQ: Brought to you by Rick Harrison (of Pawn Stars), Rick’s Rollin Smoke BBQ aims to satisfy all your BBQ cravings. Dock at Garces and Las Vegas Blvd to enjoy down home country sides and fall-off-the-bone hickory-smoked barbeque.
Tacotarian: Inspired by a trip to Mexico City experiencing so many veggie dishes with such flavor and love, Tacotarian has brought plant-based Mexican cuisine to downtown Las Vegas since late 2019. Dock at Arts District – Casino Center and you’ll be steps away from Tacotarian.
Braeswood Tex-Mex Barbecue: Dock at Main & Utah to enjoy low and slow Texas barbeque, southern and Mexican sides in downtown Las Vegas. You will not leave hungry! Check out Braeswood, one of DTLV’s newest barbeque dining experiences.
Don’t forget to share photos of your rides throughout the month on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram tagging @RTCSNV and #RTCBIKE5 for a chance to win two tickets to the upcoming Vegas Golden Knights game on November 9th against the Seattle Kracken.
This month, as part of our birthday celebrations, we will be celebrating our riders and featuring weekly rider spotlights. Our first feature is Matthew Chavez, or if you follow him on Instagram, @bicycleboy702. Matthew has been a Field Technician for RTC Bike Share since 2016 and we recently had the chance to ask him a couple of questions about his time with RTC Bike Share.
When did you start with RTC Bike Share? You’re a Day 1 employee, right? Almost but not quite a day 1 employee! I started in the last week of October 2016. I started a couple of days before our official launch in downtown Las Vegas.
Do you have any notable early memories from the first year? Oh, for sure! I remember feeling excited about being on the ground floor of something so special in Las Vegas and the downtown area! I remember the official launch held on 3rd & Stewart at our Downtown Grand station. So many people were in attendance and such positive and inspiring speeches were made by Mayor Goodman and David Swallow from the RTC. The event was super festive and energetic!
What’s your favorite part about working for RTC Bike Share? My absolute favorite part of working for RTC Bike Share is my daily interactions with our riders! I take a great deal of pride to ensure that every single rider has the most positive experience possible. I strive to maintain a bike share system that is virtually seamless to the rider. Providing clean & well-maintained bicycles / stations is my # 1 priority. I absolutely love when I hear positive feedback from our bike share riders, and I love seeing everyone enjoying the sights & sounds of downtown Las Vegas while riding our bikes.
Have you always been an avid cyclist, or has your time with RTC Bike Share influenced an increase in your interest? I’ve always been a cyclist, yet I’ve become an avid cyclist during my time with RTC Bike Share. Cycling has become a part of my life and it’s changed me in the most positive ways. Think about it, I can cycle as part of my work, and I cycle on my off time as well! If I’m not bike sharing, then I’m definitely cycling out in the desert!
What do you use RTC Bike Share for most, outside of work? Outside of work, I use RTC Bike Share for a brisk workout and I’m always taking pictures of anything that catches my eye during my rides.
What’s your favorite place to visit within the RTC Bike Share footprint? One of my favorite places to visit within the RTC Bike Share footprint is the area surrounding our Premium Outlet station. I love riding around the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, the beautiful Smith Center, the lovely Symphony Park, and World Market Center. This area is so peaceful and quiet. I totally love the green spaces located within this wonderful area.
What’s one thing that a new RTC Bike Share rider should know? How to ride in the safest way possible! Safe riding is as simple as wearing a helmet when possible, obeying stop signs & traffic signals, using hand signals, and staying to the right side of the road. These simple tips can make your ride safer, and you’ll have a positive experience and journey.
Our riders need the details on your infamous Blackjack Ride! The infamous Blackjack Ride is a ride that was created when I first started working with RTC Bike Share. Our system consists of 21 stations, and I really wanted to ride to all of them, including docking & undocking a bike, during my after-work evening ride. After some time, I developed a route that I really liked, and I began to ride to all 21 stations 2 to 3 times a week. It is so much fun, and I found myself getting better and stronger with each ride. Even though I take the same route, each ride is different in its own unique way. I’ve ridden in the morning, evening, sunny days, and even windy days. I stop to talk with downtown Las Vegas visitors, residents, and riders who may need assistance. I always seem to see something new that catches my eye and I love stopping to snap photos. Each ride starts off like a blank canvas which becomes a work of art by the time I finish.
You can follow Matthew along his cycling journey (and maybe catch some behind the scenes at RTC Bike Share snaps) on his Instagram, @bicycleboy702.
