Want to ride with confidence on Portland’s streets?
This free Bike Buddy mentorship program from BikeLoudPDX matches experienced local cyclists with new or nervous Portland riders. Buddies will meet based on mentees’ needs to:
- build skills & confidence
- find safer commutes
- know what to get at a bike shop
- answer cycling questions
Thank you for your interest in Bike Buddy. Our $600 mini-grant program is now full for 2026. If you would like to apply for the 2027 Bike Buddy year, please fill out the grant application. We will be in touch in January 2027 to confirm your interest and share next steps.
If you have questions, contact our program manager at bb.bikeloudpdxx@gmail.com.
Become a Bike Buddy Mentor!
For experienced cyclists, consider sharing your knowledge as a mentor to help grow Portland’s cycling community. We match mentors and mentees based on location, experience, and preferences. Mentors also receive special discounts at some of our partner shops.
Need safety gear, a bike, or rain gear?
Low-income participants may be eligible to receive up to $600 in safety equipment, bikes, and repairs if their household income is below 50% of Portland’s median income.
What happens next?
- The Program Manager reaches out to confirm if you get selected
- Get matched with local mentor (matching happens once at the end of the month)
- Mentor contacts you to schedule meetup
- Receive your $600 worth of vouchers for partnering bike shops at your first meetup
Partner Shops
Our participating local bike and gear shops, where Bike Buddy grantees can use their $600 mini-grant.
The $600 mini-grant can get you rolling! Look for a good new or used STANDARD bike, helmet, cargo solutions, and essential safety gear – everything you need to start biking confidently around Portland.
Not eligible: E-bikes & e-conversion kits
FAQ
Who can be a Bike Buddy mentee?
To join the program, you:
- are 18 or older
- live in Portland, OR
- want to build cycling confidence
All skill levels welcome!
Who can be a Bike Buddy mentor?
To be a mentor, you:
- are 18 or older
- must be able to meet up with mentees in Portland, OR
- want to help someone else build their cycling skills
No need to be a cycling expert, just comfortable riding and willing to share your experience and knowledge.
What do mentors actually do?
You’ll help someone bike more in Portland!
That might include doing a practice ride to their work, helping them shop for the right gear, or working toward navigating traffic safely.
You’ll help set up your meetups and follow up with your mentee on any bike questions they may have.
What’s the time commitment?
MENTEES: Plan for at least one meetup with your mentor; 3 in-person meetups are suggested. About 1-2 hours each time.
You’ll also do some planning and check-ins over email or text. We will also contact you 3 times to complete a 1-2-minute feedback survey.
MENTORS: We ask that you meet at least once, but we suggest 3 in-person meetups over a few weeks or months. Each time is usually about 1-2 hours. You decide together what works.
Additionally, there will be some planning for meetups or for helping your mentee via email or text.
The Bike Buddy Mentorship Program is funded by the
Portland Clean Energy Fund from 2025 to 2027.
What if it’s not a good match?
Just let us know! We’ll figure it out.
Contact the Program Manager at bb.bikeloudpdx@gmail.com
Do I need a bike?
MENTEES & MENTORS: Yes!
MINI-GRANT MENTEES: You do not need a bike for the first meetup.
Who can qualify for the $600 mini-grant? (limited)
In order to qualify, you must:
- live in the City of Portland, Oregon
- be at least 18+yrs old
- have a valid email to send and receive messages
- participate in the mentorship program
- want to build bike confidence
- have a household income at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI)
One grant per applicant.
Bike Buddy prioritizes low-income communities and priority populations, making climate action more accessible, equitable, and impactful for those who have historically been excluded from sustainability and clean energy opportunities.
When do I get my mini-grant?
At the first meetup. Qualified mini-grant mentees will receive their vouchers at the “Set Expectations” meetup between the mentor and a Bike Buddy team member.
How does matching work?
MENTEES: Applications are reviewed in the order received, and we process 12-15 per month. Once your application is approved, we’ll reach out by email within 1 month to confirm your availability and let you know which month you’ll be matched.
If we’re full, we’ll let you know and encourage you to apply again when the next season opens.
MENTORS: We pair on a rolling basis, processing 12-15 matches per month. Matching is based on proximity, mentee preferences, and skills listed in your application. When you’re matched, you’ll get a heads-up by your preferred contact method, followed by an intro email with your mentee.
If we don’t have a mentee match for you right away, we’ll keep you on our active list.
After your first meetup, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts at our partner bike shops as a thank-you for mentoring.
Questions? Contact the Bike Buddy Program Manager at bikebuddy@bikeloudpdx.org
The Bike Buddy program has been made possible through funding entirely by the City of Portland, Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund.
