About

Who are we

Red Raccoon Bike Rescue is local not-for-profit organization of more than 30 volunteers from the Waterloo Region community fixing bikes for free with particular emphasis on serving vulnerable community members, newcomers to Canada and those who count on a working bike to get groceries, go to school, apply for jobs, go to medical appointments and get to work. 

Our Mission

Our core mission is to offer free bike service and education, particularly focusing on those who face systemic barriers such as poverty, discrimination, and stigmatization.

We enable cyclists to ride safe and functional bicycles. We recognize that traveling by bike has a positive impact in our communities, in our mental and physical health, as well as being an economical and environmentally responsible way to travel. We particularly reach out to those who face barriers from poverty, discrimination and stigmatization, and hope that our services can empower them to access the necessities of life and the joys that make it worth living.

Our Principles

Equity. We improve equitable access to transport through biking, by making it available to everyone, with a focus on those that usually face a series of barriers. Transport poverty acts as a barrier to basic needs such as accessing healthcare, education and employment opportunities.

Environment. We fix bikes and salvage parts that may otherwise go to landfill, and help promote a sustainable, low-carbon transportation method.

Education. We empower people through teaching them how to fix their own bike as well as teaching individuals how to ride a bike.