Growing the Connection Between Boise & Duck Valley Through Bikes
Amid the whirlwind of Treefort’s music, art, and energy, on March 28th a dedicated team of Boise Bicycle Project volunteers and staff packed up and set out on a journey southbound for the Duck Valley Reservation in Owyhee, Nevada. Tucked away in a vast high desert landscape, Duck Valley is one of the most isolated communities in the country, where access to transportation like bikes and reliable bike repairs is limited. But with our tools, volunteers, and a shared passion for pedal-powered freedom, we hit the road, determined to bring bikes, joy, and a little extra mobility to the Shoshone-Paiute youth.
After a 2 ½ hour drive, we rolled into the heart of the reservation at the Human Development Center where teachers, staff, and event organizers greeted us with open arms. Adding to the community spirit, the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship joined the celebration, bringing food to share with families and volunteers. Wasting no time upon arrival, we unloaded bikes, set up our repair stands, and mapped out a traffic garden - a course designed to help kids get comfortable on their new wheels. Every bike we distributed had been donated by the Boise community during our Holiday Kids Bike Giveaway, now finding a second home where they were needed most. As the scent of sizzling hamburgers and hot dogs filled the air, we got to work handing out bikes to eager kids, tuning up rides for teens and adults, and making sure every set of wheels was ready to roll.
Earlier in the week, spring had started to show its face across Boise and Duck Valley alike, bringing sunny days in the 70s and a renewed energy to everyone. But by Friday, the forecast had taken a turn - rain and snow were daunting us. Thankfully, the storm held off, though a crisp chill filled the air. Volunteers and families bundled up, warming their hands over the charcoal BBQ throughout the day. Despite the cold, spirits remained high, and nothing could stop the kids from riding (something we know well at BBP!). One family reached out just days later to share that their children were so excited about their new bikes that they couldn’t stop riding, even in the fresh snow!
Thanks to the generosity of our Boise community, these bikes will empower young riders at Duck Valley, offering them more than just transportation - they are actively providing freedom, confidence, and connection across our greater community. Boise Bicycle Project operates on Shoshone-Bannock land, and we recognize and honor our Indigenous neighbors not just in words, but through action. Strengthening our relationships with the Fort Hall and Duck Valley Reservations is a commitment we are proud to uphold, and with the continued support of our community, we look forward to expanding this partnership for years to come.
Land Acknowledgement
The Boise Bicycle Project is located on Shoshone, Bannock, and Northern Paiute land. We acknowledge our indigenous communities through our services and recognize the indigenous homelands on which we sit.
Statement of Intent
The only way BBP can achieve its mission is by creating inclusive spaces in our shop, on our rides, at our events, and in our community for groups of people who have systematically been marginalized. We want to reaffirm our ongoing commitment to black, indigenous, people of color, all bodies and abilities, LGBTQ+ people, and other marginalized communities. We will back up this commitment with actions, outcomes, and continual evaluation. We invite you to join us in this work with courage and curiosity!
