A Letter to our GKB Community
Dear GKB Community,
Inspired by the idea that everyone should have access to affordable transportation, for the last 13 years, Good Karma Bikes has strived to transform lives through the medium of bicycles. Over those years, GKB has evolved and extended its impact in San Jose by focusing on today’s priorities and anticipating tomorrow’s needs.
In the fall of 2023, Good Karma Bikes will move into a permanent home on the ground floor of Charities Housing’s newest development under construction at 399 Blossom Hill Road in San Jose. This 11,000 sq. foot headquarters will double the amount of volunteer workspace, education, and community-run programs, giving us the capacity for a higher volume of bike refurbishment, service, and outreach, thereby enabling us to support thousands more of our community members in need.
As we prepare for this expansion, I would like to recognize my predecessor, Rebecca Turner, for her visionary leadership that viewed the pandemic as an opportunity for the organization to grow and flourish and for leading our Board of Directors through a successful strategic retreat. The bar is set high but she has set me up for tremendous success, and for that I am grateful. During this strategic planning process, we took stock of our strengths and developed a plan to clarify our core competencies and deepen the impact of our mission.
The granted bikes refurbished by our loyal volunteers certainly empower people with affordable transportation, enabling them to make life-transforming changes. But even more deeply, we have come to see how this work, at the same time, is building a stronger-more connected community. Our volunteer program is a low-barrier, welcoming entry point, connecting people both demographically and geographically throughout San Jose. They bond through bikes for the greater good -finding joy in connecting with and serving others. At Good Karma Bikes, it’s a contagious behavior that’s essential to our mission, and we believe it belongs at the forefront of what we stand for.
Therefore, I am honored to share our updated mission statement:
WE EMPOWER PEOPLE AND BUILD COMMUNITY THROUGH BIKES.
The common denominator in these efforts is the notion of continuously and relentlessly paying it forward so that one day, the cycle truly becomes full circle.
I hope you feel as strongly as I do that together, we can make such a tremendous impact in the community for those who need our help the most. Right now, we need your help. Every dollar you contribute now supports two pedals driving our mission – affordable transportation and building community. We truly believe we are planting the seeds of positive change.
Sincerely,
Taurean Dyer
Board Chair, Good Karma Bikes
Expanding Our Reach
At a special event in December, San Jose Mayor, Sam Liccardo and District 2 Councilmember Sergio Jimenez, formally announced Good Karma Bikes will move into a permanent home on the ground floor of Charities Housing’s newest development currently under construction in San Jose.
“We’re thrilled to see Good Karma Bikes and their inspiring vision grow in San Jose to serve thousands more of our community members in need,” stated Mayor Liccardo.
The new, 11,000 sq. foot headquarters is almost double the size of the current location on Lincoln Avenue. The generous layout enables more volunteer workspace and education, community-run programs, a higher volume of refurbish-able bicycles and community aid.
