Riverside’s cycling community is facing a significant loss as Pedals Bike Shop, a beloved local Pedal Bike Shop, announces its closure after more than a decade of service. Founded by Jason Markley, Pedals was more than just a business; it was a passion project fueled by a love for bikes and a desire to share that passion with the Riverside community. For years, Pedals has been a cornerstone for cyclists in the area, known for its dedication to customer service, meticulous attention to detail, and genuine love for all things cycling.
Jason Markley, the owner, didn’t start Pedals with profit as his primary motive. Leaving behind a successful career in whole-home audio, he wanted to create a sustainable business that prioritized community engagement, a positive work environment, and strong customer relationships. “My love for bikes is why I started Pedals,” Jason explained, emphasizing the personal connection he felt with cycling. “Bikes represented freedom to me, and I wanted to share that with the Riverside community.” This philosophy shaped Pedals into a unique pedal bike shop that resonated deeply with local riders.
For over ten years, Pedals Bike Shop became synonymous with exceptional service and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether customers were looking to purchase a new bike, needed repairs on their trusted steeds, or simply sought expert advice, Jason and his team were always ready to assist. This commitment fostered a loyal customer base and solidified Pedals’ reputation as a go-to pedal bike shop in Riverside. The shop’s ethos was built on a deep appreciation for cycling and a genuine desire to serve the community, making it more than just a retail space; it was a hub for cycling enthusiasts.
However, despite its popularity and strong community ties, Pedals Bike Shop is closing its doors. Jason cites a confluence of factors, reflecting the increasingly challenging landscape for independent retail businesses. External pressures, both social and economic, have made it progressively difficult to operate a small brick-and-mortar shop. The COVID-19 pandemic, while initially bringing a surge in cycling interest, also accelerated the shift towards online shopping, a trend that has significantly impacted businesses like Pedals.
“The same COVID that brought people to bikes made them reliant on Amazon,” Jason pointed out, highlighting the double-edged sword of the pandemic. The convenience and often lower prices offered by online retailers have created formidable competition for traditional pedal bike shops like Pedals. Furthermore, Jason acknowledges the impact of local challenges such as crime and homelessness, which disproportionately affect brick-and-mortar businesses and contribute to the economic strain. These factors combined have created an environment where maintaining a sustainable independent pedal bike shop has become increasingly difficult.
Pedals Bike Shop has been an integral part of Riverside’s thriving cycling culture. The city’s unique geography, boasting both extensive trail networks and flat, paved roads, has fostered a strong cycling community. Areas like Victoria Avenue, the Greenbelt, and the Santa Ana River Trail, developed through city initiatives to promote bike-friendly infrastructure, have allowed both road and off-road cycling to flourish. Pedals served as a central point for this community, a beacon for those passionate about cycling in a city where riding is deeply ingrained in the local lifestyle. It was more than just a store; it was a vital part of the local cycling ecosystem.
For Jason, Pedals was a personal mission, a way to give back to the community he cherished. “My love for bikes is why I started Pedals,” he reiterated. “I hoped to grow old and be the community shop. The intent was never to get rich but to have a sustainable business focused on servicing Riverside and to give myself and others a fun place to work.” The relocation of the shop to Sunnyside in 2019 from its original Jurupa Avenue location marked a new phase, but the core mission of Pedals – community service and passion for cycling – remained constant.
Despite the solid business Pedals has built, the changing retail landscape, especially accelerated by the pandemic and the dominance of online shopping, has presented challenges that have led to this difficult decision. Jason isn’t closing due to business failure, but rather in response to a shift in the retail model that no longer aligns with his original vision for Pedals. “With the ever-changing climate in the brick-and-mortar space, it has become clear that the model changed from what the dream was intended to be,” Jason explained.
Pedals Bike Shop will remain open for a short, undetermined period, likely weeks rather than months. Its closure will leave a gap in Riverside’s cycling community, reducing the number of full-service pedal bike shops in the area. Jason’s advice to the community is a call to action: “Something to consider is if you like that little shop, let the world know, and even if it’s a bit inconvenient, use them often for your purchases. Chances are they are passionate about their craft, and local knowledge will be missed when it’s gone.” This message underscores the importance of supporting local businesses to maintain the unique character and expertise they bring to a community.
The story of Pedals Bike Shop is not isolated to Riverside or the cycling industry. It’s a reflection of broader trends impacting small, independent businesses across various sectors. Supporting local businesses is an investment in the community’s future. Choosing to shop at businesses owned and operated by local residents helps maintain local economies and preserves the diversity of services available. This principle applies not only to pedal bike shops but to all local businesses, from coffee shops to restaurants.
Jason Markley is moving on to new opportunities, returning to high-end audio sales while remaining in Riverside. He expresses gratitude for the community’s support over the years. “Over the last 13 years, we have been very fortunate with some great customers, of which lots have become friendships that will continue forever.” However, it is Riverside that will feel the absence of Pedals Bike Shop. As Jason departs from the pedal bike shop he lovingly built, his parting message to the Riverside cycling community is simple and heartfelt: “KEEP RIDING YOUR BIKES!”
