My name is Maximiliano Delacruz. I’m 19 and I’m from Springfield, Massachusetts, born and raised here. I first heard from RadSpringfield (which we just call “Rad”) last year from friends and posts here and there through social media. First thoughts were “it’s a community-based bike shop?” and “what does that mean and what is it about?”
My curiosity got the better of me as always. I first visited Rad around mid summer or early fall of 2018 to find out what all the fuss was about. Even when I first walked into Rad for the first time it feels no different from today, the atmosphere is and always will be welcoming. You walk in, you’re greeted right after you sign in and enter. The volunteers are as helpful and knowledgeable as can be with each different person having a unique and diverse set of skills with bicycles.
It’s not just the regular volunteers who help, however. Anyone of any age or background can surprise you with how much they know about bicycles! It’s also not just about repairs. I soon realized Rad was more than just “some shop downtown that fixes bikes”. We teach people of all ages, children to adults about:
- Community bicycle repairs. Rad aims to help others
- acknowledging the laws and rules of the road as a bicyclist,
- the rights to the road,
- the necessary information to safely cycle out on Springfield roads
- the use of lights,
- the life saver that is the helmet.
Rad’s community has also grown so much in such a short period of time, I don’t regret ever walking into there with an open mind and curiosity. At this time I’ve been volunteering consistently at Rad for around 6 months and thanks to a grant from MassBike, even got paid for my summer hours at a growing partnership with Springfield College. It hasn’t been a lot of time but it honestly feels like I’ve been there much longer.
Each Monday I’ve been helping others, giving a caring hand and not expecting anything in return. Rad honestly feels more like a second home to me now – I love Rad and all that it is. The atmosphere, the people, the bikes especially (haha), but what I love most is the opportunity to see the smiles and the gratitude from people who you helped, who needed assistance – a quick fix or an overhaul. you know?
Being able to help, being able to give Springfield’s community an easier more accessible, reliable bicycle shop. Helping people get to work, to school, to point A to B. Volunteering was never on my mind when I entered Rad the first time. But I’m not sure I’ll ever stop going to Rad now!
Make-It Springfield's community bike shop 