Can Bicycles Build Homes?

Tony Ramirez in his new home.

When the Millbrae house he was living in was sold, Tony Ramirez, at 48, suddenly faced homelessness.

“I had no place to go. So there I was,” recalled the military veteran and San Mateo County native. His 10-year-old son and former wife lived nearby. He faced a daunting search for a home he could afford. The scarcity meant he might have to move far from son, family, and friends.

Instead, when the doors opened for a new apartment project called The Rollins, his life took an enormous step forward.

The Rollins is one of the region’s newest affordable housing developments. It touts design, amenities and services — including a location by the Millbrae BART station, other transit routes and nearby shopping — offered specifically for existing Millbrae residents who live significantly below median income — with priority for veterans.

It’s also an example of Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition’s focus on support for much needed affordable housing, as a key to building vibrant, people-oriented communities in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Among its initiatives, SVBC works with developers of affordable housing on programs to ease traffic effects through opportunities for bicycling, which in turn helps the developers win state funding and local support.

“Of course I wanted to be closer to my son,” said Tony, who is pursuing a passion for music production. Quick action by his social worker helped him apply and be selected for one of the 79 apartments, to remain near his son. “He’s 10 minutes away. He’s already been here three times, and I love it. I feel very, very lucky and extremely grateful to have landed in such a beautiful place.”

A Special Community-Building Role for Bicycles

SVBC has long seen the bicycle as a practical, healthful and joyful transportation resource and way to build community. The more people walk and bicycle, the greater the potential for connection, for close-knit urban villages where many elements are within reach and the automobile is less essential. For such reasons, the coalition puts special emphasis on support and services that encourage bicycling.

An early such initiative launched in 2017 in Santa Clara County. SVBC teamed with El Camino Hospital Community Benefit Program and local agencies for Pedal2Health, providing a series of workshops and rides for families and residents to build safe cycling habits, confidence and bike-ability along some of the region’s most troubled transportation corridors.

That initiative has since expired. But SVBC continues to seek out opportunities to support bicycling as pragmatic, healthy, safe and fun transportation, most recently conducting safety training and a bicycle give-away at a San Jose affordable apartment complex.

Meanwhile at The Rollins

Meanwhile, at The Rollins, SVBC will team with residents for a program that supports residents in bicycling as a safe, healthy and fun way to access Millbrae and transit options that lead to the greater region, says Monica Nañez, the bicycle coalition’s director of educational programs. Programming exclusively for The Rollins residents will include activities such as biking classes, group rides, an onsite bike-share pilot program, and access to SamTrans passes at no cost.

The bicycling programs enhance a range of services already planned or being provided for tenants, said Kathy Tran, property manager at The Rollins.

Leasing remains underway, with remaining units mainly at the higher end, for Millbrae residents at the top of the qualifying scale, she said. More information about The Rollins and qualifying incomes and application process can be found on The Rollins’ website.

Recently arrived resident William Haven said he and his wife, Marian, have been impressed by The Rollins staff and their new home, and look forward to learning more about bicycling options

They’d lived for the past 12 years in a senior apartment in Millbrae, to be near their daughter and grandchild, but were finding high rent to be a challenge.

“For most of that time we had been on every list we could find” for an affordable home, said William, also a veteran. “We’d hate to think how far we’d have to move to get an affordable rent. The reduced rent allows us to continue to live in the area. We’re very fond of it. We’re just completely pleased.”