we believe in using business as a force for good—where profit meets purpose
what this means for us
Since before we first opened our doors, Harness Cycle was a purpose-driven concept: fostering connection and creating growth through movement. The idea was born out of a desire to add value to a corner of our city that needed an infusion of energy, and to help pave the way for other small businesses.
Becoming B Corp certified solidified what we already knew to be true: we are a values-driven, thoughtful, and intentional company. The assessment framework helped us to look closely at our operations through a microscope to better understand our impact in our neighborhoods and the greater Cleveland community, in our team, for our riders and customers, and on the planet. We took time to make improvements to our business model and set goals for the future as we continue to evolve for the better.
While we were proud of who we were prior, we're even more inspired by who we are becoming.
how we are becoming a more impactful company
IN THE COMMUNITY
We have legally amended our governing documents to maintain a community-focused business model that supports and builds economic vitality of the neighborhood, regardless of company growth or scale.
Neighborhood Support
We partner with Ohio City Inc. community development corporation to help preserve the culture and integrity of Ohio City for businesses, nonprofits, and residents alike. One of our partner efforts emerged out of the pandemic to create the Don’t Give Up The Ship small business relief fund that provided grants to fellow small businesses in the neighborhood recovering from the hit taken during COVID-19 closures and limitations.
Local Giving
We support nonprofits throughout the year with a social or environmental mission in the Greater Cleveland area through in-kind donations.
Local Suppliers
We commit to sourcing products and supplies from companies local to the Greater Cleveland area when possible. Our retail footprint features a minimum of 1 local Cleveland brand at all times, with the intention of strengthening our local economy. We are proud to work with 100% Cleveland-based marketing, branding, and consulting services from fellow small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Accessibility
We are currently working on developing free and subsidized opportunities to join our studio classes and instructor certification program through partnerships with local nonprofit and community organizations.
Social Justice
We are advocates for challenging the status quo — we believe in using our platform when it comes to matters of human rights on the local and national level.
FOR OUR TEAM
We pay an Ohio living wage to all of our employees to support them and their families.
Healthcare
Provide transgender-inclusive health insurance, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and mental health support for all full time team members.
Time Off
Full time team members receive 4 weeks PTO and 8 paid volunteer hours per year.
Caregiver Leave
We offer paid leave to full time team members who give birth, adopt, or are the partner or spouse to someone who has given birth.
Professional and Personal Development
We provide opportunities throughout the year that support the growth of both our part time and full time team members, including instructor workshops, industry research and development, and outside trainings.
Inclusive Work Environment
Our goal is to build a diverse team that can support and encourage an inclusive and dynamic culture for employees and riders alike. In 2023, our leadership team completed training with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission and our entire team has completed required Implicit Bias training. We continue to actively create a safe space for our team through the further development of internal policies and team discussion, DEI resources provided in our Team Intranet, and plans for future DEI trainings.
FOR THE PLANET
Supporting Local Initiatives
We are a 1% for the Planet business member with a formal commitment to donate 1% of our annual revenue to nonprofits local to the Ohio City neighborhood with a focus on environmental efforts and green space expansion.
Our giving partner: Ohio City Inc to support the Irish Town Bend Project and the Let’s Clear the Air Lakeview Air Quality Initiative.
Waste Reduction
We have eliminated single-use plastic bottles in our studio by implementing a glass bottle rental program for our studio classes and providing fill stations.
Safe Cleaning + Disinfecting Practices
All of our cleaning and disinfecting solutions are non-toxic. We have reusable bottles and containers for all cleaning practices which eliminates single-use containers - instead we order a majority of our products on a refill basis that arrive in compostable packaging that we will compost with Rust Belt Riders.
Reducing Energy Consumption
We have outfitted our new building with motion sensor lighting so that lights in any unused space will automatically turn off. Our goal is to implement a system to monitor and track total energy usage every month to inform future reduction goals.
we aim for transparency
Our Goal
Launch our first Annual Impact Report in 2024 to recap and share more information about our 2023 operations and outcomes.
Stay tuned for more updates on how we are evolving our operations for the better.