In Pawtucket, a van with a cosmic logo quietly pulls into a farmers market. It’s not delivering produce or crafts — it’s Artemis, a mobile bike shop run by Civi (they/them), a queer, Puerto Rican bicycle mechanic with a mission to make cycling more accessible, inclusive, and joyful.
Civi’s journey into bike repair began in traditional shops, where they gained hands-on experience and technical skills. One of their most formative roles was at an adaptive bike shop in Warwick, where they worked with customers who had unique mobility needs. While the shop did incredible work, it couldn’t meet every request — especially from customers who needed service to come to them. Civi found themselves stopping by people’s houses before and after shifts, trying to fill the gap. That’s when the idea for Artemis was born: a mobile bike shop that could meet people where they are.
Artemis doesn’t have a storefront. Instead, it shows up at community hubs like the Pawtucket Farmers Market on the first Friday of each month and Deval’s in Dartmouth on the second Tuesday, or it drives to its customers. Civi offers quick assessments, minor repairs, and full tune-ups, often on the spot. For more involved work, customers can leave their bikes and have them delivered later. The goal is to make bike maintenance approachable and available to everyone, especially those who might feel excluded from traditional cycling spaces.
Before Artemis, Civi ran a community bike shop out of their garage in New Bedford during the pandemic. The DIY spirit of that endeavor evolved into a business that proudly reflects their values and identity. They brand themselves as “the queer bike mechanic,” and their shop carries accessories from queer-owned, women-owned, and BIPOC-owned companies. Their website (ArtemisCyclery.com) and Instagram (@artemiscyclery) aren’t just marketing tools — they’re community hubs, where people can find event listings, service updates, and a sense of connection.
That connection is central to everything Artemis does. They’re involved with the South Coast LGBTQ+ Network, the New Bedford Queer Arts Council, and Radical Adventure Riders. They’re bringing Artemis to Pride events, queer bike-packing retreats, and are working to expand into Providence and other parts of RI. They’re also collaborating with Bikepacking Roots to organize LGBTQ+ cycling and camping trips, creating space for queer folks to explore the outdoors together.
Civi also founded a New Bedford-based chapter of the Star Chasers (SCUL), your friendly neighborhood cosmically inclusive bicycle gang. What began as a fun, urban cycling crew evolved into a mutual aid network during the pandemic, fixing up and distributing used bikes to those in need. That spirit of community care continues through Artemis, which Civi hopes will eventually become their full-time gig.
They envision Artemis as a platform for organizing rides, facilitating outdoor experiences, and helping people connect — with each other, with nature, and with themselves. While they’ll always be available to help revive a dusty basement bike, Civi is especially excited about events like the Quick Rush and River Ride in Fall River, which offer short, accessible rides in urban environments. These rides are designed for people who might not have the gear, experience, or endurance for long-distance cycling, but still want to enjoy the freedom and connection that biking can offer.
Civi is also planning city-based rides along bike paths and through neighborhoods, emphasizing that outdoor adventure doesn’t have to mean escaping to the wilderness. Sometimes, it’s about rediscovering the green spaces in your own backyard. “Let’s get more butts on bikes,” they say with a laugh, a phrase that captures Artemis’ blend of humor, heart, and mission.
As Artemis grows, Civi is working hard to keep up with the demands of running a business, organizing events, and maintaining a strong online presence. All events are posted on Instagram and at ArtemisCyclery.com, where visitors can also learn more about the shop’s philosophy and offerings. It’s a lot for one person to manage, but Civi is driven by a deep sense of purpose.
They dream of a future where Artemis is a full-time endeavor, encompassing everything from mobile repairs to community rides to queer-centered outdoor adventures. It’s a vision rooted in accessibility, creativity, and care — a vision that’s already taking shape, one ride at a time.If you see Artemis parked at a market or event, stop by. Whether you need a tune-up or just want to say hello, you’ll find more than a mechanic. You’ll find a community on wheels.
