By Taylor Hale

STEVENS POINT – When snow is falling and the temperature plummets to -8°, most Wisconsinites would leave their bikes in the garage, not Trevor Roark.

Roark is the owner and operator of Curbwise LLC, a Stevens Point start-up that launched last September. The business delivers groceries, items, and other goods to area locals, offering a contactless delivery service. But rather than make his daily drop offs in gas-powered vehicles, Roark took a more environmentally friendly approach. Curbwise’s deliveries are made via bicycle.

“I’ve been a passionate bicycle advocate here in Stevens Point for quite some time and have ridden bicycles as my primary needs of transportation for about 21 years,” Roark explained.

Roark lost his position at UW-Stevens Point last July due to COVID-19. He knew he wanted to combine his passion for biking with a service that could help reduce the carbon footprint of local businesses and set to work on starting Curbwise.

Trevor Roark is the owner and operator of Crubwise LLC, a Stevens Point start-up that launched last September. Submitted photo

“I wondered why these delivery services for products and food didn’t use bicycles in ‘flat’ Stevens Point, where you can pretty much access anything in a mile or two,” Roark said. “And I love to bike, so this just made sense to me.”

Roark always biked to work, and decided instead of biking to UW-Stevens Point, he could start delivering packages. He partnered with the Stevens Point Area Co-Op and began to deliver groceries just two months after losing his position at the university.

His list of partners has now grown to Central Rivers Farmshed, Meet the Herb Halfway, Zest Bakery & Coffeehouse, Whitefeather Organics, Liberation Farmers, and Cattail Organics. His newest partnership with Kindred Spirit Books in downtown Stevens Point will also allow customers to place orders for books, jewelry, gift items, and more in the near future.

Right now, Roark is the sole rider for Curbwise, but he hopes to grow his staff and acquire more delivery bikes in the coming years. The local entrepreneur also hopes to expand his number of partnerships and is always interested in speaking with local business owners about delivery opportunities.

Curbwise’s year-round delivery services may seem simple to some, but dealing with winter weather can take some preparation, according to Roark. He dresses in layers and brings changes of gloves in case they get wet or his hands get sweaty.

“I always like to say, there is no bad weather, just bad gear,” Roark joked.

Roark’s company started after he lost his job, but his commitment and passion have allowed Curbwise to be a highly-oiled link in the bike chain of the Stevens Point economy. The business works symbiotically with its partners to make sure locals get the goods they want, in a safe and eco-friendly way.

To learn more about Curbwise LLC, visit gocurbwise.com or call 715-570-1961.