Cycle Dog is a household name for pet owners across the country, but for the bicycling community (especially here in Oregon), they represent something even deeper: a masterclass in upcycling and local manufacturing. Founded in 2009 by Lanette Fidrych, the company has transformed millions of pounds of discarded inner tubes into fun, high-quality dog gear. We sat down with Lanette to talk about their mission-first approach to sustainability and why the best way to celebrate a long ride is with a cold beer and a happy pup.
The Origin Story – Every great Oregon company seems to start with a “what if” moment. Where did the idea for Cycle Dog begin, and what was that first prototype back in 2009?
Lanette – Back in 2009, I was bike commuting to my job at Nike and started collecting my flat tubes. After building up a pretty big pile, I began experimenting—making dog collars and leashes for my two Labradors.
What surprised me was how well the material worked. It was durable, waterproof, and didn’t hold odor—just a really great product. I started selling at small local markets, and within about four months we had retailers picking it up and realized we had the beginnings of a strong brand.
Since then, we’ve reclaimed more than two million inner tubes that would have otherwise gone to the landfill, and that’s something I’m really proud of.
Made in Oregon – You’ve chosen to keep your manufacturing and showroom right here in NW Portland. How does being an Oregon-based company influence the way you design and build your products?
Lanette – From the beginning, I wanted Cycle Dog products to be made here in Oregon. It felt important to create jobs locally and be part of the maker community that Portland is known for. We truly have the best staff, they really care about dogs and the products they are making
Having our manufacturing and showroom in the same space is something we really value. Customers can come in, see what we make, and understand how it’s made. That connection—to the product and the process—is a big part of who we are.
The Sustainability Mission – You’ve diverted over two million inner tubes from landfills. Can you talk about the challenge of working with “waste” material and why you’ve committed so heavily to the upcycling model?
Lanette – In the early days, collecting and recycling inner tubes was very hands-on and pretty labor-intensive. We had to build relationships with local bike shops and drive around weekly to pick them up. Some shops were great partners right away, and others took a little more effort.
Now, 16 years later, we’ve built a strong network with hundreds of bike shops across the country, along with partners like REI, Trek stores, and our independent dealers. It’s grown into a really meaningful recycling community, and that’s been incredibly rewarding to see. I still love having folks stop in and drop off tubes for recycling, grab and beer and watch the dogs play in the park
Innovation & Design – Beyond just using recycled rubber, you’ve introduced things like the Pup Top bottle opener and the Latch-Lock buckle. How do you balance the functional needs of a dog owner with the creative “cycling-inspired” aesthetic?
Lanette – Cycle Dog has always been a solutions-driven company. Everything we make is designed to improve the experience of owning a dog—especially in a place like Portland, where you’re outside in all kinds of weather.
The inner tube material naturally gives us a waterproof, non-stink solution, which is a big win for dog owners. From there, we look for ways to add thoughtful details—like the Pup Top bottle opener or our Latch-Lock buckle—that make products more functional and enjoyable to use.
The connection between cycling, dogs, and even beer isn’t forced—it’s just part of the lifestyle here, and it shows up naturally in the products.
Community & The Tavern – The Cycle Dog Tavern is such a unique space. What was the vision behind combining a factory, a retail shop, and a dog-friendly taproom? How has it helped you connect with the local community?
Lanette – The Tavern and Dog Park is really about creating a community space. When we moved to our NW Pettygrove Street location and had more room, we saw an opportunity to bring everything together—manufacturing, retail, and a place for people and dogs to gather.
Adding craft beer, wine, cider, and both indoor & outdoor dog park areas created a space where people can spend time, not just shop. One of the best parts is that we get to interact with customers every day and see our products in use with real dogs. That direct feedback plays a huge role in how we design and improve what we make.
The Love of the Ride – At Cycle Oregon, we believe bikes are a tool for joy and empowerment. How has cycling shaped your own life, and do you have a favorite “leave from the front door” ride in the area?
Lanette – When we started Cycle Dog, cycling was a big part of my daily life—I was commuting by bike every day. These days, I’ve shifted more toward mountain biking, which has become a big part of my summers and weekends.
It’s a great way to reset and step away from the day-to-day of running a small business. Cycling has always been a foundation for Cycle Dog, and it’s still a big part of who I am personally. My four trail dogs keep me on my toes and honesty having Rocky Point (mountain bike trail system) so close and the fun network there has been really valuable.
Looking Ahead – What is Cycle Dog most excited about for the 2026 season? Any new innovations or community projects on the horizon?
Lanette – One of the things we’re really excited about is continuing to expand how we use inner tube rubber across our product line. It’s no longer just collars and leashes—we’re using it in our stretchy dog toys, as the rim in our dog bowls, for handles in blankets, and more.
It’s such a versatile and durable material, and we’re constantly finding new ways to incorporate it. Looking ahead, we’re excited to keep innovating and, just as importantly, to keep diverting more and more material from landfill waste.