Since arriving in San Francisco a mere two years ago, Amita Amin has thrown her passion and tremendous energy into powering the work of your San Francisco Bicycle Coalition in a variety of ways. Her warm, friendly energy and wide smile immediately welcome anyone who encounters her, whether she’s working at Valet Bike Parking or spreading the love as a Bike Ambassador. Most recently, as a Bicycle Education Outreach Specialist she has been connecting the people of SF to the many educational resources we offer. Read on to find out what the experience is like and apply to join Amita and the team today.
SF Bicycle Coalition: How did you first become involved with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition?
Amita: Two weeks after I arrived in San Francisco in 2015, I attended the Women Bike SF Coffee Club to meet other bicycle enthusiasts, where I signed up for a yearlong membership. I then volunteered at events such as Winterfest and Tour de Fat. Three months later I joined the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition as a Bike Valet Supervisor and later as a Bike Education Outreach Specialist.
What do you do as a Bike Education Outreach Specialist?
We spread the word about the free bicycle education classes that the SF Bicycle Coalition provides. We also interact with people at Sunday Streets and other festivals and events to educate them on benefits of cycling as an alternative transportation. We set up a stall with brochures and other information, and we chat with people about how they get around the city. We also use games to entice the kids and adults to come and learn about the free classes and how to bike safely in the city.
What has been your favorite experience in your time as a Bike Education Outreach Specialist?
What is most fulfilling from this job is interacting with kids and seeing how interested they are in the rules of safe cycling in the city. Our interactive trivia wheel is especially fun and informative. One kid said the questions are tricky but fun. He kept spinning till he answered all the questions. The best was his answer to why we should always wear a helmet — his reply was, “So that we don’t lose our brains.” That made me laugh for the rest of the day. The work is so much fun.
When you’re not being a Bike Education Outreach Specialist, what fills your time?
I have a full-time job in Millbrae, and in my free time I love to take hikes and go for long bike rides. My favorite bike ride is along the Great Highway all the way to Pacifica’s Sweeney Ridge Trail.
Interested in spreading word about our array of free bike education classes open to all people? Check out the job description and apply today to join Amita at upcoming festivals and community events.