Ever since Ricky Ramos moved to San Francisco as an SFSU student in 2011, he has been biking all over the Bay Area. Today, Ricky is a champion for biking and San Francisco’s 2019 Bike Commuter of the Year.

“I think I’ve fallen in love with biking twice,” Ricky says, “Once as a kid, and then again as an adult in San Francisco.” As a kid, biking meant freedom, adventure and an avenue for friendship. Now, using his bicycle for everyday transportation has brought the feelings of joy and community back into his life. “The joys of riding in the terrain of our city and feeling like I was a part of a growing and prominent culture were more than enough to make me fall in love.”

Ricky’s love for biking is contagious. When his friend moved to the Bay Area as a biking novice, Ricky took them on their first ride. “The first time I saw Ricky ride, I knew he was the right teacher for me,” they explained. Many of Ricky’s friends and co-workers nominated him as Bike Commuter of the Year because he has welcomed them into the biking community.

Ricky’s generous spirit extends to his work, too. As the East Bay Program Manager for Street Soccer USA, a national non-profit, he gives youth and teens the tools and confidence to succeed. When he’s not working, he loves to pedal his way up to Twin Peaks from the Sunset and is looking forward to being able to bike from SF to Oakland on the Bay Bridge one day.

To all the first time commuters out there, Ricky says, “You don’t have to be an avid biker to start biking to work — the joy of riding on two wheels starts with just one day!” He encourages everyone to plan their route, create a goal, and find a riding buddy.

We’re looking forward to celebrating Ricky as SF’s Bike Commuter of the Year at our Bike to Work Day rally on the steps of City Hall on May 9. Join us and say hi to Ricky in person!