Editors: This story was originally published in Issue 160 of our quarterly Tube Times magazine, one of many perks of membership in the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.
We are so grateful to the nearly 1,000 people who volunteer with the SF Bicycle Coalition every year in roles ranging from streetside outreach to more behind-the-scenes work. Vernon Haney takes on both.
On Bike to Work Day this year, after he finished a long work day as an Environmental Educator at the SF Department of the Environment, Vernon came to our office for the late-night unloading shift, lifting and sorting supplies from the 26 Energizer Stations we hosted across San Francisco.
“The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is such a great group of folks to be around,” Vernon told us recently. “In addition, I really like to do my part to advocate on behalf of people biking in the city.”
Vernon first learned about the SF Bicycle Coalition when he happened to bump into one of our former board members while they were both locking their bikes up in the SF Environment secure bike cage. After that chance meeting, he was surprised with a gift membership in his mailbox.
Since that day, Vernon has kept his membership current as a Barter Member, volunteering at Tour de Fat, Bike & Roll to School Week, Winterfest and many more events. Sunday Streets was his first volunteer opportunity and remains his most frequently attended event. There, he assists with our Freedom from Training Wheels course, helping young ones become more capable and confident on their small bikes.
What’s Vernon’s favorite volunteer event, you may ask? “The Volunteer Appreciation Party, of course!” he answered. Our Volunteer Appreciation Party is a biannual celebration in recognition of all the hours our amazing volunteers share with us. Volunteers enjoy snacks, music, mingling and games. (Psst: want an invite to the next one? All you have to do is volunteer with us! Find a volunteer opportunity that fits your interests and schedule at sfbike.org/volunteer.)
When he’s not teaching young students how to protect the environment, you can find Vernon biking around town.
“My favorite aspect of biking in the city is the independence it gives me,” said Vernon. “I don’t have to feel like I’m stuck in traffic. Plus, biking is the fastest and most fun way to travel, learn and enjoy San Francisco.”
Want to become a Barter Member like Vernon? It’s easy! All you have to do is complete 10 volunteer hours in a three-month period. To learn more, go to sfbike.org/membership.
The Tube Times is published quarterly as one of the many benefits to members of the SF Bicycle Coalition. For a complete list of membership benefits, or to join/renew today, click here.