Where are you from? What led you to working at the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition?

I was born in Iowa and grew up in Bethesda, MD, where as kids we rode bikes to get around and explore our world. I moved to San Francisco in 1998 to work at the Asian Art Museum in the education department. I loved collaborating with artists and community organizations on programs and exhibitions, and engaging donors and raising funds to support the educational mission of the museum. I’ve always known about SFBike and became an active member and volunteer after I made the life-transforming decision to cycle commute, which led to all sorts of bike joy. I started riding for pleasure on the weekends, racing triathlons, and have ridden across Iowa and California in RAGBRAI and AIDS/Lifecycle respectively. I’m excited to devote my passion for cycling and community transformation at SFBike as director of development. I have a lot to learn, and I see so much potential to grow the organization’s capacity to make San Francisco a more bicycle friendly city.

Tell us about your biking journey.

I remember my dad teaching me to ride when I was about 5 or 6 years old. My first bike was a banana seat cruiser that didn’t survive my brother Brian’s stunt jumps over trash cans in the front of our house. In college, I rode a Nishiki mountain bike, which I drove across the country with when I moved to San Francisco in 1998. I rode beater bikes for commuting when I lived in Tokyo and in Cambridge England in the 1990’s. Those experiences imprinted on me the joy of using the bike as a daily transportation.   

As a longtime member yourself, why is membership important to you?

I’ve witnessed first hand the benefits of SFBike’s work to improve bike safety in my 27 years in the Bay Area. The essential Biking and Walking Map, various business discounts, and low-price membership made joining a no-brainer. As a volunteer, I learned about SFBike’s advocacy work and attention to the needs of community members. Members can count on staff to be a consistent voice at hearings, holding our city accountable for public safety, and engaging productively with community leaders and city departments involved in planning and implementing transit, bike, and walking infrastructure. 

What do you do for fun in your spare time?

I enjoy planning bike adventures, seeing where I can go combining transit with cycling, although I tend to imagine a lot more than I actually get out to do! Visiting museums (by bike if possible) is top on my list anytime I travel. My partner Adam and I enjoy seeing live music ranging from punk to jazz. I love talking to people about art, politics, music, and bikes. Let’s go for a coffee ride!