This is a guest post from one of our Bicycle Ambassadors, Audrey Waldrop. Bicycle Ambassadors are SFBike members who have completed training to represent our organization by answering common questions at events, spreading the joy of biking, and helping build our coalition by enrolling new members.
I have been a member of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBike) since 2019, when a new housemate offered to add me to his household membership. We bonded over an interest in sustainability and the joy of cycling as he showed me the best bike route to work from my new neighborhood.
That early morning commute was a clear reminder of how lucky I was, and still am, to live in this city. I found peace in my morning ride through Golden Gate Park’s eucalyptus and the dew-dropped Panhandle toward downtown. By the time I reached my destination in Oakland (shout out to SFBike for advocating to allow bikes on BART back in the 70s!), my mind was reliably cleared and my spirit lifted.
As I settled into my new neighborhood, I grew curious about the SFBike’s work. Wanting to learn more, I attended a Bicycle Ambassador Training in order to volunteer at Bike to Work Day (now Bike to Wherever Day). I was amazed at the Coalition’s long-standing history and street safety achievements. SFBike was working toward a future I wanted to be part of, particularly when it comes to sustainable and equitable access to getting around the city.
Ultimately, SFBike has brought me into a deeper relationship with my city. By volunteering as a Bike Ambassador, helping with bike valet, and attending actions and rides, the Coalition has introduced me to parks and neighborhoods I never had visited, connected me with my own district supervisor, and gotten me involved with ballot initiatives which helped me get to know local businesses and make lasting change in my neighborhood.
Most importantly, SFBike has shown me the strength of community and people power. During a time when change at the federal and international level can feel all-consuming, I am energized by the progress the SFBike is driving locally toward a more sustainable, equitable, and joyful future– including tangible opportunities for me to contribute while meeting like-minded residents. When I volunteer I always meet new and interesting people, whether through exchanging stories over a shift running bike valet for high-attendance City events, or handing out Bike to Wherever Day tote bags and flyers along Market Street to build our movement as a Bike Ambassador.
I am proud to be a member of SFBike in its mission to make change but also to find joy in the pursuit of building a safer, more connected, and more just San Francisco.
Want to join Audrey as a Bicycle Ambassador? Sign up to take the Bike Ambassador Training today!
