Ever wondered what it’s like to intern at one of the largest and most effective bicycle advocacy groups in the country? Whitney Ericson interned with us last summer as a Bicycle Education intern. We spoke with Whitney to get insight on her internship experience and how it helped her focus her career interests.

Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in San Francisco and have always loved living in a diverse city with incredible outdoor access. I am currently a senior at Middlebury College in Vermont where I am an Environmental Studies major with a focus in literature.

What attracted you to interning with the SF Bicycle Coalition?

I have always loved to bike. I raced mountain bikes on the high school team and at Middlebury. I got my first road bike a few years back and immediately began exploring the Green Mountains and Champlain Valley of Vermont. I was fortunate enough to have biked with Bike and Build, a nonprofit organization that engages youth and young adults in service-oriented cycling trips around the Pacific Northwest and across America. During this time, I began to understand the need for safer bike routes on a national scale. I wanted to intern at the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition to combine my passion for biking with my desire to make biking more inclusive, accessible and safe.

What were some of your major accomplishments with us?

I researched ways to improve the bike education program and helped find new clients for our professional driver education course. During our bicycle workshops, I helped participants feel safe, confident and comfortable biking in the city through individual hands-on instructions. I also had the opportunity to volunteer at many community and transportation events where I was lucky to tell people about our free bike safety classes.

How has your time at the SF Bicycle Coalition affected your future?

Since working at the SF Bicycle Coalition, I have been thinking about pursuing a career in bike transportation planning. I would love to see biking and walking become more easily integrated in urban environments.

Any fun stories during your intern experience?

My first time using a bike trailer (a perk of membership), I biked across the city with the Pride floats for our contingent in the Pride parade. Many onlookers were both perplexed and excited as they saw our Marketing and Events Manager Susan and I get into the spirit of Pride!

We’re looking for some great people to join our 2019 spring intern team! If you’re interested in interning with us check out our internship postings and apply today.