Board of Directors Elections: 2024

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is proud to have a very active and professional all-volunteer Board of Directors as stewards of our organization and work.

Directors are elected by members to serve a two-year term, and in January, members will be voting to elect eight directors for the board. San Francisco Bicycle Coalition members may nominate themselves or another member as a candidate for the Board of Directors. Interested candidates should review the following:

Here’s the schedule for the 2024 San Francisco Bicycle Coalition Board elections:

Fall/winter 2023: Board promotes the election amongst members and encourages members to declare their interest.

January 2, 2024: Deadline for interested candidates to submit the online candidate questionnaire and submit resume to boardnomination@sfbike.org.

January 3-12, 2024: Current Board Directors review candidate questionnaires and interview candidates.

January 12, 2024: Membership eligibility deadline: January 12, 2024 at 11:59 pm PST. You must be a member by this date to vote or run in the election.

January 12, 2024: Candidates must officially declare their intent to run by submitting the following to boardnomination@sfbike.org before this deadline:

  • Candidate photo
  • 150-word statement

Week of January 15, 2024: Staff meets with candidates to review the election process. 

January 18, 2024: Candidates may deliver a 2-minute speech during the Annual Member Meeting. Candidates will also have the opportunity to connect with members in-person. Speeches will be recorded for later viewing.

January 22, 2024: Voting starts. Members will have a chance to vote online throughout the election period. Candidates’ 150-word statements are published in the SF Bicycle Coalition newsletter.

January 31, 2024: Voting ends at 9:59 pm PST.

February 1-2, 2024: Election results are communicated to each candidate.

Week of February 5, 2024: Election results are announced in the SF Bicycle Coalition newsletter.

February 10, 2024: Board of Directors participate in an all-day retreat.

February 27, 2024: Board of Directors meeting is held. 

Questions? Email boardnomination@sfbike.org.

Krissa Corbett Cavouras joins SF Bicycle Coalition as Director of Marketing & Communications

Where are you from? How did you hear about the SF Bicycle Coalition?

I moved to San Francisco from Brooklyn in December 2022 for my husband’s work – we relocated our two young kids and our cargo e-bike “Tess” (who is like a member of the family) and settled in southwest Bernal Heights. 

For my first few months here, I was consulting in digital marketing and engagement strategy for Brooklyn Public Library, where I’d been on staff as Director of Digital Engagement for eight years. Believe it or not, I had the Bicycle Coalition on an actual wish list of organizations I would jump at the chance to work for; as soon as I saw the role open for Director of Marketing & Communications, I couldn’t believe my luck. If there’s one thing I love more than public libraries, it’s bikes. 

Tell us a little about what you do at the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.

As head of our marketing and communications strategy, it’s my job to translate the mission and vision of our organization, and the values of our staff and board, into the story we tell San Franciscans about the sustainability, viability and joy of the bicycle as a transformative machine for everyday transportation. As a small but mighty organization, we have to be creative with our resources and persuasive in our message, specific and strategic in how we talk about our work and bicycle advocacy in the city.

What aspect of your new job are you most excited about?

I believe in the power of creative communications and an authentic voice to show people who you are and what you can do, and to bring them into the work. I’m excited to listen to and learn from our membership and people who bike (and people who want to start biking!) – to hear what drives their passion and their advocacy, so that our message amplifies their experiences and brings more people, and more power, to the work we’re doing every day. 

Selfishly, I’m also thrilled that this job means I’ll get to know San Francisco, block by block, on my bike – truly, what better way to bond with my new home? 

What’s your favorite thing about San Francisco, as a new resident?

My favorite thing about San Francisco is the sense of character and community I find in each neighborhood I explore; they are each so different, and joyously and completely themselves. Plus, every time I stumble on something completely unexpected like the Esmeralda Slide, I’m reminded that this city is chock full of municipal whimsy, and I love that.

What do you do when you’re not working at the SF Bicycle Coalition?

My chief role in life is being a mama to my two sweet and funny kids, so when I’m not working or biking them to school and daycare, I’m usually building legos, making snacks, or chasing them around a playground – SF has so many good playgrounds! But when I’m not working or parenting, I’m usually listening to a podcast and scanning through one of my many cookbooks, wishing I had time to throw elaborate dinner parties, or curled up on the couch reading a novel about complex women. Sometimes I also like to go birding!

Join the campaign for a protected bike lane on Oak Street

We have great news for people who bike eastbound through the Panhandle: the SFMTA has begun a quick-build project to create a side-running parking-protected bike lane on Oak Street!

This project will be transformative for the westside of San Francisco – prioritizing bicycle access on a major corridor and alleviating congestion coming from popular destinations like JFK Promenade. It will also improve pedestrian safety and create a more pleasant experience for walking in the area.

In July 2020, during the pandemic, we got the Fell Street westbound protected bike lane between Baker and Shrader Streets. This was done in response to congestion on the Panhandle path and the need for more social distancing space. Since completed, the project has reduced vehicle speeds on Fell and reduced congestion and conflict in the Panhandle for people biking and walking. The SFMTA wants to replicate this success on the other side of the park. 

SFMTA staff are currently in the conceptualizing phase of the quick-build. We are expecting outreach to begin in the new year. Your San Francisco Bicycle Coalition will be hosting events and soliciting feedback on the design throughout the process. We want to hear your ideas!

Sign up to be part of the campaign here and receive updates

JOIN CAMPAIGN

We finally won a speed camera pilot in San Francisco (AB 645)!

On October 13, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 645, a speed camera bill, into law. AB 645, introduced by Assemblymember Laura Friedman from Long Beach, allows San Francisco and five other California cities to pilot automated speed cameras for the next five years. 

Along with a large group of supporters, we have been advocating for the introduction of speed camera technology into California for several years. Starting in 2017, we were key organizers with then-Assemblymember David Chiu trying to pass an earlier version of this bill. Automated speed enforcement is a proven and powerful traffic safety tool that has seen success across the world in reducing speeding cars. Since we know that speed is the primary cause of severe and fatal traffic crashes in California, we know that automated speed enforcement will reduce the number of traffic deaths and severe injuries in San Francisco. 

AB 645 will bring life-saving technology to San Francisco starting January 1, 2024 when it goes into effect. In addition to San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Los Angeles, Glendale and Long Beach will also pilot this life-saving technology. Each city has a specific number of cameras they are authorized to implement; the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is authorized to install 33 speed safety cameras throughout the city. The cameras will only be placed around schools and along the High Injury Network–the 12% of streets that see the most severe collisions occur. The bill also requires that the cities take geographical and socioeconomic factors into account when selecting camera locations.

The SFMTA says that they are already beginning the work to implement this technology, but it will require “about 12 months to complete the steps required by the legislation to ensure the speed camera technology is implemented equitably and transparently.” The SFMTA hopes to launch cameras in early 2025. The bill requires that the community have input on the location of the cameras. We will continuously monitor this process and make sure that community voices are heard.

Drivers who exceed the speed limit by 11 miles an hour or more caught on the cameras will receive a fine, beginning at $50 and increasing depending on the speed. There are potential fee reductions or community service options for those who qualify based on financial need. There will also be a warning period with no fee given out when the cameras are first installed. 

Any revenue generated from the ticketing will go directly into the city’s traffic calming measures and will have further positive impacts on street safety. 

These are civil penalties; there are no points added to your license nor is it subject to surcharges. The fines given out by the cameras will be significantly lower than speeding fines given by police officers. There are performance metrics in place so the effectiveness can be assessed and tweaks can be made during the pilot. The legislation prohibits the use of any photo or video taken for any other purpose than a speeding violation and requires that they be destroyed after 60 days. Facial recognition technology is also prohibited.

We have been supporting AB 645 and past versions of it because we believe that automated speed enforcement will change driver behavior, which is a crucial component for safer streets. Last year, San Francisco saw the highest number of traffic fatalities since Vision Zero began in 2014. This pilot will be monumental in helping us reach our Vision Zero goals. 

We want to acknowledge Walk SF, San Francisco Bay Area Families for Safe Streets, Streets for All and Streets Are for Everyone for leading on AB 645 through this legislative cycle. And we’re grateful to Governor Newsom, Assemblymembers Matt Haney and Phil Ting, Senator Scott Wiener and now City Attorney David Chiu for taking leadership on this legislation and seeing it through. As well, we recognize Assemblymember Laura Friedman and her staff authored this version of the bill and worked diligently to get it approved. Finally, we want to acknowledge and show our thanks to the SFMTA staff who have been pushing for this legislation for years. 

These changes become reality through our continued work with all these partners to improve traffic safety throughout San Francisco – and you can help! Support safer streets by becoming a member, or renewing your membership today!

Join Here!

Light Up The Night is Back!

Let’s Light Up the Night!

As the days get shorter and nights get longer, it is important that we stay safe and visible. 

Our annual Light Up The Night season is back and we are excited to announce that we are partnering with Bay Area Bicycle Law, along with our volunteers, to help install hundreds of front and rear lights for people who ride at night. Help keep yourself safe and visible – stop by and get a bike light throughout the season!

These events are also made possible by the support of our dedicated and amazing members and volunteers. We’ll be showing up all over the city to brighten up the winter season by installing lights on bikes – and this year, we welcome you to join us! Anyone can sign up here to help install lights in a neighborhood near you, and help light the way for your neighbors. 

Lights help to keep folks safe and they’re mandated by California law (CVC 21201 mandates a white front light and rear red reflector or reflective red light).

Want to know when we’re distributing lights near you? Stay updated on upcoming Light Up the Night distributions as the season goes on through our biweekly newsletter!

SIGN UP FOR OUR BIWEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Farewell to Janelle Wong, Executive Director

After almost a decade with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, Janelle Wong will be stepping down as executive director. Janelle has played a critical role in advancing your San Francisco Bicycle Coalition’s mission of promoting the bicycle for everyday transportation, and we are so grateful for her long tenure and tireless activism. 

Janelle’s leadership has left an incredible mark on our organization. Her unwavering commitment to transportation justice has touched numerous communities across San Francisco, from the Bayview to the Sunset. Many members know Janelle as an approachable and kind leader who is always ready to roll up her sleeves and incite needed change. Under Janelle’s leadership, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition has helped secure important wins such as JFK Promenade, Bayshore Boulevard Quick Build, and a permanent Slow Streets Network. 

“When I started bike commuting in the city, I happened upon this organization whose members advocated for a bike lane on 7th Avenue,” Janelle recalled. “That bike lane allowed me to commute downtown from my house after the birth of my first child. That’s the year I became a member of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, and I have been committed to making safer streets for people biking in San Francisco ever since.”

Our board of directors has selected Deputy Director Christopher White to act as interim executive director while they work to find a new leader for the organization.

“Janelle has been a committed and tireless advocate for making our city an inclusive and safe space to ride,” said Board President Marie Jonas. “The work of transforming our streets and neighborhoods is ongoing. We will be searching for an executive director who can lead our organization through this new chapter, including a refresh of our strategic plan.”

Janelle will continue to support the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition through the end of the year, and members can join us in celebrating her tenure at this year’s Winterfest

We thank our members and broader community for your continued support during this time of change. Our important work must continue at full speed while we look for a new executive director. To help us navigate through the next few months, we hope you will consider making a donation, becoming a member, or renewing your membership.

We’re hiring: Membership and Volunteer Coordinator

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is transforming our streets and neighborhoods into safe, just, and livable places by promoting the bicycle for everyday transportation. We’re seeking a passionate, highly motivated Volunteer and Membership Coordinator with a commitment to transportation justice to lead our volunteer program and to help grow membership engagement. 

The Volunteer and Membership Coordinator recruits, organizes, and oversees all volunteer logistics while providing programmatic support, event planning assistance, and on-site membership recruitment. The Volunteer and Membership Coordinator also oversees the recruitment and retention of the organization’s members through data-driven strategies and fundraising opportunities. They serve as the primary receptionist at our office, assist with accounts and member services, and maintain a wide knowledge of the organization’s work across all departments. This is an amazing opportunity to get to know people who are making our city a healthier place that’s more welcoming and enjoyable for people biking.

APPLY HERE

Primary areas of responsibility:

Volunteer and Outreach

  • Recruit, train, and organize volunteers and interns for all aspects of SF Bicycle Coalition events and programs, including for Bike to Wherever Day, Winterfest, and Bicycle Ambassador events;
  • Recruit and manage daytime membership volunteers who assist with membership support tasks;
  • Coordinate and execute outreach event logistics including the transportation, setup, and breakdown of event equipment;
  • Maintain volunteer retention through appreciation, including but not limited to planning and executing an annual Volunteer Appreciation party;
  • Manage Intern Cohort program: assist all staff in recruiting, hiring, and managing interns on a semester basis; grow and develop intern cohort program, offering professional development opportunities for interns; budget and maintain payroll for all interns; 
  • Use Salesforce to track volunteer hours, recruit and thank volunteers;
  • Host regularly scheduled Volunteer Nights, one or more nights a month;
  • Manage consistent volunteer communications through the Volunteer Newsletter; and
  • Integrate volunteer best practices via staff training, intern cohort management, documenting, tracking, and leadership.

Membership 

  • Connect members and the broader community with our mission, vision, and ways to get involved with our work, with emphasis on our core values of Transportation Justice, Sustainability, People Power and Joy;
  • Triage constituent services, responding to mail, phone, email, and in-person inquiries;
  • Manage member services, including bike box and bike trailer rentals, membership renewals and account updates, and maintaining inventory of all membership-related products;
  • Manage membership fulfillment processes, executing one to two times a week;
  • Manage membership renewal letter processes, executing two times a month;
  • Manage business and corporate partner relationships through the execution of in-person fairs and events; 
  • Manage walk-in payment for membership and store purchases, as well as special donations;
  • Manage SF Bicycle Coalition merchandise, including inventory, new product design, online and in-person sales, and shipping and handling;
  • Develop novel strategies aimed at increasing membership engagement especially in under-served communities, and growing and diversifying membership to better reflect the communities we serve; and
  • Apply an intersectional approach to the organization’s ongoing anti-racism work

Strong candidates will possess as many of the following qualifications as possible:

  • A deep commitment to the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition’s mission;
  • Interest in and passion for transportation justice, equity, and anti-racism;
  • Strong organizational, multi-tasking and time management skills;
  • Experience with databases or CRM systems (experience in Salesforce a plus);
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a wide variety of audiences;
  • Excellent interpersonal and relational skills;
  • An ability to work individually and as part of a team;
  • Experience leading groups or individuals;
  • Demonstrated track record of successful volunteer management and project planning;
  • Commitment to and/or interest in the nonprofit sector;
  • Fluency in languages other than English, specifically Spanish, Cantonese, or Tagalog;
  • Ability to ride a bike comfortably in an urban environment; 
  • Possess a valid California’s driver license;
  • Experience successfully coordinating projects with multiple stakeholders;
  • Experience recruiting and managing diverse groups of volunteers;
  • Ability to work nights and weekends;
  • Desire and ability to implement systems that will allow your work to scale quickly and significantly reach significantly more people;
  • Positive attitude, enjoyment and comfort in working with diverse communities; and
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work history.

Reports to: Membership Engagement Manager

Salary and Benefits: The annual salary for this exempt position is $60,000 – $65,000, depending upon relevancy of experience. Full-time benefits include medical, vision and dental insurance.

Hours: Full-time, exempt. This position includes night and weekend work; depending on the season, approximately three to seven nights per month and one to three weekend days per month.

Location: Hybrid — San Francisco Bay Area. Staff and their supervisors will work together to determine the appropriate work arrangement based on the nature of the individual’s role, and in alignment with organizational policies and departmental needs and activities. We strive to be as flexible and fair as possible while ensuring in-person accessibility when needed to interface with our volunteers, membership, community, and each other.

APPLY HERE

About the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition works to transform San Francisco’s streets and neighborhoods into safe, just and livable places by promoting the bicycle for everyday transportation. Our work is guided by our four-year strategic plan and the core values of Transportation Justice, Sustainability, People Power and Joy. The organization’s culture reflects its grassroots origins and professional advocacy in equal measures. Our active membership represents San Franciscans of all ages and backgrounds from all neighborhoods who are working towards safe, sustainable and more affordable ways to move around our city. The SF Bicycle Coalition is the largest city-based bicycle advocacy group in the nation and one of the largest member-driven groups in San Francisco.

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is an equal opportunity employer.

To apply, please submit a resume and a cover letter which answers the following questions:

  1. What makes you excited to work at the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition?
  2. Describe a specific program or project that you managed, including your full scope of responsibility. How did you measure success and what lessons did you learn? 
  3. What does transportation justice mean to you and how do you see it fitting into your career? 

Don’t delay safety improvements to Arguello

In April of this year, a beloved member of our community and track cycling champion, Ethan Boyes, was hit and killed by a driver while biking on Arguello Blvd in the Presidio. We joined Ethan’s friends, family, and the broader bicycle community in calling for quick action to make Arguello safe. Months later, we are still demanding action.

Arguello is one of the most used roads by people who bike in San Francisco, and responsibility for ensuring its safe design falls to both the SF Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) and the Presidio Trust, who have jurisdiction over different stretches of the road. 

SFMTA’s Arguello Safety Project, focuses on the stretch of Arguello between Golden Gate Park and the Presidio Gate, and is behind schedule. We were told in April by the SFMTA that public outreach for the project could begin within a month or two, but it still hasn’t materialized. As a result, we’re far from achieving the projected goal of an implemented design this fall.

When we biked Arguello Blvd with SFMTA staff in April, along with aides from Supervisor Chan’s and Stefani’s offices and the D1 representative for the SFMTA Bicycle Advisory Committee, we were clear: the only acceptable option is a side-running, parking-protected bike lane. Though there are many challenges to protecting the bike lane, including curb uses, emergency vehicle access, bus stops, and overhead wires, we believe the trade-offs will be worth it for a safe bike lane on one of the busiest streets for biking in the city. 

The SFMTA promised us swift implementation, projecting that a quick-build design could be in the ground as early as late summer or early fall. We are disappointed with the SFMTA falling behind on all aspects of the project.

After Ethan Boyes’ death, the entire bicycle community came together to demand action. Over 2,000 people signed a petition and joined a memorial slow ride in honor of Ethan. Community advocates under the banner of Protected Arguello also continue to demand a quick response and thorough protection. Supervisor Chan of District 1 and Supervisor Stefani of District 2 are both very supportive of the project and have each set aside funding to make it happen.

The SFMTA has the support and the urgency it needs to move forward. We’re expecting design options soon and will share them with our members when they become publicly available — but only a side-running parking protected bike lane will be acceptable. While community outreach is crucial for this project and needs to be thorough, delaying it should not be used as an excuse to prolong implementation. 

We are excited to reimagine the potential for Arguello Blvd.

Sign up for updates here!

 

Arguello safety improvements in the Presidio

In April of this year, a driver on Arguello Blvd in the Presidio veered across the road and into the opposite bike lane, hitting and killing Ethan Boyes, a fixture in the biking community. Following this tragedy, we joined Ethan’s friends, family, and the broader bicycle community in calling for both the SF Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) and the Presidio Trust – the federal agency that oversees the Presidio – to make quick safety improvements to one of the most popular bike routes in San Francisco. 

When we met with the Presidio Trust in April and walked through the area where the collision occurred, we discussed opportunities and limitations to create a safer environment for people biking on Arguello. Between the golf course and Washington Blvd, we observed dangerous behaviors such as excessive speed and people cutting their cars into the bike lane along curves. To address these, we discussed options such as speed humps, vertical delineators and better signage and markings to clarify where bicycles will travel. 

At the time, the Trust committed to pilot improvements to collect data and feedback to inform permanent solutions. Since this stretch of Arguello is slated for repaving next year, the Trust decided it made sense to do temporary solutions now and plan to implement long-term solutions when they repave.

A few weeks ago, the Trust began installing Phase 1 of the Arguello Blvd Bicycle Improvement Project, with Phase 2, which includes a speed hump and rumble strips, planned for the coming weeks. We were disappointed that the Trust did not share the Phase 1 designs for our feedback before they were installed.

We met with the Trust last week to discuss the pilot design and asked for some immediate amendments, like adding vertical delineators on the northbound side where bikes merge to take Washington Blvd. They also explained some of the data they collected that informed their choices; for example, 75% of southbound cars cut into the bike lane across from Inspiration Point, which is why they prioritized that bike lane for bollards.

The Presidio Trust was receptive to feedback, and we look forward to better communication regarding future improvements. We expect to see designs for the permanent improvements towards the end of this year and, if all goes as planned, implementation completed around the end of 2024. 

It’s important to recognize that designing transportation infrastructure in the Presidio comes with unique challenges. Much of their infrastructure is given historical preservation protection at the federal level. Several endangered species live within the park, and Arguello is surrounded by environmentally sensitive areas, making widening the roads impossible. 

Many people use Arguello daily, including transit riders, emergency responders, competitive athletes, bike commuters, tourists, and more. We want people to be able to continue to use Arguello for all active modes of transport, so it’s essential to keep them in mind for the design.

There will be opportunities to provide feedback on the permanent designs. Click below to be among the first to see them.

Sign up for updates here!

 

17th Street Quick-Build: Finish Line in Sight!

On September 1st, a proposal for a protected bike lane along 17th Street between Potrero and Mississippi was brought to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Traffic Engineer for approval. With countless supporters calling in to the public hearing, it was clear that local community members and people who bike from all over the city are in favor of this project. The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition thanks our local stakeholders and members for coming out and supporting this project throughout the process. 

For many people on bikes, especially those who commute, 17th Street is a vital thoroughfare between the Mission District and Mission Bay, yet is still a part of the city’s High Injury Network; a designation for the 13% of our city’s roads that make up 75% of severe and fatal traffic fatalities. Implementation of the 17th Street Quick-Build Project will drastically improve bicycle safety by upgrading existing bike infrastructure to a fully protected lane. 

In 2021, after months of campaigning by the local advocacy group Safer 17th, the SFMTA conducted outreach and started developing a plan that balances the needs of local families, business owners, and countless other stakeholders who use this vital corridor. 

Your SF Bicycle Coalition is working alongside local community advocates such as Safer17th and the Potrero Neighborhood Association to ensure the success of this safety project. The project has also been endorsed by local employers like UCSF Mission Bay and the United Auto Workers Local 2865 union.

Despite support from so many different stakeholders, local opposition has continued to delay this safety project with requests for more parking along the street. Between these opposition efforts and a drawn-out approval process, this project has taken far too long, and now, two years later, the finish line is finally within sight. 

After so much community support at the engineering hearing on September 1st, we were confident this project would be approved and allowed to move toward construction in the coming months but due to regulations surrounding parking changes, there is still one step left until final approval. Though the majority of the project was approved by engineering, a few key parts of the project will be going to the SFMTA board for approval next month. 

Show your support for this campaign and sign up for updates below to get notified when 17th Street goes to final approval.

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