Looking ahead to 2024 with our new interim executive director, Christopher White

My journey to the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition started the summer after college near the turn of the millennium, when, somewhat on a whim, I biked from New England to Vancouver, BC, to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. I thought, if I can bike over four thousand miles across the continent, surely I can bike as a way to get around a city. And that’s what I’ve done since then. When I joined SFBike in 2017, it was a sharp left turn from my previous dual careers in theater and education (ask me about it sometime!). After running our adult bicycle education program for a couple of years, I began running the Programs department, and eventually became Deputy Director in 2021. 

I stepped into the role of interim executive director in October of this year with a very clear vision of the movement we are building, and must continue to build, so that more people can use biking and other person-scale mobility for everyday transportation. 

I’m a big believer in coalition – and as people who bike in San Francisco, we all belong in this coalition. The more of us there are, the stronger our advocacy becomes, the safer our streets are, the more connected and people-first our city can be. When more of us can ride safely and joyfully, all of us will be engaged in changing this city for the better. 

But how do we get there? San Francisco is in the midst of yet another transformation, and we are, too. Facing a volatile economy and with a reduced post-pandemic membership, we’re having to do more with less, and prioritize the essential work we do to support that vision of a more sustainable, human-scale and transit-first city. 

In my role as interim executive director, I’m focusing on three things: 

Demanding vision and action in San Francisco’s next bike plan. In 2024, our transportation agencies and elected officials will finalize and begin implementing the Active Communities plan – that means they need our watchful advocacy and engagement to hold them to the infrastructure improvements and crucial safety outcomes laid out in that plan. 

Keep fighting for safe streets. Our origins as an advocacy organization are still a core component of what we do, and how we engage with members and people on bikes. We’re going to keep advocating for the improvements that keep everyone safe – like winning parking-protected bike lanes on 17th Street and Arguello, championing 14 ongoing Quick Build projects along our city’s High Injury Network, and campaigning for the parking-protected eastbound bikeway on Oak Street. 

Getting more people on bikes and in our movement. With more robust programming partnerships than ever before, we are shifting people to active transportation every day. We’re leading the Safe Routes to School partnership, to make sure that all public school children and their families can bike, roll, walk, and take transit to school. We’re partnering with community organizations and teaching hundreds of people to ride, and to see biking as a default transportation mode, with our Bike Education and Freedom from Training Wheels programs.


Along with all the crucial work that we’re doing as an organization, I’m personally excited to engage with our membership and find out what’s most important to you, as well as energize new people who bike in San Francisco to join as new members and see their impact in our movement. SFBike is made stronger by the people who make up our coalition – there’s real power in our numbers. If you’re a member already, I hope you’ll renew your membership for another year, or give the gift of membership to friends and family who also bike! And if you’re able to, I hope you’ll consider making a tax-deductible gift before December 31, to power our work and help grow our movement in the new year.

DONATE TODAY

Spreading Bike Joy on the Golden Gate Greenway

Last month, the SF Bicycle Coalition kicked off the holiday season in partnership with St. Anthony’s for their annual Giving Thanks on the Golden Gate event. We raffled off 40+ bikes and hosted free bicycle education classes and mechanic services on the Golden Gate Greenway in the Tenderloin. 

This past year, our Bike It Forward program has hosted four free bicycle repair pop ups to the Greenway to get people back on their bikes who otherwise would not have been able to afford a proper tune up. Activations like this, plus our programming at Giving Thanks on the Golden Gate, would not have been possible without the Greenway. We’re excited to bring even more programming to the Tenderloin in the future. 

The Golden Gate Greenway is the block of Golden Gate Avenue between Leavenworth Street and Jones Street that is closed to vehicular traffic everyday from six in the morning to six in the afternoon. Created during the pandemic, the Greenway is used by organizations on the 100 block of Golden Gate Ave to provide important direct services and resources to those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the densest neighborhood in the city, the Greenway provides public space for residents who don’t have many other options. 

“The street closure has also helped us to do some extraordinary things during an extraordinary year: things like COVID-19 pop-up testing; outdoor voter registration; distributing essential supplies like hand sanitizer and face coverings; drumming circles; a street mural; and hosting Play Streets events for children.” – The Golden Gate Greenway coalition, 2021

In 2020, we spoke vocally about the need to bring programs like Slow Streets and Car-Free spaces to neighborhoods like the Tenderloin. We know most of the streets in the Tenderloin and in equity-priority communities fall on the City’s High-Injury Network and that these communities would benefit the most from programs like Slow Streets and car-free spaces. 

The Golden Gate Greenway is a vibrant community gem and resource to the Tenderloin neighborhood. Every year, the Greenway has to reapply for permits to keep the partial road closure and we need your help to turn this into a permanent space forever. By supporting the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition Education Fund with a tax-deductible donation this December, you can help support these crucial partnerships and programs in the new year.

DONATE TODAY

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

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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!