Staff & Board
OUR STAFF
Jacob has served as the executive director of Bike Cleveland since February of 2012.
An alumnus of Spring Arbor University where he earned a degree in sociology with a concentration in community development, Jacob is now a passionate Cleveland transplant.
Prior to becoming director of Bike Cleveland Jacob was the active living coordinator at Slavic Village Development where he created and implemented programs that got residents connected and active in the community. As part of his work at Slavic Village Development Jacob served as the convener of the leadership team that created Bike Cleveland.
As director of Bike Cleveland Jacob works closely with volunteers and members to affect policy, legislation and infrastructure that help make Cleveland’s roadways safer and our neighborhoods more vibrant. Jacob can be contacted at 216-273-6863 or Jacob@bikecleveland.org.
Diana Hildebrand has an undeniable enthusiasm for cycling and a passion to “Changing Lives Two Wheels at a Time” by utilizing the bicycle as a unique and meaningful form of education, sustainability and mobility. Diana has created several biking opportunities throughout Northeast Ohio by partnering and collaborating with various organizations, agencies and institutions to increase bike and pedestrian access, safety and best practices with various creative and specific programming geared to engage citizens of all ages.
As the Education and Outreach Manager Diana is looking forward to being a vital resource to support the Greater Cleveland bike/ped initiatives, support communities, provide opportunities to our local bike educators, ride leaders and groups. Diana can be contacted at 216-273-6872 and diana@bikecleveland.org
Jason joined the Bike Cleveland team in January 2017.
He is a lifelong cyclist – with years of graphic design and marketing experience, as well as a Business Degree from Walsh University.
Jason worked within the bicycle industry for over 2 decades. He knows firsthand the issues facing cyclists, the fears of new riders, and positive impact that cycling can have on health, communities, and business development. Fostering this positive impact is what drew him to join the Bike Cleveland team.
Spreading the message that bicycles deserve respect and represent the future of Cleveland, encouraging cyclists to ride without fear, and building a movement for all riders are his goals. Jason can be contacted at 216-298-1938 or Jason@bikecleveland.org
Jenna Thomas joined Bike Cleveland in March of 2022 as the Advocacy & Policy Manager and is now our Director of Advocacy.
Jenna graduated from Cleveland State University in 2021 and brings a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Public & City management and a Bachelor of Arts in Nonprofit Administration.
Before joining Bike Cleveland, Jenna was a Documenter with Cleveland Documenters and an intern with Advocacy & Communication Solutions. Jenna will use her experience in local and state policy advocacy to push equitable urban design that centers around people―not cars. Jenna is also passionate about helping individuals realize their power to change local policies and will organize communities to engage in this work alongside Bike Cleveland.
Jenna can be contacted at 216-354-4902 or jenna@bikecleveland.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
How many bikes do you own? Which is your favorite?
I currently own 3 bikes. I used to have more but I have found The One. She is a mint green Specialized Sequoia. Steel frame bike. I love her. We can go anywhere and conquer anything together.
What is your favorite Cleveland area ride/route? What is your favorite one anywhere?
My favorite ride is along the lake. I love to ride to the East 55th Marina and ride along the lake and watch boats, people and birds but most of all catching the sunset on Lake Erie. I started mountain biking last year and have fallen in love. I am looking forward to exploring more local trails. My favorite ride would be around Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes NY. I absolutely love Critical Mass on the last Friday of every month.
What does riding a bike mean to you?
Freedom. Fun. Friends. Strength. Cycling lets me explore the world at a pace where I can observe and reflect. You see so much more going place to place on a bike than in a car.
How have you been involved in the Cleveland Cycling Community in addition to your involvement with Bike Cleveland?
I was volunteer of the year three times for Bike Cleveland. I have helped captain a rest stop for the Fundo all except for one year since it’s inception. I have sat on the Fund Development Committee for Bike Cleveland for 4 years. I became a League Certified Cycling Instructor in 2016. I have lead bike rodeos for the Ohio City Co-Op, local schools and local communities. I have helped teach adults cycling handling drills and how to safely ride on roads with traffic classes too.
What drives you to serve on the Bike Cleveland board?
Cycling can change a persons accessibility to the world around them. I want more people to feel the freedom and fun I experience while riding a bike and those people may not be as confident riding with traffic as some. That means that Cleveland needs more bike lanes, protected bike lanes and off the road trails that connect. I want Cleveland to become a city that people want to move to and stay and part of that is becoming more bike friendly.I want to be a part of that change.
What’s your vision for the future of cycling in Cleveland?
My vision is for no more bike riders to be killed while cycling. Cycling infrastructure is necessary and not a luxury. That drivers learn how to drive with bikes as vehicles on the road. That we as a city need to understand that bike riding accessibility is part of building a city that attracts people. Being a city that is car-centric is old thinking and Cleveland needs to move into the future.
Assistant Director of Development, VeloSano
Philanthropy Institute, Cleveland Clinic
How many bikes to you own? Which one is your favorite, and why?
I only own one bike (shocking). It’s a Cannondale CAADX so it’s a bit of a swiss-army bike and can handle it all; on the road and trail. I definitely see myself investing in a full suspension MTB in the future.
What is your favorite Cleveland area ride/route? What is your favorite one anywhere?
When it comes to organized rides, I’m a bit biased to mention VeloSano since it’s my full time job. Experiencing thousands of Riders, Volunteers and supporters rallying together around one common cause is overwhelming. Every dollar raised benefits lifesaving cancer research at Cleveland Clinic.
The Rocky River Reservation is my go-to leisure ride. When it comes to my favorite tour, going around Lake Erie is most definitely tops on the list.
What does riding a bicycle mean to you?
Freedom and joy. Riding a bike is mode of efficient transportation that’s virtually free. Especially in communities like Cleveland and local suburbs where driving isn’t always necessary. And let’s face it, it’s hard to not smile when you’re riding a bike.
How have you been involved in the Cleveland cycling community in addition to your involvement with Bike Cleveland?
I’ve volunteered with Bike Cleveland in different capacities since 2013 prior to joining the Board. This was around the same time that I started my career at Cleveland Clinic to help our team bring VeloSano to fruition. I work very closely with many of the local bicycle shops throughout Cleveland.
What drives you to serve on the Bike Cleveland board?
I was born in Cleveland and grew up in Lakewood. I love seeing/being a part of the growth and development within our community. Cleveland is great. There’s no reason that we can’t be among the leaders in the nation for sustainable infrastructure and transportation.
What’s your vision for the future of cycling in Cleveland?
I think it needs to go a bit deeper than just cycling. I believe the future of transportation in Cleveland needs to continue evolving. Everyone should be able walk, ride, or drive on roads, paths, etc. in such a way that there is little room for error for all parties involved. Infrastructure should continue to be developed and enhanced so that all modes of transport can co-exist and work together seamlessly. We’re making great strides but there’s always more to be done.
Freeform: What else should our members know that makes you unique?
I formerly founded Rewarding Rides with two of my close friends. We would embark on an annual multi-day cycling tour benefitting different local causes. The motto was simple; “Do something nice for someone, today and every day.” It was fun to pack up our panniers (or a trailer) and just GO for a week at a time, camping along the way.
Our rides included:
CLE to Athens, OH
CLE to Chicago
Washington DC to CLE
Around Lake Erie
Nashville, TN to CLE
What kind of bike do you ride?
Trek 1500 road bike, Surly LHT tour bike, LeMond Prolog e-bike, Giant Invite hybrid.
Where is your favorite place to ride your bike?
Cleveland Metroparks, Minnesota Trails, various Rail Trails.
What motivates you to ride your bike?
Health, decreased fossil fuel emissions, physical challenge, staying young.
How have you been involved in the Cleveland cycling community in addition to your involvement with Bike Cleveland?
Pan Ohio Hope Ride (Seidman team), Slow Rolls, Velosano, NOACA bike counts.
What’s a favorite memory you have of riding a bicycle?
Finishing Pan Ohio for the first time (I’m now working on my 10th).
What’s your vision for the future of mobility (biking and walking) in Cleveland?
Safe, connected routes for all Clevelanders, educated and non-distracted motorists, more people on bikes
Why did you choose to serve on the Bike Cleveland board?
To work towards safe, connected bike infrastructure and to make cycling a popular, healthy activity in Cleveland.
What’s your favorite cycling event?
Pan Ohio.
How many bikes do you own? Which one is your favorite, and why?
Currently own 4 bikes, but always considering the next. My Cannondale Quick is probably my favorite as it is setup as a commuter with a rack for panniers and hitch for a Burley Travoy trailer. It gets me and my stuff around town, but it is still a lively bike.
What is your favorite Cleveland area ride/route? What is your favorite one anywhere?
Slow Roll Cleveland. The ride brings people with diverse backgrounds together in a different neighborhood of Cleveland every Monday evening during the warmer months. Hundreds of smiling faces rolling down the street sharing their joy of cycling makes for an amazing start to the week.
What does riding a bicycle mean to you?
Being more connected to the community around you, both literally and figuratively. Details and places that previously blended into the background while driving stand out and beg to be explored. The opportunity to smile and wave at folks going about their day also brings a human aspect to transportation.
How have you been involved in the Cleveland cycling community in addition to your
involvement with Bike Cleveland?
Regular bike commuter to work over the years and Critical Mass participant. I became involved with the Heights Bicycle Coalition in 2018 as well as a member of Squad for Slow Roll Cleveland. In 2019 I became a League Certified Instructor.
What drives you to serve on the Bike Cleveland board?
I am passionate about cycling because it occupies a unique junction of equity, transportation, safety, health, and quality of life. Bike Cleveland fights for these causes daily and I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the mission of the organization.
What’s your vision for the future of cycling in Cleveland?
Building a connected network of trails and protected bicycle facilities throughout the greater Cleveland area that serves all people whether they are 8 or 80.
How many bikes to you own? Which one is your favorite, and why?
I’m down to 3. A 29er mountain bike, a Trek XO2 cyclocross bike that I converted to a roadie because I’m a heavier rider, and a ’76 Schwinn I use for neighborhood commutes. The Trek is probably my favorite, definitely what I’ve spent the most time on during charity rides and finding remote breweries throughout Ohio.
What is your favorite Cleveland area ride/route? What is your favorite one anywhere?
Favorite Cleveland route is probably the Emerald Necklace. From my house in Ohio City out to Lakewood, then down through the Metroparks and then back up along the towpath, it’s a great 60 mile training ride. My favorite anywhere is a tougher question, but one that I really enjoy is the Sunday and June route that start in Burton, Ohio and go through a lot of hilly Amish country. It’s a tough day in the saddle but really beautiful and rewarding.
What does riding a bicycle mean to you?
It means a few distinct things. When I’m riding around my neighborhood and City, it means an intimate connection to those places. When I’m riding for fun or charity, it means a sense of freedom and self-challenge.
How have you been involved in the Cleveland cycling community in addition to your involvement with Bike Cleveland?Our work at Cleveland Neighborhood Progress has always recognized the importance of a truly multi-modal City, and have worked with and advocated for those stakeholders. I also enjoy the social rides, Critical Mass and the Fundo are great bike awareness events and community
builders.
What drives you to serve on the Bike Cleveland board?
Bikes are important, well beyond just being fun to ride. There are huge transit and environmental forces that a well-integrated bike infrastructure is essential to curbing. There are also race and equity elements that access to bikes and bike infrastructure can help address, especially in one of the poorest cities in the Country. A truly great City will have transit options for all, and I think Bike Cleveland’s work is essential to making Cleveland a truly great City.
What’s your vision for the future of cycling in Cleveland?
It’s a City that has an equitably distributed network of on and off street cycling paths and other infrastructure that makes commuting and recreational bike use in the City something that anyone who wants to can easily take advantage of year round.
How many bikes do you own? Which one is your favorite, and why?
– Civia Hyland, daily commuter bike and grocery getter
– Specialized Crux cyclocross for cyclocross and gravel road racing and all around fun
– BMC TE01 for Mountain biking
– Ridley Helium for faster road rides in good weather
– Merlin Extralight for very long road rides or riding in poor weather
– Salsa Al a Cart to keep sharp on a full rigid mountain bike
– Schwinn Twinn tandem for nights out with my wife
– Specialized P3 Dirt Jump bike, for Ray’s MTB Park
– 1960s Schwinn cruiser for parades
They are all favorites
What is your favorite Cleveland area ride/route?
Southside Triple – East Rim/Lambs, Bedford, & O&E mountain bike trails, ride from home.
What is your favorite one anywhere?
They’re all good.
What does riding a bicycle mean to you?
A clear head.
How have you been involved in the Cleveland cycling community in addition to your involvement with Bike Cleveland?
I’m a daily cycling commuter and pass holder at “The Bike Rack” downtown. I’ve been racing mountain bikes since 1988. I used to work in the bike industry as an employee of the old (now gone) City Bike. I was a contributor to the book Car-Free in Cleveland 2000.
What drives you to serve on the Bike Cleveland board?
As a daily rider and as a parent, it’s in my own self-interest that Cleveland has better cycling infrastructure. More importantly, as someone who loves Northeast Ohio, I want to help Greater Cleveland become a national leader in developing a culture of cycling as it embraces new transportation solutions. Cities with rich cycling cultures are proven to be more vibrant and attractive places for people to work and play, and I’m passionate about my role in helping Cleveland benefit from those trends
What’s your vision for the future of cycling in Cleveland?
Separated protected bike lanes all over town connecting residents to school, work, retail, and recreation.
What kind of bike do you ride?
I ride one of two Cannondale road bikes (SuperSix and Synapse) and a Co-Motion tandem and at least once a year I break out my unicycle.
Where is your favorite place to ride your bike?
I love the road route along Shaker and Gates Mills Blvd. The roads are smooth, the rolling hills are challenging and the community respects riders.
What motivates you to ride your bike?
The Fun! It’s a great way to work on fitness, spend time with family and friends and have fun.
How have you been involved in the Cleveland cycling community in addition to your involvement with Bike Cleveland?
I ride regularly with Major Taylor Cycling Club of Cleveland and support Slow Roll Cleveland, Critical Mass, and Long Distance Cycling Club as much as possible.
What’s a favorite memory you have of riding a bicycle?
My first 100 mile ride that was also over 7000 feet of elevation and took us through three states. At the time, I didn’t really know what I was getting into. The weather was hot, the ride was long, and the hills unforgiving. I hurt in places I didn’t know existed, but enjoyed sharing the experience with friends.
What’s your vision for the future of cycling in Cleveland?
My vision is to introduce and advance cycling as a health benefit among diverse communities. I also believe that as we help all communities gain access to safe cycling, we will not only learn how to enjoy its benefits, but also one another.
Why did you choose to serve on the Bike Cleveland board?
I believe Bike Cleveland can be a leader in understanding barriers and identifying opportunities for cycling in diverse communities. It is also the organization that can help advance and connect independent cycling efforts to the greater Northeast Ohio cycling community.
What’s your favorite cycling event?
The Metro Atlanta Cycling Club (MACC) One Love Century! Every Labor Day weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. Also, while only in its second year, the Major Taylor International Cycling Alliance which hosts Major Taylor chapters from across the world. Hoping to one day see this event in Cleveland.
What kind of bike do you ride?
I ride a 29 inch Big Ripper.
Where is your favorite place to ride your bike?
My favorite place to ride my bike is in my neighborhood, which is Mount Pleasant.
What motivates you to ride your bike?
I’m motivated to ride my bike whenever I want to clear my head. I need a physical release and the bike provides me with that release.
How have you been involved in the Cleveland cycling community in addition to your involvement with Bike Cleveland?
I’ve been involved with Cleveland Bike Life (CBL) for the past six years, facilitating bike rides with CBL youth, creating a neighborhood bike shop out of my home garage, and documenting CBL culture. Additionally, I’ve designed merchandise for CBL, participated in art exhibitions centering the bike, and donated bikes to Cleveland youth.
What’s a favorite memory you have of riding a bicycle?
My favorite memory of riding a bike is when I learned how to pop a wheelie at 40 years old.
What’s your vision for the future of cycling in Cleveland?
My vision for the future of cycling in Cleveland is to have critical mass rides that are not segregated and to see a bike lane created for Kinsman Road.
Why did you choose to serve on the Bike Cleveland board?
I chose to serve on the Bike Cleveland board because I want to be a bridge between bike culture and Black culture. I also want to learn and share information about Cleveland’s bike culture.
What’s your favorite cycling event?
My favorite cycling event is Bike the Block.
What kind of bike do you ride?
Jamis renegade and Miata two ten
Where is your favorite place to ride your bike?
All throughout the city!
What motivates you to ride your bike?
Health, wellness and to enjoy the beauty of the city.
How have you been involved in the Cleveland cycling community in addition to your involvement with Bike Cleveland?
I volunteer for Slow Roll Cleveland.
What’s a favorite memory you have of riding a bicycle?
My favorite memories of riding of with my late father. We rode together through parks when I was younger. It was great bonding time.
What’s your vision for the future of mobility (biking and walking) in Cleveland?
Innovative and safe bike lanes that connect the city and allow bikers to move around the city freely.
Why did you choose to serve on the Bike Cleveland board?
To be involved in the new Renaissance of the city. I believe that includes infrastructure changes that will include things like bike lanes which gives our city a higher mobility score. Also to learn more about biking and serving as a liaison to community to get more people involved in biking.
What’s your favorite cycling event?
Happy Monday! Slow Roll. I love the positive energy it creates.
What kind of bike do you ride?
Aventon Level1, Cannondale Quick 2.
Where is your favorite place to ride your bike?
To and from the next good restaurant.
What motivates you to ride your bike?
Sustainable transportation and exercise all in one - what's not to like?
How have you been involved in the Cleveland cycling community in addition to your involvement with Bike Cleveland?
Advocacy for bike-friendly development at local government levels, participation in events such as Slow Roll.
What’s a favorite memory you have of riding a bicycle?
Winning a bikeshare race in New York City in 2018.
What’s your vision for the future of mobility (biking and walking) in Cleveland?
A city where personal mobility is as convenient by bike/ebike as it is by car; one where we can reclaim our city from the vast expanse of parking lots and set ourselves up for sustainability in the long run.
Mark Filippell is Managing Director at Citizens M&A Advisors
How many bikes do you own? Which one is your favorite, and why?
I own three bikes. My favorite is my Trek 5200 road bike. It is light and fast. I bought it 18 years ago and have ridden it approximately 25,000 miles! “I take care of it and it takes care of me.”
What is your favorite Cleveland area ride/route? What is your favorite one anywhere?
My favorite local route is from Shaker Heights to University Circle, then along MLK to Lake Erie, then along the Lake Trail to downtown, then south on the Towpath to the Warner Road Trail, then to and through the Garfield Park Reservation, then through the Union-Miles and Mt. Pleasant neighborhoods back to my home.
My favorite route anywhere is the The Great Allegheny Passage, starting in Pittsburgh and working its way southeast toward Cumberland, MD. It has lots of trestles and tunnels!
What does riding a bicycle mean to you?
Physical fitness. Freedom. Experiencing beautiful scenery and meeting wonderful people.
How have you been involved in the Cleveland cycling community in addition to your involvement with Bike Cleveland?
I am on the board of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, which encourages and sponsors trail development across the country. Also, I have ridden most of the trails within 50 miles of Public Square, most many times.
What drives you to serve on the Bike Cleveland board?
I greatly admire the tangible results that Bike Cleveland’s board, staff and volunteers have already accomplished. My service with the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is largely national policy-oriented rather than specific trail-oriented. Therefore, I welcome the opportunity to help Bike Cleveland on its specific initiatives that are doing a world of good for my home town.
What’s your vision for the future of cycling in Cleveland?
I see cycling as a vehicle for Clevelanders to become healthier, better connected and more civically aware. Some of the barriers that keep Cleveland-area people from knowing and respecting each other will break down if biking can be done safely and conveniently.
Freeform: What else should our members know that makes you unique?
One of my hobbies is constructing model HO train bridges; most are 8-10 feet long. They have been exhibited in museums and have won prizes. The collection is in my downtown office; I welcome the opportunity to show them to visitors.
What kind of bike do you ride?
I have three bikes in rotation. My favorite is a Surly Disk Trucker which has accompanied me on adventures around town and across the country. Second is a Surly Karate Monkey that took me down the Continental Divide in 2023. Last is a Giant Defy road bike which allows me to feel fast, especially when compared to the other two.
Where is your favorite place to ride your bike?
My favorite Cleveland area route is the ‘post industrial.’ I love the mix of urban, suburban, rural and industrial landscapes you get experience in that one long ride. Further afield, riding in the Rocky Mountains is a very special experience. The majesty of the environment and the feeling of accomplishment upon cresting a 5+ mile long climb is unparalleled.
What motivates you to ride your bike?
I am motivated to ride out of a sense of respect for the environment, a quest for fitness, a desire to feel connected to the community and for a taste of adventure.
What’s a favorite memory you have of riding a bicycle?
My first date with my wife was a ride down Chicago’s north shore from the Botanical Gardens to downtown.
What’s your vision for the future of mobility (biking and walking) in Cleveland?
I want our city and county to promote and invest in alternative modes of transportation with the goal of reducing reliance on single passenger cars. Infrastructure investments must include components to increase neighborhoods walkability, quality public transportation and streets that both encourage and are safe for bikes, scooters and walkers.
Why did you choose to serve on the Bike Cleveland board?
I attempt to use my bike as my primary form of transportation around Cleveland (except for those wet and cold days) and have experienced both the joy and challenges of biking in the Cleveland area. I want to help make bike travel more convenient, accessible and safe for more people in our area.
What kind of bike do you ride?
Jamis Renegade gravel bike. It's versatile and smooth and is really the only one that I ride.
Where is your favorite place to ride your bike?
I love the Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway and the Towpath of course, but I also really enjoy leisurely rides through the city's residential neighborhoods.
What motivates you to ride your bike?
Riding brings joyfulness, freedom, independence. From pleasure rides to mundane errands, I feel like every session on a bike helps keep me healthy and young, as well as more mindful and curious about the world around me.
How have you been involved in the Cleveland cycling community in addition to your involvement with Bike Cleveland?
I've been involved locally since moving back to Cleveland (my hometown) in 2021 after many years away. I participated in Bike Cleveland's Random Acts of Brightness as well as Cranksgiving that year…and was irrevocably hooked.
What’s a favorite memory you have of riding a bicycle?
Riding on the Washington DC towpath and seeing a huge snake on the trail, and that same day rescuing a tiny turtle from the path! That was during the most intense period of Covid-19 lockdowns and frequent rides to reconnect with nature made life a lot more bearable.
What’s your vision for the future of mobility (biking and walking) in Cleveland?
I envision Cleveland becoming an exemplar Midwestern city when it comes to transforming our car-dependent neighborhoods into truly bikeable and walkable communities.
Why did you choose to serve on the Bike Cleveland board?
Our incredible city would be hugely better off with a safe and equitable transportation network. The benefits are undeniable when it comes to health, equity, carbon emissions, air quality, and road safety. We need folks who are dedicated to making that vision a reality for all residents.
What’s your favorite cycling event?
Slow Roll and Bike Your Neighborhood group rides are favorites.
Ashley King is the Director of Housing Stability at the United Way of Greater Cleveland.
What kind of bike do you ride?
I have two road bikes, one hybrid and one mountain bike
What motivates you to ride your bike?
I enjoy seeing and experiencing my community from a different perspective. I also feel really proud of myself when I finish a long bike ride.
What’s a favorite memory you have of riding a bicycle?
Riding to the Shaker Library each day during the summer as a child and riding my bike to my nana's house.
What’s your vision for the future of mobility (biking and walking) in Cleveland?
For biking and walking to become as intrinsic into planning and development projects as an automobile. Ex. Bike racks, pedestrian scale lighting, protected bike lanes. Coupled with pedestrians and cyclists feeling safe and comfortable, while walking or biking.
Beth Glas is Executive Director at Linking Employment, Abilities & Potential (LEAP).
Where is your favorite place to ride your bike?
The Towpath
What motivates you to ride your bike?
I like the chance to connect with family and friends. I'm working toward being a more confident rider and am looking forward to riding my bike to places, rather than just for fun.
What’s a favorite memory you have of riding a bicycle?
In the second grade, I wanted to ride my bike more than I wanted to do school work. I remember trying to ride my bike on our (quiet and safe) street while reading the script and memorizing lines for the school play. I was an excellent Mrs. Claus, albeit with skinned knees.
What’s your vision for the future of mobility (biking and walking) in Cleveland?
My vision is for Cleveland's streets, sidewalks, and transit to be safe, accessible, and inclusive for all people.
Why did you choose to serve on the Bike Cleveland board?
I originally connected with Bike Cleveland through my work in disability advocacy. I'm also an avid runner and pedestrian. I wanted to bring those perspectives to the board. I also wanted to generally give back to Cleveland in a meaningful way.
What kind of bike do you ride?
Specialized Allez for commutes to work; Trek Emonda for the weekend fun rides.
Where is your favorite place to ride your bike?
Towpath Trail! It was the first place I did a century ride and is very dear to me
What motivates you to ride your bike?
Largely it is quite literally getting to work which has been much faster on bike than taking the bus or driving. I also love being able to go on longer rides with other people and be in community with others.
What’s a favorite memory you have of riding a bicycle?
The bike leg of Ironman Nice!
What’s your vision for the future of mobility (biking and walking) in Cleveland?
I would love for driving to no longer be the default in Cleveland. There are some places that are good and connected, but I would love to see similar attention given to ensure the city is not inadvertently segregated and/or neglected (especially in terms of mobility).
Why did you choose to serve on the Bike Cleveland board?
I believe I bring a unique background that can help make cycling in Cleveland more than just an activity that rich people in spandex and $5,000 bikes can enjoy. Bikes and access to safe biking lanes can help not only connect people to their communities, but also opens the door of opportunities they can take advantage of (i.e., where they can work). Additionally, cycling in general and many efforts for bike-friendly communities have historically been focused on white, wealthy communities, and I think Bike Cleveland could be more involved in addressing those equity concerns.
What’s your favorite cycling event?
A group ride near you!
What kind of bike do you ride?
I ride all kinds of bikes - mountain to road and anything in between.
Where is your favorite place to ride your bike?
Anywhere outside with friends.
What motivates you to ride your bike?
Riding helps me to slow down, engage with my surroundings, and explore places I've never been. It's my refuge from day-to-day life.
How have you been involved in the Cleveland cycling community in addition to your involvement with Bike Cleveland?
I ride for Joy Machines Racing and like to participate in coffee rides, group rides, camping, etc. all over Greater Cleveland.
What’s a favorite memory you have of riding a bicycle?
In 2023 I rode my first ever 100 miler - The MidSouth in Stillwater, OK. I rode all day with friends enjoying the scenery, wonderful weather, and the excellent support that the event is known for. It was truly an unforgettable experience and accomplishment.
What’s your vision for the future of mobility (biking and walking) in Cleveland?
Equity and comfort in safety for those who choose to travel by any means other than driving, no matter their age or ability level.
Why did you choose to serve on the Bike Cleveland board?
I want to help enhance the collaboration between our local chapters and Bike Cleveland. All members of Bike Cleveland do so much, and we can work better together to connect all of our cities and neighborhoods.
What’s your favorite cycling event?
One favorite is an event called Grinduro in the forests of Pennsylvania. It's a full weekend of mixed surface riding, camping, and hanging out with friends from all over.
What kind of bike do you ride?
Nirve Kilroy Beach Cruiser
Where is your favorite place to ride your bike?
To Seeds of Love, Tremont's community garden!
What motivates you to ride your bike?
Stronger neighborhood connections - I get to stop and talk with my neighbors along the way to the garden and explore my neighborhood streets in a more intimate and intentional way, as compared to driving. The perfect ride connects my passion for gardening, sustainability, and community all in one trip.
How have you been involved in the Cleveland cycling community in addition to your involvement with Bike Cleveland?
I regularly incorporate walking and cycling into my life and by doing so, I aim to set an example of how both can be integrated into everyday routines, promoting sustainability and accessibility.
What’s a favorite memory you have of riding a bicycle?
"One of my favorite biking memories takes me back to when I was about five or six years old. It was a hot summer day, and after playing with my friends, I raced home for a quick drink of water. Eager to get back, I hopped on my bike and sped down the street—only to realize, a few houses away, that something was different. My training wheels were gone!
The moment the realization hit, I froze and immediately toppled over into a row of hedges. Scratched up but determined, I picked myself up, climbed back onto my bike, and kept riding. I later found out my grandpa had secretly removed my training wheels while I was inside. Turns out, I had already been ready—I just didn’t know it yet!"
What’s your vision for the future of mobility (biking and walking) in Cleveland?
My vision for biking and walking in Cleveland is full integration into the city’s transportation network - making it easier and safer for residents to live fulfilling lives without being dependent on automobile access to survive.
Why did you choose to serve on the Bike Cleveland board?
"I see biking as a powerful tool for social change and stronger neighborhood connections. With a background in urban studies and community journalism, I bring a unique perspective on the systemic challenges and opportunities in Cleveland’s transportation landscape.
Biking should be safe, accessible, and practical for all Clevelanders. By serving on the Bike Cleveland board, I hope to help shape policies, amplify underrepresented voices, and advocate for a city where biking is not just an option, but a truly viable and inclusive mode of transportation."
What’s your favorite cycling event?
Rather than a specific event, my favorite biking experience is the simple joy of riding downhill after a long day. There’s something freeing about coasting effortlessly, feeling the wind rush past, and taking in the city around me. It’s a moment of peace and a chance to reflect.
What kind of bike do you ride?
Really cool ones. They each have a story, and I love them all.
Where is your favorite place to ride your bike?
Cuyahoga National Park. Quiet roads, MTB trails, the towpath, and plenty of gravel cuts... it's the best place to ride a bike in Cleveland.
What motivates you to ride your bike?
There are so many things that motivate me to ride: the pure enjoyment of cycling, the health benefits, the sense of accomplishment from setting goals and achieving them, seeing new things, and the amazing Cleveland cycling community.
How have you been involved in the Cleveland cycling community in addition to your involvement with Bike Cleveland?
I have raced (very poorly!) in many Cleveland area cycling races. I've also been active on various social media platforms promoting local cycling events and encouraging more people to ride bikes.
What’s a favorite memory you have of riding a bicycle?
During the height of the pandemic, my daughter and I rode all approximately 90 miles of the Towpath Trail in segments over the course of the summer. She was only 7 at the time and rode a purple 20-inch single speed bike. Not only was the experience a great escape from world events, but it was fun to share in my daughter's discovery of cycling. She gained so much confidence throughout the summer, and I was so proud of her accomplishment.
What’s your vision for the future of mobility (biking and walking) in Cleveland?
I want to see Cleveland develop a cycling trail network that serves as an inspiration for other cities.
Why did you choose to serve on the Bike Cleveland board?
I love the power of bicycles to bring people together. Whether we commute, race, or just ride for fun, all of us cyclists seek to move freely and safely throughout our community. Bike Cleveland is committed to making that desire a reality, and I want to be part of an organization that helps make cycling accessible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.
What’s your favorite cycling event?
The Northeast Ohio Cyclocross (NEOCX) series!
What kind of bike do you ride?
Montague hybrid folding bike - fits perfectly in my trunk next to my inflatable kayak
Where is your favorite place to ride your bike?
Towpath Trail
What motivates you to ride your bike?
I prefer to be outside more often than inside, and I care about my environmental impact, from biking to walking when I can.
How have you been involved in the Cleveland cycling community in addition to your involvement with Bike Cleveland?
I haven’t been! I was often too anxious to ride my bike around Cleveland, but the hard work of Bike Cleveland has made me feel safe and confident to ride now.
What’s a favorite memory you have of riding a bicycle?
My parents have a cottage on a small lake in Michigan. The first summer there my siblings and I rode vintage garage sale bicycles around the 7 mile lake through private streets, fenced in dead ends, parks and up the state route back home. It was a fun, memorable adventure.
What’s your vision for the future of mobility (biking and walking) in Cleveland?
I want to see a Cleveland with clean designated and protected bike lanes on all major streets, and evenly paved sidewalks so that more people choose biking and walking because they feel safe doing so.
Why did you choose to serve on the Bike Cleveland board?
I’ve lived in the city of Cleveland for 8 years, and loved walking everywhere, or taking public transportation. I’ve been inspired by the added bike safety on the streets around me, and wanted to join the cause that made those happen.