Staff & Board
Become a Volunteer!
We have a very small staff, so our power comes from members, volunteers, and cyclists just like you. Make a difference in your local community by giving us a bit of your time each year.
DID YOU KNOW?
3 Foot Passing Law
“The operator of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle shall pass to the left at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. When a motor vehicle overtakes and passes a bicycle, three feet or greater is considered a safe passing distance.”
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
Jerrod joined the Bike Cleveland team in November 2023.
He’s a grassroots Community Organizer hailing from the Buckeye Shaker neighborhood. Jerrod is passionate about creating inclusive environments that are culturally reflective live work communities with safe commuter biking and walking infrastructure.
Before joining Bike Cleveland, he was a Grassroots Organizer and Certified Health Insurance Navigator with UHCAN Ohio, a Buckeye – Neighborhood Ambassador with Burten, Bell, Carr and he recently completed an externship with the St. Luke’s foundation to be a Community Health Worker through A Vision Of Change. He’s an relational organizer by trade with a passion for storytelling and community uplift.
Jerrod can be contacted at 216-428-2364 or Jerrod@bikecleveland.org
Jenna Thomas joined Bike Cleveland in March of 2022 as the Advocacy & Policy Manager.
She 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
How many bikes to you own? Which one is your favorite, and why?
I own 2. I can’t pick a favorite. The first is an old Fuji mixte that my husband fixed up for me for Valentine’s Day when we first started dating. The other is a Surly Long Haul Trucker that I ride almost every day in fair weather.
What is your favorite Cleveland area ride/route? What is your favorite one anywhere?
I like riding over the Lorain Carnegie bridge every morning on my way into work. It’s totally protected and an invigorating view. It’s a nice start to the day.
What does riding a bicycle mean to you?
Freedom, self-reliance, strength, one less car!
How have you been involved in the Cleveland cycling community in addition to your involvement with Bike Cleveland?
About 9 years ago when I moved to Ohio City and did Critical Mass for the first time.
Why drives you to serve on the Bike Cleveland board?
I am amazed at what Bike Cleveland has been able to achieve as a relatively young nonprofit, and I feel passionate about its mission. To me, building a community that is less (or not at all) autocentric makes sense on so many levels: it’s more equitable, more sustainable, and more interesting.
What’s your vision for the future of cycling in Cleveland?
That everyone will see bicycling as a mainstream form of a transportation.
Freeform: What else should our members know that makes you unique?
I was on the Antiques Roadshow once.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.