Another Election?! Vote for the SVBC Board of Directors

It’s that time of year again where we ask the members of Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition to vote for the SVBC Board of Directors. But before I introduce the recommended slate, I want to take a moment to thank Erica Rogers, an outgoing Boardmember. Erica is the very busy CEO of Silk Road Medical and for that reason is rolling off the SVBC Board. Fortunately, she will remain on the SVBC Executive Advisory Board and continue to make herself available to SVBC as an advisor on things like organizational development, industry practices, and importantly, provide positive, solutions-oriented advice. Thank you, Erica!At the end of each year, the SVBC membership votes on the incoming Board slate. To provide the membership with a qualified set of candidates, all year ‘round the SVBC Board builds a running spreadsheet of potential Board prospects. These promising potential boardmembers are gleaned from daily interactions with bike advocates, stellar volunteers, and recommendations from whoever puts one forward. (Hint: If you know someone who would make a great boardmember, send that recommendation our way and we’ll add them to the list for next year.)At the end of October, the Board assesses the types of skills missing from the Board and compiles a list of desired qualifications for new Board members. Elements typically sought include fundraising prowess, a broad network and connections, diversity of all types (geography, rider type, ethnicity and more), and someone who understands organizational growth/oversight.Last year, the Board recruited three new members who have brought to the Board much-needed expertise in human resources, nonprofit management and an understanding of cities and transportation planning. Thank you Poncho Guevara, Ken Chin and Lisa Sinizer.This year the Board slate consists of two incumbents, James Lucas and Ian Dewar along with two new candidates, Daina Lujan and Amie Ashton.Those of you who are members of SVBC will receive an email shortly. Electronic voting is open until December 12.If you are a member and do not receive an email with voting instructions by November 28, then it is possible we do not have your correct email. Please send inquiries regarding the ballot to Marissa Aviña, marissa@bikesiliconvalley.org.You are also welcome to vote in person at the Winter Party at Linkedin on December 2!Vote to approve Board of Directors CandidatesNew CandidatesAmie AshtonAfter traveling for the last few years, I am very happily home-bound. I have been looking at how I can get involved and contribute politically and socially in a meaningful way. I have been volunteering with Palo Alto Forward, Friends of Caltrain, and other local organizations. As a passionate cyclist, environmentalist, and urbanist, channeling my efforts with SVBC would be a great match.I had a planner recently ask me to assess a project's Safe Routes to School impacts in an environmental document I was preparing - and that was an awesome moment! I want all cities to have cyclists in mind as part of local and regional decision making. My vision is for SVBC to be a voice for cyclists who don’t have a voice because they are busy working professionals, kids, seniors, or perhaps can’t afford/don’t want a car. I envision SVBC continuing to push for biking and bike-related amenities to be built into every infrastructure improvement, commercial office, public park, and residential development - not as an afterthought, but as a part of the project. I hope that SVBC keeps educating implementers (public works and planning staff, developers, etc.) on the community and economic benefits of safe-cycling infrastructure. My vision is for SVBC to be a force for good in the community through fun and educational events.I am exclusively a bike/Caltrain commuter to work and appreciate the physical and mental boost that my active commute gives me. With my recent purchase of a bike trailer, I hope to eliminate a car from my life for good. Quit the gym, ride your bike!Daina LujanMy professional career involves a deep commitment to education and creating quality educational opportunities for all children. While I firmly believe in the importance of education, I see that education is only one component of a healthy, functioning society. The Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition's commitment to healthy communities, environments, economies for communities in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties align with my interests in effecting positive change on a larger scale.I am a San Mateo County native with a B.A. in Liberal Studies, an M.A. in Elementary Education, an M.A. in Education Administration. I am an educator who has severed in a variety of capacities including classroom teacher, site administrator and county administrator for the San Mateo County Safe Routes to School Program. I am also a dedicated public leader who has served on the San Mateo County Transportation Authority's CAC and the City of South San Francisco's Planning Commission. I currently serve on the the City/County Association of Government's Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee and on South San Francisco's Unified School District's Board of Trustees.As I look to the future of the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, I see a rich opportunity to engage more members from San Mateo County, a more diverse membership and support safety for all road users. Many cyclists in the south eastern sections of San Mateo County use bicycles as a primary mode of transportation, but many are not the type of cyclist who would participate in a century. Engaging a more diverse range of cyclists would ensure that the strategic directions of SVBC are responsive to the needs of more cyclists.Incumbents Running for ReelectionIan DewarIan is committed to the ongoing success of building cycling momentum in the Silicon Valley. His experience as a cyclist began where most people’s did – he rode his bike to elementary school. Remaining a cyclist by financial necessity he continued to do so through high school, university, graduate school and his first job. He didn't intend to make a statement about cycle commuting – it was just easier and more efficient. Since 1995 he has worked in cycling related jobs starting as a bicycle tour guide, moving into event planning for cycling companies and working with professional cycling teams and managing a national advocacy budget. Ian is committed to increasing the use of bicycles for transportation as well as exercise and leisure. His primary focus is twofold – getting kids on bikes and creating infrastructure to allow safer bicycle use. He believes that in Silicon Valley we are primed for growth on both fronts.James LucasAs a youth, James Lucas fell in love with the freedom his blue, 24” wheeled Schwinn Varsity could give him. He didn’t know at the time that this passion would cause him to seek out all knowledge bike related and result in his becoming a race mechanic, fit technician, and an expert in retail operations. He has spent the last 10 years managing people, operating a business, and converting people into regular cyclists.At UCSB, James served the campus community on multiple boards of governance and as the Student Director of the Sport Clubs program. He competed in the first ever Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships, raced incessantly, and provided mechanical support for Shimano and the USA Cycling National Team during his tenure there. Afterward, he followed his passion to the University of Wyoming to work on his Master’s in Exercise Physiology. There, he taught Exercise Physiology and served his campus community on boards of governance.James is now working on his next level of service through bicycle advocacy. He went to his first National Bicycle Summit in 2010 and saw what individuals can do accomplish just by showing up. When James isn’t wearing every possible hat running Calmar Bicycles, he follows his two young sons on their rides to the park.