A Thanks to SVBC, and You, for Changing My Life
SVBC’s Blog is always full of reports and updates about bicycling here in the region, so forgive me if I use up a little of this space for a more personal post. In a couple of weeks, I’ll be leaving my position as Outreach Manager for Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, and move on to the City of San Jose’s Environmental Services Department. I’d like to use this space to thank the SVBC staff, and people like you, for helping me change my life for the better, en serio.Before I started working for SVBC, I was part of the famous 60%: the interested but concerned rider. I fantasized about getting to work, doing errands, and riding the trails on a bike, but was scared as hell to ride on the street next to cars. This job tore down all the barriers I created for myself for why I don’t ride. No bike? I got a tip to get a nice used one from Good Karma Bikes. What rules should I follow? I read our safe biking resources, and took the free urban riding workshops we offer to plan my route. No people to ride with? I found a community of folks who organize fun rides on a monthly basis, and who have helped me explore this city and region. Little by little I started feeling more confident on streets, and knowledgeable of the safest, calmest routes to get from point A to point B on a bicycle.Now, it’s my primary mode of travel, and I’m doing all I can to convince my momma and more folks to ride by sharing and taking advantage of all the events and resources available. I love going on bike rides and being inspired by the beautiful sights and sounds provided only to those who get around without a car. I understand now how active transportation is an important part to making a city more accessible, to making cultural events better, businesses more profitable, and to making people healthier and happier.I also have become passionate about addressing a larger issue the bicycling advocacy community faces - equity. If we want to truly preach safety and comfort for all people on bikes, we must align our work with those fighting for the safety and health of the people who are on those bikes - including immigrants, people of color, women, and low-income folks. Input from these communities, and their experiences, are largely forgotten by those of us who have the privilege to ride on a comfortable bike when we want to, without fear of being profiled. I’m proud to know SVBC feels strongly about this, and I look forward to staying involved to keep this work grounded in community.So from the bottom of my heart, I thank the team at SVBC for giving me the space to apply my skills and to continue to grow personally and professionally. And the wonderful folks like you who contribute time, money, and energy towards making this organization the best it can be. For now, I invite you to join me on Saturday, March 4 as I help lead a community mural bike ride through the streets of San Jose. And, I look forward to working with you as part of the City of San Jose’s Environmental Services Department. And should you like to pick up where I left off, or know someone who does, I urge you to apply for and share the Outreach and Member Engagement Coordinator job listing!Carlos Velazquezc/s
