Silicon Valley Bike Summit announces MTC Executive Director Andrew Fremier as Keynote Speaker
Fremier in Q&A shares thoughts on a passion for bicycling, the future for Bay Area biking, and goals with Metropolitan Transportation Commission
Andrew Fremier, executive director for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.
Andrew Fremier, the new executive director for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), has been announced as the keynote speaker for the annual Silicon Valley Bike Summit, taking place in Mountain View on Aug. 24.
The MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. Its work supports the region’s network of streets, roads, highways, public transit systems, airports and other transportation resources, including the movement of goods through ports and freight rail lines. Fremier was named executive director in February, after serving as deputy executive director since 2005.
Fremier sat with Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition for a virtual Q&A over email to share his thoughts on a passion for bicycling, his view of the future for biking in the Bay Area, and his goals with MTC. A transcript of that conversation follows.
Q: Tell us about your interest/passion in active transportation.
A: I have been an avid cyclist my whole life, from a kid needing to get to a friend's house, a college student without a car and then recreational enthusiast, and full circle to a planner/engineer that recognizes the value of the bike in helping meet our climate goals.
Q: What are some key policies and projects you have worked on to improve bicycling and walking in the Bay Area?
A: Currently working on establishing a more sustainable commitment to regions active transportation plans, through MTC's technical Assistance program. Making sure the Bay Trail is investing in new miles, while maintaining the existing inventory. Working hard on finishing the ATP (Active Transportation Program) connection across the bay bridge corridor. Continuing to create a sustainable model for bike share throughout the region.
Q: Where do you see biking in the Bay Area in 20 years?
A: I aspire to a future when many more local trips are made possible with bikes and e-bikes because they are safely protected from the automobile. I see many more miles of existing pavement taken from the Single occupancy vehicle and dedicated to transit and Active transportation routes.
The e-bike allows for so many more people of all ages with a larger radius to intentionally make the choice to change mode choices for the healthiest vehicle.
I believe all of the younger residents are very aware of the benefits of an electric bike, and they will continue their attachment to these modes. Much like the field of dreams, build a safe system and they will come.
Q: You’ve worked with Caltrans for 20 years and have been with MTC since 2005. What accomplishments are you most proud of during this time?
A: I am very proud of MTC/ABAG/BATA's investment in the Bay Trail Project, and I hope to develop it to completion, and ensure it is maintained properly into perpetuity. I have been on the delivery end of the San Francisco/Oakland and Richmond San Rafael Bridge Bike/Ped paths and am committed to connection Downtown Oakland to San Francisco across the Bay Bridge corridor in my lifetime. (ABAG is the Association of Bay Area Governments. BATA is the Bay Area Transportation Authority.)
I have also worked hard at publicly supported philanthropy in public access space, including development on the waterfront of the bay.
I am also proud of my insistence on the aesthetic when delivering public works projects. Form and function can live together in the public domain.
Q: Tell us about your bike and where you like to ride?
A: I primarily ride my 2014 Specialized Stump Jumper on Mt. Tam in Marin, but I enjoy a commute along the channel along Corte Madera Creek to clear my head on the way to the ferry. (when I am not too lazy to drive).
In college I was an avid road rider on my Bianci Nouveau Sport, doing century rides through the San Luis Obispo and Monterey County back roads. (Except that seems like a long time ago, no centuries for me now.)
About Andrew Fremier
As head of MTC, Fremier is also executive leader of the Association of Bay Area Governments.
Prior to joining MTC, Fremier served as the Chief Deputy District Director for Caltrans’ Oakland-based District 4. A licensed civil engineer, Fremier held a variety of positions during his 20 years at Caltrans, including leading the Toll Bridge and Highway construction program and developing the state Toll Bridge Seismic Retrofit Program.
Fremier, a resident of Marin County, is the current president of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association and a former chair of the California Toll Operators Committee. He also is a member of the board of directors for San Francisco’s Ferry Bocce League and a San Francisco Giants season ticket holder. Fremier earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.
About the Silicon Valley Bike Summit
The Silicon Valley Bike Summit is the Silicon Valley’s largest annual gathering of active transportation leaders and organizers from government, the private sector, non-profits and the general public. Its organizer, the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, is a non-profit focused on building healthier and more just communities in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties by making biking safe and accessible.
Registration for the Bike Summit is now open. Learn more and register.