Every year, each of the nine Bay Area Counties selects their own Bike Champion of the Year. These champions are recognized for their dedication to promoting bicycling as a primary mode of transportation and for their ability to inspire others in their local communities.

As an active participant of SVBC’s San Jose Local Team, Jordan's enthusiasm for bicycle advocacy is as evident as it is inspiring.

Jordan's work in the community has done much to contribute toward a bike advocacy community. A notable example of this is Jordan's involvement in addressing the overlooked issue of trash obstructing bike lanes in San Jose. After noticing that waste management audits failed to acknowledge this as a problem, Jordan mobilized fellow cyclists - including some from SVBC’s San Jose Local Team - to speak at city council meetings. "It's very early on," Jordan reflects, "but there's reason to be optimistic." As a result of their efforts, San Jose’s Waste Management team acknowledged the need for clear bike lanes and is working to identify a solution.

Jordan is a pivotal force in building a more cohesive biketivist community in San Jose. His advocacy includes attending San Jose Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) meetings, keeping the local residents informed about city meetings and events, and encouraging others to participate. What truly moves Jordan’s advocacy efforts is a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of bicycles, not just as a mode of transportation but as a catalyst for community connection and environmental stewardship. He advocates for a future where biking is not just a leisure activity, but a vital consideration of urban infrastructure in San Jose. "I look forward to a future where you see bikes all the time," Jordan says, envisioning streets so safe that people are always active.

Jordan is committed to creating a community where everyone can integrate more active transportation into their daily lives. Currently, he is working towards that vision by advocating for changes to local policies and infrastructure so that all bicyclists can be safe and comfortable on public roads. Jordan believes in the strength of individual and collective actions and encourages others to join him in attending meetings, speaking with policymakers, or simply joining him in the bike lane. "If there’s a world you want to see, you have to make it happen,” he says. “Rather than waiting for others to make San Jose a more bicycle-friendly city, I have to play that role in making it the city I want to live in.”

In the scenic stretches between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay, Max Cohen is shifting gears in community development and bicycle advocacy. His commitment to making biking comfortable and accessible for all marks him as not just a local business owner but a community visionary and a champion of bicyclists everywhere.

Three years ago, Max opened the Scrub Jay Cycles bike shop in Pescadero, offering bicycling opportunities to all. His shop has become a hub for locals and visitors alike, embodying the spirit of community and support. "It's more than just a shop; it's a community resource," Max explains.

His passion for biking is personal and evolved from an adventurous two-week bike ride from the Bay Area to Los Angeles with a friend during college. "Neither of us were avid riders then, but that trip opened my eyes to the possibilities of what a bike can do," Max recalls.

Every Wednesday, Max leads an afterschool program at the local high school, where he has helped set up a mini bike shop. This initiative started when, with the help of collaborator Carlene Foldenauer, the school received a donation of 25 mountain bikes. Since then Max has worked with a team that enables students to build hands-on bike repair skills. "It's about empowering young people with the skills to maintain their bikes and fostering a sense of independence," he says. Additionally, Max works with Puente de la Costa Sur to repair bikes for farm workers and locals, and staffs the Pescadero Farmers Market Free Bike Repair Booth.

Looking forward, Max aims to expand his educational programs and ensure that cycling remains a vital part of his community. "Biking has the power to transform lives, not just through mobility but as a gateway to new opportunities and personal growth," he affirms.

“When I see people falling in love with riding or repairing their bike, or discovering they can ride farther distances than they thought,” says Max, “it gets me just as excited as I felt when my passion for bikes was igniting.” Max’s dedication demonstrates the bicycle as a powerful vehicle for connecting with and empowering the people of his community.