A powerful call for mobility justice echoed through the halls of the brand new South San Francisco Library | Parks and Recreation Center, where the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition's 14th Annual Bike Summit was held on Thursday, August 29th. Over 200 professionals, advocates, and leaders gathered to address the systemic inequities in transportation, prioritize the rights of marginalized communities in planning projects, and chart a path toward more equitable and sustainable communities for all.

Welcome Address

*Mayor James Coleman welcomes Bike Summit attendees on August 29th, 2024, at the South San Francisco Library | Parks and Recreation Center.*

The Bike Summit opened with a warm welcome from South San Francisco's youngest and first openly LGBTQ+ Mayor, James Coleman, who reaffirmed his city's commitment to creating more walkable and bikeable communities. In his address, Mayor Coleman highlighted South San Francisco's efforts to combat the negative impacts of car-centric urban planning. He expressed strong opposition to a proposed highway widening project, arguing that it would harm the city's environment and quality of life. Instead, he commended the San Mateo County Transportation Authority's Connect4SSF initiative, a comprehensive plan to improve pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure and revitalize historically disadvantaged neighborhoods, which recently secured Caltrans funding. Mayor Coleman praised South San Francisco city planners and the bicycle champions on city council who push this work forward.

Restorative Justice and the Bike Movement

Following Mayor Coleman's opening remarks, SVBC Executive Director Clarissa Cabansagan delivered a passionate welcome address. A lifelong resident of the region, Cabansagan shared her personal journey navigating transportation challenges and her commitment to building sustainable communities.

***“This summit is more than just a gathering; it’s a catalyst for change. May you leave inspired by our speakers today and excited for the work ahead.”***

Clarrissa Cabansagan, SVBC Executive Director

Cabansagan underscored the urgent need for climate action, particularly in underserved BIPOC communities enduring the worst impacts of climate pollution. She highlighted South San Francisco's progress in sustainable development, including the Karyl Matsumoto Plaza bike/ped tunnel and improved transit connections to the Caltrain station. She credited community organizing for these achievements, citing her own experience leading a coalition to secure community benefits.

Introducing the El Camino Real 2030 campaign, Cabansagan called for a collaborative effort to transform the highway into a more equitable and bike-friendly corridor. She stressed the importance of addressing safety concerns, affordable housing, opportunities with electric micromobility, and fostering a thriving future for all. She closed her remarks by recommending attendees participate in the Bike Summit infrastructure rides to explore areas divided by highways in South San Francisco, and learn about the vision for future improvements and the importance of restorative justice as guiding objective.

Welcoming Matt Jones

Prior to the keynote address, Cabansagan introduced SVBC's newest staff member, Advocacy Director Matt Jones. In his remarks, he expressed excitement about assuming this new role after nearly a decade of working on planning projects in the public sector and as a community organizer.

*SVBC Advocacy Director Matt Jones welcomes Bike Summit attendees on August 29th, 2024, at the South San Francisco Library | Parks and Recreation Center. Read more about Matt* *here*.

Jones highlighted his early work in his hometown of San Bruno, where he played a pivotal role in securing funding to extend the trail system to connect with transit and neighboring South San Francisco. This project, currently under construction, reflects his commitment to improving bike infrastructure and accessibility.

Beyond his professional experience, Jones emphasized his deep-rooted passion for community organizing and a desire to further SVBC’s equity work by connecting with regional affordable housing and public transit campaigns. He shared his involvement in local advocacy efforts in San Bruno, most recently participating in the Ride for Palestine campaign in solidarity with Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict.

Naomi Doerner, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Director | Principal at Nelson\Nygaard, delivers keynote address to Bike Summit attendees on August 29th, 2024, at the South San Francisco Library | Parks and Recreation Center.

Keynote Address: El Camino to Mobility Justice

Naomi Doerner, a leading advocate for mobility justice and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Director at Nelson\Nygaard, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address. Her speech, rooted in personal experience and a deep understanding of systemic inequities, offered a compelling perspective on the intersection of transportation, equity, and environmental justice.

Doerner's journey as an equity advocate led her to found The Untokening, a multiracial collective dedicated to centering the voices of marginalized communities in mobility advocacy. Her exploration of mobility justice, a framework that integrates environmental justice principles to address health disparities, displacement, and disconnection from nature, was particularly insightful. Doerner called for professionals and decision makers to prioritize the rights of communities that have historically suffered from environmental racism.

By linking the historical origins of El Camino Real to Spanish colonialism, Doerner provided a powerful context for understanding the road's role in perpetuating modern-day inequities. She raised the disproportionate impact of the road on communities of color, affected by factors such as redlining, poor air pollution, and unjust development. Her keynote served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address the systemic inequities that shape our transportation systems and to create a more just and equitable future for all.

About the Sessions

Below is a list of all sessions and links to available presentations.

You can also find detailed agenda with speakers and topics, and speaker biographies. We hope to see all who attended, and many more of you, next year. We nearly sold out to capacity ahead of this year’s Bike Summit, so please next year sign up as early as you can!

Welcome address (Click here for ALL slide decks)

James Coleman, South San Francisco Mayor
Clarrissa Cabansagan, SVBC Executive Director
Matt Jones, Advocacy Director

Keynote Address

Naomi Doerner, Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Nelson\Nygaard

Morning Breakout Sessions

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Pechakucha: Youth Leaders in Active Transportation Award Winners

The Bike Summit was headlined by SVBC’s inaugural Youth Leaders in Active Transportation Award winners, who delivered inspiring, fast-paced presentations that showcased their impressive projects and programs.

These young leaders shared their findings and innovations to promote walking and biking in their communities, inspiring the audience with their energy and passion for sustainability.

Our award winners graciously approved our sharing their slide decks. You can find them all here.

Bike Summit Awards

**Jen Wolosin, Elected Bicycle Champion of the Year**

Learn more about Jen’s journey from bike advocate to Menlo Park Councilmember.

**Tony Pereira, Professional of the Year**

Learn more about Tony’s life–from studying mechanical engineering and BMX riding in Brazil to opening his own bike shop in California.

*Middle School Bike Skills Program,* Wheel Kids Bicycle Club, Program of the Year

Tiffany Kavanaugh, General Manager at Wheel Kids Bicycle Club, received the award for their fantatsic programming. Learn more about their program.

Fund our El Camino Real 2030 Campaign at SVBC’s Bike to the Future Fundraiser Ride!

You’re invited to be our champions for safer streets at the 4th Annual Bike to the Future: Ride for Safer Streets, taking place at the Santa Clara County Building in San Jose, on October 6, 2024.

Join us in our mission to transform El Camino Real into a safer corridor for all road users by raising funds for our advocacy work and our El Camino Real 2030 campaign. The event welcomes people of all ages with four routes, including an inaugural century ride for the road warriors and a 10-mile ride perfect for children and families!

Together, we can make a difference and create safer streets and a greener future for all. Learn more!

Our Partners Make a Difference!

SVBC’s 14th Annual Bike Summit is possible thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. We’re so grateful for the support of our corporate partners, who are committed to SVBC's mission to create a healthy community, environment, and economy through bicycling.

Together, we are making a difference and moving toward safer streets.

Please thank our sponsors and show them your support! Check out the Digital Giveaways.

Don’t see your company on our list of sponsors? Reach out to Violeta at violeta@bikesiliconvalley.org. Secure your 2025 Bike Summit sponsorship today!