Philosophy

I believe that the bicycle is a powerful tool for connecting communities, breaking down barriers, and reducing social inequities. Riding bicycles through the city is also a wonderful way to better understand urban social and physical divisions.

I believe that city decision processes tend to reinforce rather than reduce social inequities, and that this problem is endemic to traditional bike advocacy. The grant funding model used for most cycling infrastructure is more conducive to top-down planning than to grassroots engagement, and top-down planning is fraught with the risk of reinforcing the advantages and disadvantages of urban communities.

Therefore, I believe that bike advocacy must foreground social justice issues to be a force for good in the city.

I strive to learn about the work being done at the grassroots. I provide a critical eye on the work being done by the city and by advocacy organizations. I want to find new ways to use cycling to increase understanding of the social issues of the city.

And, I do my best thinking when I’m riding. Join me and we can learn together.