Bike to Work Day is just around the corner on Thursday, May 10! Bay Area Bike to Work Day (BTWD) organizers named the winners of the 2018 Bike Commuter of the Year awards. Given to individuals for inspiring bicycling in their communities, the Bike Commuter of the Year award recognizes a winner from each of the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties for their commitment to bicycling as their primary mode of transport. In many cases, their dedication to pedaling has inspired others to get on bicycles and ride -- to work, to school, even just for fun.
San Mateo County: Morgan Cole
Up to four times a week, Morgan Cole rides 17 miles round trip from his home in Portola Valley to his job at the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Not only does he live his commitment to bike commuting, but he also does many things to promote cycling as a fun and safe mode of transportation.
Morgan got started bike commuting in college – 15 miles each way – and the most economical transportation there was. Today, biking is his lifestyle. In his spare time, Morgan competes in bike races, and has been instrumental in resurrecting and rejuvenating Bike to Work Day at the Foundation. In fact, he formed a committee, secured funding and spearheading an entire month of activities to promote and encourage bike commuting. He holds weekly maintenance clinics, where he both repairs staff his bicycles and teaches his coworkers to do it themselves. He is planning a commute workshop through the Silicon Valley Bike Coalition and is promoting volunteer opportunities to encourage involvement, especially for those who cannot ride.
And if that isn’t enough, Morgan is acquiring rented bicycles for employees to use at lunch to help them get more comfortable and confident riding, and has designed several events to foster biking fun such as a “Spaghetti Feed” lunch before Bike to Work Day and friendly competition among staff called Bike to Work Day Bingo. Morgan’s positive attitude, infectious enthusiasm and distinct brand of humor have greatly benefited his colleagues, workplace and community.
To learn more about Bike to Work Day, visit the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition here.
