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.
Marin County: Matt Young
Matt Young started racing bikes at the advanced age of 8. . . . and he has never looked back. Thirty-two years later, he bike commutes daily from Mill Valley to San Francisco to his job at First Republic Bank.
The best part of his ride to work? “The daily camaraderie with my commute friends and everyone I meet along the way” says Matt. “The peaceful time on a bike and challenging myself mentally and physically are an added bonus.”
Matt is a huge fan of riding in Marin, citing the county’s beauty, the way it makes it easy to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, and the gorgeous views of the Bay and the ocean from the top of Mt. Tam.
When Matt looks to the future of bicycling, he sees kids. His father was a cycling coach at Penn State and handed down the love of bicycles to his son. “Kids are our future. I grew up racing in junior development programs and see the power of the high school MTB league. Not only is this fantastic for kids, but parents are able to remain involved.”
To learn more about Bike to Work Day, visit the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition here.
