How/when did you get involved with Bike Cleveland?

I was actually involved with the cycling community for many years before Bike Cleveland was created. Bike Cleveland evolved out of several early advocacy groups including Cleveland Bikes, Walk & Roll Cleveland, and the Ohio City Bike Co-op which still exists as a separate organization focused primarily on bike education and safety. Bike Cleveland was the brainchild of a group of city planners, community development leaders, and advocates who saw the need for a more effective, visible, and well funded organization to take cycling to the next level in Cleveland. I was excited to be part of the that group through my position as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for the City of Cleveland and as a committed cyclist! Bike Cleveland has become very effective voice for cycling in Cleveland and the region. 

What got you into cycling?

I’ve loved bicycles since I was about 6 years old and I received a Schwinn Stingray as a birthday present! The high rise handle bars and banana seat were so cool! Vintage cool now! 

Where is your favorite place to ride? 

That’s a great  question! I love biking in the Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Reservation and Edgewater Parks but I also love riding through Cleveland neighborhoods like West Park, Detroit Shoreway, Ohio City, Downtown, and Tremont! The Towpath Trail is awesome in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It’s really tough to pick a winner! 

Any cycling trips planned in your future?

Yes! In June I’m joining a small group of friends to cycle from Cleveland to Cincinnati along the Ohio to Erie Trail route. It’s about 320 miles and we plan to finish in 4 days if all goes well! 

How many miles/how often do you typically ride each week?

I typically ride 75 – 100 miles per week. I’m not a fan of biking in the rain or snow so the weather is a big factor in my mileage. Last year was a new personal best for me when I did just over 5000 miles! 

What do you find most rewarding about cycling? 

The feeling of freedom! I love heading out on my bike without any definite plans and just going! I love that it’s a great way to keep fit and biking has a lower impact on my body than running which I also loved but took a toll on my joints! I like that cycling is good for the environment and is a human powered form of transportation! 

Do you use cycling as a main form of transportation around Cleveland? I try! My neighborhood in Kamm’s Corner is very walkable and bikeable so I do my usual errands such as banking, drug store, post office by cycling. For groceries I have several choices and usually bring a backpack to haul home the goods! I love to head out on my bike to grab lunch, dinner or a beer! I’m multi-modal so if I have large purchases I’ll get out the car! I like taking the RTA Redline train to Downtown too. 

What are some things people should know if they’re thinking of biking around Cleveland?

Cleveland is a pretty good place for biking and it’s really getting better quickly. The Cleveland Metroparks have a great network of trails and they’re working hard to fill in the gaps in the network. Over the next couple years there will be new and improved connections to Lake Erie which is our greatest natural asset! Our on road bike facilities such as bike lanes, and protected bike lanes are making the streets much safer for cyclists across the city. Be a defensive cyclist, be aware of your surroundings and wear a helmet! Have fun and be adventurous! 

Can you give some information about the award you received?

I believe that the award was given for my many years of cycling advocacy at the City of Cleveland as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, and for being the principal developer of the first Cleveland Bikeway Master Plan which has been guiding bikeway planning for the last decade in Cleveland. 

Do you find any correlation between cycling and bouldering?

Yes, not surprisingly I do! They both help you to stay active and achieve better fitness! They both reward dedication and training with improved results! They both attract fun people who love the outdoors! If you get involved with biking or bouldering you’ll make some great friends!