October 06, 2005

How Critical Mass Created a Bike Advocacy Leader

Last Friday we got up close and personal with one of the giants of two wheel advocacy, Leah Shahum, the director of the San Francisco Bike Coalition (SFBC). At our Mountain Movers Podcast Series, from Leah herself you will hear how it was the San Francisco Critical Mass rides that first introduced her to bicycle advocacy. You will hear how under the tutelage of Dave Snyder, the man whose name was synonymous with the SFBC for so many years, she then learned the ropes well enough to take over for him when he chose to move into a broader form of alternative transportation advocacy.

And Leah has been on a roll. With her at the helm. the SFBC has doubled in size, the volunteer base has exploded and with San Francisco Supervisor, Chris Daly's help, she has been able to much strengthen the SFBC's voice in the SF political machine. So much so in fact, that as corroborated by this feature article in the San Francisco Chronicle, the welfare of its cyclists is now built into the decision making process where transportation in The City is concerned.

Leah's interview.

Coming soon:
- Eric Gilliland, Exec Director of the Washington (DC) Area Bicycle Alliance (WABA), 10-7
- Lorna Davros, longtime NBG supporter and Chief Aide to Des Moines Mayor, Frank Cownie, 10/14
- Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates , one of the early pioneers of traffic calming, 10-21
- Dorie Clark, Director of Mass Bike (Boston area) 10-28
- Noah Budnick, New York City Transportation Alternatives principal and recent head injury survivor 11/4

From the San Francisco bay area here, during the Mayors' Ride off season, we're going we're going coast to coast, all across the nation to bring you some of the giants who are making a difference for cyclists everywhere. THX for your interest. And above all:

THX 4 all of U!!

Posted by mkrieg at 01:27 PM