Currently, we have nearly 2,000 members who have been with us for a decade or more and more than 200 who have been with us for more than 20 years! We’re so thankful for these longtime supporters who have kept our organization and city pedaling forward. John Calaway has been a member for more than 20 years, a Board and staff member. We’re honoring longtime members like John tonight at our 10+ year member party. Here’s what John has to say about his 20+ years of SF riding:
What do you remember about biking in SF in the 90s?
I remember not riding a lot because I was intimidated by the lack of dedicated bike lanes, and the density and speed of car traffic.
What is the greatest change you’ve seen on our streets in the last 20 years?
The greatest change is the huge increase in the number of people out riding bikes everyday and the joy-factor and social connection that goes along with urban biking.
What campaigns over the years have made the biggest impact on your ride?
The bike lanes on Valencia Street. Valet Bike Parking provided by San Francisco Bicycle Coalition at large outdoor events. The physically separated bikeways on JFK Drive. The repaved outlanes of Market Street that provide cyclists with a tolerable ride for the years we have to wait for a better Market Street plan.
Why do you continue to be a long-time SF Bicycle Coalition supporter?
Sadly, it often takes years for the City to study, approve and implement a bike project. I give money and volunteer with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition knowing that the organization will keep pressure on the City and keep track of the details. Current case in point: a simple two block contra-flow protected bikeway, designed to connect Polk Street to Market, was approved by the City ten years ago, but was never implemented. Each time the project became bogged down with the City, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition staff alerted members and turned up the heat. Now, finally, the bikeway is on the ground.
