4/25: Hello readers and friends. I'm still recovering from a surgery I had on 4/11, so I'm unable to attend events and do typical coverage. See this post for the latest update. I'll work as I can and I'm improving every day! Thanks for all your support 🙏. - Jonathan Maus, BikePortland Publisher and Editor

Guest article: Consider a practice bike ride to school on calmer streets

A family leaves for a ride in Sellwood.
(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)

The coronavirus has changed our lives forever. From here on out, we will think of life before coronavirus, and after. While these are very scary times, we are seeing some positive things appear. With calmer streets and less people driving, there’s been a surge of children and families riding bikes together.

If you’re one of them, it might be a good time to do a practice run to school (if you don’t bike there already).

As a Physical Education teacher at a K-8 school in north Portland I see daily the impacts physical activity — or lack thereof — has on my students’ well-being. In PE class we work to give children the skills they need to be a physically literate person. We are building students’ competence and confidence so they can live a healthy life.

I tell my students that doctors have studied why being physically active is important for children. The closer children are to the 60 minutes of physical activity recommended by the Center for Disease Control, I tell them, the better health outcomes they’ll see. Children who are more active do better in school, get in less trouble, have better relationships with friends, get sick less and live longer lives.

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Job: Executive Director – Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Job Title

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Company / Organization

SANTA BARBARA BICYCLE COALITION

Job Description

MISSION
The Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition is a county-wide organization that promotes bicycling for safe transportation and recreation.

VISION
We envision Santa Barbara County as a great place for everyday, year-round bicycling – for transportation and recreation – that is safe and accessible for everyone. We will work toward building healthy and vibrant communities with clean air and low-stress, safe streets.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director (E.D.) reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for leadership, oversight and management of the Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition (aka SB BIKE), including its Education and Advocacy programs, and three Bici Centro community bike shops. This is an amazing opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of the organization and the active transportation movement for the region. The next E.D. will partner with an invigorated board and deeply committed staff on the development of a strategic plan that will propel SB Bike forward as it advances a transparent, inclusive, and values-driven culture. Working closely with the Board of Directors and staff, you will sustain and build our successful track record in the Santa Barbara region.

We’re seeking a candidate with an entrepreneurial attitude and the ability to successfully manage a county wide organization for growth. The right candidate will need to be an inclusive, strategic, and organized leader with strong operations, financial, staff management, and partnership development experience. The E.D. is asked to be a thoughtful communicator, inspirational leader, manager and champion not only for our organization, but for the cycling goals of our communities. Above all else, the E.D. must be committed to building safe, equitable, and dignified transportation alternatives for all.

This position includes: building and managing short and long-term relationships with donors; maintaining and expanding the activist base and presence across Santa Barbara County; managing teams of staff and volunteers; leading communications; building a fun, engaging, and outcome-oriented work environment; and serving as a key SB BIKE spokesperson in the media, with government officials, and in the community.

SUMMARY OF KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Management
Be a collaborative and inspiring team leader.
Support, manage, develop, and lead a diverse staff of top-quality people, ensuring they have the needed information and tools, and ensure staff capacity to manage existing programs while developing new opportunities.
Develop an annual operating budget of approximately $1 million in cooperation with the Finance Committee, manage cash-flow, assure compliance with fund restrictions for various grant sources, prepare quarterly financial reports and monthly reviews, and ensure that all program and operational spending is supported by funding that is robust enough to meet or exceed financial goals and objectives.
Guide and support the Board of Directors in setting SB Bike’s strategic direction and ensuring financial sustainability, while having primary oversight over all operational aspects of the organization.
Refresh and strengthen SB Bike’s revenue model, including a strategy for how the membership model, fee structure and revenue streams can best support programmatic goals.
Supervise three community bicycle maintenance facilities and operations in Santa Barbara, SBCC and Santa Maria.
Promote SB Bike’s priorities and values and contribute thought leadership to the active transportation community.
Support county-wide efforts by being flexible and present as necessary throughout the region.
Do what needs to get done to make the mission happen even if it means taking out the trash.

Board Relations
Maintain information flow between Board and staff, including generating, and supervising the production of, quarterly updates on finances, program, and program development.
Participate in Board committee meetings as appropriate.

Fundraising & Community Relations
Work with staff and Board to initiate, develop, and implement fundraising strategies and coordinate fundraising events.
Prospect foundations, businesses and individuals for grants and major gifts and assure high quality of applications and solicitation materials.
Lead efforts to identify and successfully apply for government grants for active transportation funding.
Serve as the public face of the organization promoting community relations, media coverage, and community recognition.

Programs
Guide overall processes of program design, implementation, and evaluation in collaboration with staff and Board.
Identify and engage with community partners to deliver services and implement policy strategies.
Maintain, develop, and/or create programs responding to distinct needs of SB County’s regions.
Collaborate with non-profits, government, and private organizations to further SB Bike’s vision.

CORE COMPETENCIES & EXPERIENCE
Minimum 3 years’ experience in managing and leading a non-profit, including strategic development, community engagement, budget, financial management, fundraising and operations [Comparable private sector plus volunteer nonprofit work is acceptable].
Experience effectively galvanizing others to co-create thriving and sustainable communities.
Experience convening multi-racial, cross-class groups to work toward shared social impact goals.
The new E.D. must be able to tell the story of SB Bike and its mission in a compelling way that inspires others to join and invest.
As the leader of an organization that has been through a lot of transition, the new E.D. must be a skilled team builder with a proven ability to develop and manage high-performing board and staff teams.
Be a results-oriented leader with a proven track record of driving growth and impact through action.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
Bilingual (Spanish/English)
Significant experience and comfort with mission-driven fundraising and/or asking for contributions of time and money will be an important key to success. Experience leading and managing a membership organization or a group with a large and engaged constituency will also be a significant advantage.
Knowledge of Santa Barbara County and government (or other local governments), and an understanding of the local and regional philanthropic sector and the dynamics of the nonprofit funding environment is a plus.
Non-profit business model development experience.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Passion and commitment to active transportation/bicycling.
A natural connector with excellent listening, communication, and relationship building skills, who can authentically build bridges between people from different communities, sectors, and backgrounds.
Be a leader who is at their best when they are acting as a mentor and coach, encouraging others to step up and shine.
Multi-tasker, detailed oriented and time management skills.
Collaborative and willing to understand existing organizational culture and style.
Excellent oral, written and electronic communication skills
Willingness to work some evenings and weekends.

COMPENSATION
This is a salaried, full-time position. Starting pay is between $65k-$95K depending on depth of experience. Full time benefits include vacation and sick leave and a health insurance stipend with goal of organization health insurance to be acquired in the near future.

How to Apply

1. Send a two to three minute video in support of your candidacy. This could show your passion and/or strengths, how you would represent or promote our organization in the community.

2. Send a resume and a cover letter outlining your skills, qualifications and salary expectations.

3. Send the above to the Search Committee at edsearch@sbbike.org.
Please save and upload your written documents in one combined PDF document.
Send video in either WMV, MOV, or MP4 format. YouTube or Vimeo link is also acceptable.

4. Applications will be accepted until April 17, 2020. Applicants should be able to assume leadership by June 2020. Position is open until filled.

Becky Jo’s Carfree Life: But did you name it?

Adult and child’s bike on grass
Adult and child’s bike on grass
Spring bike rides with Miata and the mini-me’s bike yet to be named (photos by Becky Jo)

When I started this car-free adventure at the beginning of winter, I thought for sure my bike was not going to cut it. I thought it was a matter of time when I’d have to admit my little road bike just wasn’t the right bike for hauling groceries or getting me around town. I was 99% convinced I’d have to trade it in when I first started my daughter behind me on her little tag-a-long, and her lack of experience balancing nearly caused us a few bike dumps.

I had been looking up more “upright” and heavier/sturdier bikes, what I came to find out are called “mixte” bikes, when to my surprise, we all adapted rather quickly. My daughter started riding on her own, I got into a cadence with groceries, and I do really love having a super light and maneuverable bike when I want to go from North Portland to Montavilla.

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Portland pandemic news roundup: Free media, Free Hot Soup needs our help, free stickers, and more

Now available for free via snail mail from Portland Design Works.

It’s strange that while many things have slowed down or paused during these virus-impacted times, there seems to be more news than ever coming toward us. Even as owner of a niche transportation media outlet, I’m working overtime to keep up with everything.

In an effort keep you informed and entertained in your at-home existence, here’s a roundup of coronavirus-related news tidbits and other fun things I’ve collected in the past few days.

Free Hot Soup needs bicycle delivery volunteers

Free Hot Soup is an all-volunteer, grassroots community group that feeds hungry people. Since they’ve been barred from distributing meals at all but one local park, the group has made their operation mobile. We heard from an FHS volunteer that this means they need a lot more people to make deliveries — especially folks with bikes that have cargo capacity. Here’s the message:

Free Hot Soup needs more volunteers. We’re looking for bikers with trailers, who can team up to deliver along the I-205 corridor. We will have vehicles to transport meals to trailheads, to be taken from there to camps along the trail by bike.

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The weekend is here. Please ride responsibly

My view from NW Rock Creek Road last weekend.

I never thought I’d say this; but I’m happy the forecast calls for clouds and rain this weekend.

With virus outbreak mode at an all-time high in Oregon and nightmarish scenes unfolding across the country, it’s absolutely essential that we stay home and stay isolated as much as possible right now. (If you do head out, scroll down for my advice.)

Last weekend we had dreamy weather. Unfortunately it led to nightmarish scenes of overcrowding all over the the state as people fled to the outdoors. That decision came at the expense of public health and it increased fear and anxiety among residents of many smaller towns where our favorite trails, beaches and roads exist. It also led to a loss of open spaces as park and forest agencies have now opted to close everything down due to crowding fears.

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Where should I ride while there is less car traffic?

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

I’m immune compromised and self-isolating for as long as I can afford to, and I am not getting out much, sitting too still for too long, and getting bored.

Yes, there are fewer cars on the road, but when I have gone out, I have encountered about the same number of aggressive drivers – I’m still blasting my horn about once per trip. When roads are emptier, that kind of driver is more inclined to barrel through stop signs. My cellmate is not feeling like the roads are any safer: he does not want to take advantage of what should be an opportunity.

We’re both slow, almost-paranoid, low-mileage riders, and usually insist on taking the lane because we insist on being seen. We live in inner SE. Where should we dare to ride?

How are you doing?

Selfie from a pre-dawn, Tuesday morning ride up on Rocky Butte.

Hi everyone.

I wanted to take a minute and hear how you’re holding up amid these crazy times.

Are you riding? If so, what has your experience been out there? (Or maybe you’re lucky enough to be able to ride inside.)

If you’re not riding, how has that impacted you?

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