Rider of the Week
	February 25, 2007

Do you commute by bike? How often?

I moved to Roseville late last year and was able to ride my bike to work once before it started getting dark early. I am not a big fan of riding in the dark (even with a headlight), and I am excited to commute via bike starting this spring. I currently carpool twice a week, and I would like to ride my bike once a week in addition to that.

Do you ride recreationally? How far?

I like riding for fun, so my longest trips are about 20 miles. I used to live in downtown Sacramento and would ride my bike to the movies in the Arden area on the weekends. I like using my bike to get me to a fun destination, instead of using a car.

What is your favorite route?

Since I am new to Roseville I haven’t had much experience riding our trails. I really love the American River bike trails, and I used to ride from Watt Avenue to Discovery Park and back. I really like riding to Old Sacramento during special events (Easter weekend, St. Patrick’s Day, etc.) because I can avoid the car traffic and parking issues. Riding a bike is the best “short cut.”

How do you like riding in Roseville?

I was intimidated the one time I commuted by bike to work here in Roseville. I live in the Johnson Ranch area and Douglas Blvd. is the straightest route for me to get to the Civic Center on Vernon Street (where I work). Needless to say, Douglas Blvd. sees many cars that travel at high speeds, and it is not bicycle friendly. Where there was not a designated bike lane I rode on the sidewalk, and took Roseville Transit from the Sierra Gardens Transfer Point to the Civic Center. Using the bus for part of my trip made it so I could avoid riding on the I-80 overpass.

If you could fix two things immediately, what would they be?

Having been to a few of the Bicycle Master Plan workshops, I know that many Roseville residents would like to see more connections between the Class I bike paths. I think that makes sense.

I would also like to see locker rooms/changing areas at employment sites in Roseville. This might encourage more people to bike to work.

Have you found BikingRoseville to be useful?

Yes. In my job, I assist Roseville’s Bikeway Planner (Mike Dour) with some communication duties (advertising Bicycle Master Plan workshops, advertising bicycle lockers, designing bike maps and updating the bikeway portion of the city website). BikingRoseville helps me keep a finger on the pulse of the biking community and makes it possible for me to communicate better with this group.

Do you ride in the winter? If so what clothing do you use?

This was my first winter in Roseville, and I didn’t ride too much. I don’t have any tips for clothing.

Do you ride in the dark? If so, what equipment do you use?

Again, I’m not a fan of riding in the dark. I see it more of a safety issue – as a female I don’t want to put myself in an unsafe position. Do they make bike mountable-pepper spray? ;)

How long have you been working in the Transportation Division?

I have been working for the City of Roseville Transportation Division for a little over a year, and I finally moved to Roseville in October 2006.

What is the deal with the bicycle gang?

When I lived in Sacramento I started a bike gang called The Spokes. The idea for the gang was a way to get friends together to do something fun that was healthy; many of my 20-something friends were into going to bars and drinking, and I was never in to that. I wanted to put together a group that would actually go out and do something. The Spokes took trips around the American River bike trail system and rode a lot in midtown and downtown Sacramento. Some of our best rides were at night on the weekends. We’d travel in a big pack and go check out live music downtown. We ran into a few other bike “gangs” while we were out, and it seemed like they limited membership to the type of bike a person rode (mountain, BMX, cruiser, etc.). However, the Spokes were inclusive – anyone with any type of bike could join, as long as they passed our “initiation.” Once passing, they’d learn our secret “gang sign.” Mainly the whole thing was for fun – just to get people out on their bikes for the love of riding.

Now that I live here I want to start a Roseville chapter of The Spokes. Maybe I will start “recruiting” this spring…