Meet Our Scholarship Candidates

Meet Bernadette McKeever

2012-08-05T16:07:45Z

Bicycles are a huge part of my life. As an advocate, I pride myself on being part of the change that is happening in my native city of Long Beach and also on a national level. As a cyclist, I enjoy being part of the culture, and I thrive on the healthy lifestyle it provides. As a teacher of all things bicycle related, it comes naturally to me, and I thoroughly enjoy it.

Growing up here along the waterfront in Long Beach, I was naturally attracted to the ocean and what it provides. When I was 12 years old I started sailing, competing by the time I was 15, cruising offshore when I was 18, instructing by the time I was 22 and have enjoyed every minute! On Saturday mornings, you will find me dockside at Leeway Sailing Center, instructing adults from my beach chair. Stop by for a visit!

Locally I am a member of Long Beach Cyclists. I have been a volunteer with this organization for 6 years, and President for the last 4 years. Nationally, I am an active member of Adventure Cycling Association.

A lot of people are surprised by the fact that I’m a President of a highly regarded “vehicular” bicycling advocacy organization, and have not had “formal” road safety cyclist training. When people ask me why I haven’t taken the courses, I tell them the truth, that I haven’t had time, and (as a 20-30 hr a week VOLUNTEER for LB Cyclists) it’s too expensive. More importantly, I have had the time to befriend many “trained” cycling friends and members of our organization. Having spent many hours on the road with these individuals, I have learned enough to feel like I can still be a great leader by example.

Recently, I decided that I want to learn even more about local and national bicycling safety and standards, and I want to grow as a teacher. In order to achieve those goals, I think completing both the Traffic Skills 101 and the LCI courses will be essential. The League of American Bicyclists (LAB) is an important advocacy group in our nation. The men and woman representing the LAB are highly respected among cyclists, and if becoming part of “The League” is a way for me to grow in advocacy, then I would love the opportunity to be part of the process.

Meet Renee Jones

2012-07-29T18:16:56Z

I have always been passionate about fitness and helping others achieve life their life goals through fitness. I am very interested in starting a non-profit group that will assist underserved communities in the areas of fitness and making better choices when it comes to health.

I love riding my bike and running as far as my legs can take me.

I fell in love with cycling the moment I road my bike 50 miles in December of 2004. Since then, I’ve increased my love for cycling and have accomplished many goals. In October of 2009, I completed the Triple Crown (3 double centuries in one year), in 2010, I road my bike from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Today, I share my passion with others helping them to reach their fitness goals by advocating cycling, running, and other fitness activities through my facebook page. I also had the privilege of participating in the Women on Bikes movement by assisting Elizabeth Williams of Cali Bike Tours teach women about bicycle road safety. I want to continue efforts like these. I believe my strong desire to help people and passion about exercise will help spread this movement.

Additionally, as a student of University of Phoenix and a member of Toastmasters International, I have developed strong speaking and teaching skills. I am very comfortable in front of people and my smile puts all around me at ease.

Although I am not a member any bicycle advocacy groups, I am a member of two cycling clubs, Crankin’ Time and Major Motion, which both have a strong presence in the cities of Los Angeles and Compton.

Meet Maria Sipin - San Gabriel Valley Girl

2012-07-10T14:36:08Z

Like many 20-somethings I’ve met recently, I got back on a bicycle again for the first time since childhood. Bicycles were part of our youth, and sadly, we outgrew them. I stopped playing outside and traded grass stains and scraped knees for shopping malls, movie theaters, internet access, and my first car. I relied heavily on parents and friends to drive me around until I could finally get behind the wheel. Public transit was not an option due to my parents’ concerns about safety and walking around alone, and frankly, riding buses weren’t appealing. For years, I held on to the belief that public transit was not for me.

My mindset began to change as I got older. The long drive to work on the west side of Los Angeles from my San Gabriel Valley neighborhood 40 miles away was unpleasant and costly. Even with carpools, smartphone traffic apps, mastering several alternate routes, and fellow commuters encouraging me to accept this lifestyle, being in traffic for four hours each day was not the urban adventure I wanted.

I eventually replaced the unpredictable rush hour drive with a mellow Metrolink ride connecting me to the frenzied Metro system to take me across town. This transition wasn’t easy, and it took a while for me to get into a rhythm—or simply to get to work on time without feeling too stressed or flustered by the trek to the office. Using transit became simpler and more enjoyable. It changed my life, and I want to pass that on, so I created my “Chic Circuit Walk” events. The event combines different modes of transit for visiting local landmarks to help women become more familiar with Metro and walking more in different parts of L.A. I want to educate women about transit and make it enjoyable at the same time in order to shift their way of thinking about buses, trains, walking, and soon, biking. If women can adapt alternative forms of travel occasionally or regularly, they can positively impact their health, families, and communities. A little bit of empowerment goes a long way. This is the kind of message I’m sharing through Women on Bikes SoCal.

Thanks to the scholarship, I have the opportunity to help myself and others to increase their confidence, knowledge, and skills on the road, through bike rides, social media and blogs. If this San Gabriel Valley girl can get back on her bike again and take these wheels beyond my cul-de-sac at my own pace, with my own style, and on my own terms, I know many others can, too!

Meet Henriette Alamillo

2012-06-30T17:04:17Z

My passion is anything bicycle related. I am a bike commuter and travel about 12 miles to and from work. I try as much to actively participate in all events that help promote the use of bicycles. I volunteer with Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, Amgen Tour of California, Bicycle Film Festival and Midnight Ridazz events. My interest include volunteering, music, photography and of course bicycles.

I have supervisory skills and experience in a guest services environment so I would able to use that to help me teach and coach about the uses of a bicycle. I am best known throughout my work, family and friends as a bike advocate and try my best to teach friends and family how to learn to ride a bicycle and simple bicycle repairs. I assist friends to be actively involved in events that help promote the use of bicycles and other recreational activities to be more physically active. I want to keep being part of this community that has done nothing but exposed to me to positive people and has me leading a healthier, happier life with a confident attitude. If chosen, I would be sharing my experience and knowledge to other women around my community.

I am very excited to be applying for this. As soon as I read about this scholarship program, I immediately knew this was a great way for me to try to give back more than what I’ve already gained as a bicyclist. I will still continue to try my best to be more of a positive inspiration and motivator.

Meet Kim Phan

2012-06-01T21:55:37Z

I may have a corporate career as a risk analyst, but my heart has always been in independent arts/culture and sustainability. I believe that proper education is the key to a sustainable lifestyle. If I can teach someone to grow their own produce -- not only will it be healthier and cost effective, it would also offer an opportunity to teach their neighbors better ways to become sustainable. To that same effect, I see cycling as being more than a leisure activity. It would provide better air quality, less sedentary living, reduction of stress, and an education opportunity amongst many other highlights.

I think I would be a great candidate for this LCI scholarship since I have lead multiple youth groups and corporations for over a decade. I have provided support and leadership to create independence, confidence, and skill in different capacities ranging from agricultural farming, preventing human trafficking, to corporate workflow efficiencies.

My past work history involves owning an independent record label that was sold to Atlantic Records. I have also owned a clothing design company that was in production for five years and closed down due to high demand. The demand grew a lot quicker than I expected and the focus of the art and craftsmanship were beginning to compromise, so I decided to scale back and put this chapter in my life on hold while I continue my other passions.

Meet Tess Lotta

2012-05-27T18:18:22Z

I am a visual artist, writer, musician, activist, and small business owner armed with a road bike and an addiction to screen printing. I value my time with friends and family and understand the worth of living life in the present. I am fortunate to be part of the local independent businesses movement and enjoy helping people build a strong foundation for their small businesses and nonprofits in my work as a bookkeeper.

A dedicated bike geek, I am a first-hand beneficiary of the universal benefits of active transportation, and I am eager to help people discover safe biking and walking, especially girls and women. I deeply appreciate my garden and the delicious lemons my tree delivers each year.

I co-founded the West Hollywood Bicycle Coalition (WeHoBC) and serve as Facilitating Chair. I am member of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, of which the WeHoBC is a regional chapter.

I am filled with glee that my nerdish love of cycling has brought together my social justice background and bike politics. I am a plus-sized female cyclist – this alone counters body/gender marginalization with every ride. I’ve been lucky to learn the bike from my husband, a cyclist with over twenty years of experience. During the past five years commuting by bike, I have brought a few of my women friends to cycling, helping them pick out appropriate bikes, demonstrating basic maintenance, and spontaneously serving as a riding mentor as they got their legs in traffic. I would be thrilled to do more of this as an LCI.

I grew up in a tough, working-class part of the L.A. Harbor area in a racially diverse family. During the 1990s while living in Seattle, I became involved with feminist and social justice activism. My pursuits included co-founding a nonprofit called Hero Sisters, writing as an independent journalist, and raising funds for other social justice nonprofits, including Books to Prisoners and Home Alive. Back in LA, my writing/English degrees enabled me to work as a creative writing instructor with high school-aged kids serving sentences in a juvenile facility, as well as at a high school in downtown L.A.

When serving on the West Hollywood Bicycle Task Force (BTF) from Jan – Dec 2011, I was not surprised that I became politicized around city transportation politics and the community it serves, especially on issues of inclusivity. Demographically, the BTF consisted primarily of white middle- to privileged-class males. I was one of the few women on the task force, and the only female commuter cyclist.

As a regional bicycle advocate, I understand that this race and class demographic reflects that of West Hollywood, and the race and gender dynamic mirrors that of cycling, in general. However, as an activist, I understand that not all our stakeholders reflect these demographics and have learned that the power of social change starts with galvanizing the voices and experiences of all toward a common goal.

The LCI training is key to WeHoBC’s program goals, including offering bike safety and repair education workshops to a commuter workforce that relies on biking and walking as affordable transportation and implementing programs targeted to bring women and girls to cycling. LCI certification also increases my professional credentials with city staff and city council, offering juice for our campaigns that urge the city to establish and/or fund similar programs. Further, I am excited that LCI certification would give me another skill set to offer fellow transportation advocacy groups and other community organizations, including the WeHoBC’s sister chapters in the LACBC regional partners program.

I come from a large family. My parents involved us in their volunteerism at our school parish. At home and in the community, they taught us the equitable sharing of space and resources. This is the meaning of community I grew up learning and what I would bring to my efforts as an LCI.

hair. I am member of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, of which the WeHoBC is a regional chapter.

Meet Nayely Limon

2012-05-22T22:51:50Z

"I'm bored!"are words you will never hear me utter. I don't own the latest video game console, drive a shiny new car or even own a television. My kitchen has no microwave, I don't listen to the radio and I sweep my carpet with a broom. You could say my style of living is a bit Amish, but I embrace hard work and do things the old fashion way. I know manual labor is about more than just pushing a button.

When I take up a hobby, I make myself knowledgable of every bit of information pertaining to it. I want to do it wholeheartedly or I will very quickly loose interest. Being extremely curious enables me to engage in a wide range of activities. Though, I don't do most of them recreationally, I still benefit from them on a daily basis. I live with the ideal that if you quit wondering and stop asking questions, you have denied yourself of the opportunity to learn.

I'm a part-time runner but most importantly, a full-time cyclist. I stride, torque and write for fitness, expression and release. I'm also very creative and interest myself in personal art projects like painting, logo designing, and drawing. Cooking is one of my favorite self-acquired skills. It's about more than just following a recipe. It's a process of identifying the nutritional benefits of ingredients, food preparation and plate presentation.

If I was being asked how I feel about cycling, I would need more than 500 words to describe my genuine devotion. I fell in love with the sport in 2008 and shortly there after, I traded in my car for it. Bikes, bikes, bikes! My life became physically and even emotionally reliable on my bike. When I had a desperate need to escape anxiety and stress, I decided I would take up cycling. I was looking for a way out of my brain and I wanted nothing more than to travel in every direction away from myself. So I did, I rode for thought.

While I have found happiness in cycling, I lost time to continue my other passion, writing. Being highly energetic and communicative, I found it extremely difficult to choose which activity deserved the most time spent on. I managed not let go of either and I correlated both of these passions into what I call "Cyclepathic Writer," my fitness blog. Here I discuss my training for events such as the Los Angeles Gran Fondo (72mi), Tour de Perris (100mi), L'Etape du California (100mi) and upcoming Tour of Long Beach (100mi). In my entries I review products, share routes, articles, recipes, music, videos, pictures, tips and facts.

This week I logged my 8,000th mile, 4,000 in the last year alone. I have over 440 routes and 700 hours of activity. My involvement in the cycling community is dramatically increasing year by year, boosting my progress and pushing me closer to my goals. I've never felt happier, healthier, clear headed and accomplished as I do now.

"The most important shift I ever made on a bike was not mechanical and had nothing to do with equipment. It was about how to win an uphill battle without even fighting."
- Mark Levine (Bicycling Magazine)

That quote spoke directly to me the first time I read it. It explained how even through something unrelated there can be a relationship unlike any other. It is through relationships that doors and opportunities open. I advocate for a healthy and fit lifestyle, encouraging others to go out there and do something as well. I want to be proof that life changes are found at the fingertips of those willing to grasp it and not at the bottom of a wishing well. Cycling did not take over my life, it changed it. It has altered every state of my being in the most positive way and this feeling is worth sharing.

Stubborness has never represented itself as one of my negative traits. When I was told I couldn't loose weight or complete a certain mileage, I still believed in myself. It was my determination and my relentless attitude that made me prove everyone wrong. I am the fitting contribution to this program because I hold all the qualifications along with communication skills to teach, be taught and reach out to others. Through cycling, I have found my road to living.

Meet Jessica Alexander

2012-05-02T20:41:26Z

Image: Shereef Moustafa

A bit about myself...I've lived and been an avid cyclist in Long Beach for 11 years now and have really enjoyed seeing how the City’s bike infrastructure has developed over the years (and hope it will continue). I started biking all over Long Beach because where I lived for over 10 years has horrible parking and would bike to places so I wouldn't lose my parking spot or have to deal with parking wherever I was going. Those trips became so frequent it became an automatic thing to ride my bike everywhere. Especially on the ride home, I found that it would take the same amount of time to ride my bike instead of driving - because once I got home I'd have to search and search and search for a parking space that was usually a 10 min. walk from my place. It was much more enjoyable to bike.

Over the years I was biking more and driving less. Plus my car was becoming more unreliable and I hated spending any more money to maintain it. I was so happy and grateful when New Belgium Brewing's Tour de Fat picked me to be their "Car For Bike Trader" for Los Angeles last October and took my car away. It's been a great experience and opportunity. I’m already 6 months (and over 1,700 miles) into this car-free adventure (which you can check out here... http://ofbikesandbeers.tumblr.com/ ) and I definitely don't miss my car.

I’m definitely interested in getting more people, especially women, to ride their bikes and show them it can be done for everyday errands, commuting to work, etc. instead of driving. I always try to encourage others to ride their bikes and am trying to inspire people even more since I've become car-free. I’m very excited to have the opportunity to give back to my community by showing others how practical it is to get around by bicycle. Sure, not everyone can give up their car (and I don’t expect them to) but just to have them really think about biking more and driving less is a start.

Through my association with the Long Beach Cyclists I found out about and took the League of American Bicyclists Traffic Skills 101 course. It really helped me become more comfortable riding around the city, teaching me the rules of the road and how to deal with certain situations in traffic. I think it is a great stepping stone to get more women out on bikes so they are more confident in their riding abilities. My hope is that they will take what they learn in the class and pass on the knowledge to their families and others in their community. Not only is it important to get more women riding their bikes but also to get them to ride correctly and follow the rules of the road. I think the course will have a good impact on how they drive as well. Hopefully they will begin to see cyclists as other slow-moving vehicles on the road. I look forward to being a part of teaching and showing them that getting around on their bikes is easier than they think. Plus, they don’t have to be a super-duper road cyclist and wear spandex. Ride safe and ride on!

Meet Machiko Yasuda - South Bay

2012-04-23T15:47:47Z

My modus operandi is action – action that speaks louder than the constant cries that “Southern California is not livable.” As a lifelong Angeleno, I’ve been told and told again that L.A. is a la-la-land of drivers and smog. No walkers. No serendipity or intimacy of community. Certainly, there’s no nature. And no one knows your name.

Growing up in the suburbs of the South Bay, I confused everyone when I refused to get a driver’s license at age 16. And then in college at UCLA, I discovered the Purple and Gold lines, the Los Angeles river bicycle trail and Angels Flight. Exploring L.A. without a car gave me, the un-athletic sister of basketball players, a reason to pick up a bike and raise my heart rate a little. I’ll show everyone that it’s possible. And unbelievably fun.

Now after graduating and working, challenging myself on the bicycle led me to places I’d never imagine before. I overcame my fear of intimidating roads, gyms and wilderness hikes (without cell phone reception). Now, I climb rocks, hike and swim in rivers. Biking helped me learn the names of streets and my neighbors’ too. And now they’re teaching me how to care for a vegetable garden and fruit trees, at a local community garden. Who knows where I’ll find myself next? Thanks to my bike, neighborhood and newfound confidence, there’s so much left to explore. And not a single parking spot or backed-up freeway to worry about.

You could say it’s hard to classify me. I thrive between cars and pedestrians in bike lanes, but feel at home between library shelves too. Behind a computer, I make maps, videos and online communities come to life. The gym, beach and parks are my work out spots. And my neighbors know me by my blue bicycle, and perhaps my poor parallel parking. Geek, sports girl, bookworm, “bad Asian lady driver,” I’ve heard it all. With my mix of bicycling, public transit experience and varied web and communication skills, I’m certain I can serve as an instructor that empowers in women on bicycles.

Bicycling in Los Angeles can be an uphill battle for women. As a college student, I just wanted to find a way to bike to my internship in Beverly Hills. Instead, I found potholes and honking cars. I know from experience that, often times, it’s not the physical act of cycling, but rather the fear of traffic or sweat that discourage bike rides. Even before that first ride, the intimidating bike shop owner, the never-ending Craigslist search and the endless choices in frames (and lack of affordable, attractive non-Lycra gear) – all contribute steep uphill before the joy of biking.

I’ve been lucky, though.

Bus drivers showed me how to secure my frame on a bus. A passing pedestrian showed me how to fix my flat. Police returned my stolen bicycle. And I didn’t let stereotypes of bicyclists get to me. I rode with boys on fixies, carbon fiber and clipless-pedal-riding ladies twice my age (and twice as fast), I rode with CicLAvia and CICLE tours. I was lucky to have mentors around me to adjust my helmet, teach me signals and show me the best routes. And I’m ready to give back.

Driver’s education is required. Yet bicycling education isn’t. I met countless classmates – all girls – who’d never ridden a two-wheeler. And most have never ridden off the sidewalk. It’s easy to see the gaping need for instructors. Not just to teach the laws, but also to support, inspire and empower.

I’m not certified, but I’ve been practicing: I help friends fit and choose frames and helmets. I lead, signal and nudge them into left-hand turn lanes. For me, taking friends along with their bikes on the subway for the first time is better than Disneyland.

I’ve ridden on beach, backcountry and farm roads. Yet my favorite rides are with my neighbors I encouraged taking out their dusty hybrids, and bike, instead of drive, to Lowe’s. They were so worried. But what were they doing on the ride back? Smiling and cycling with pride and joy. I knew I had to share this with more people.

On my first bike commute, a car’s surprising honk brought me to tears. But along the miles I rode since, I found my smile and confidence. With a scholarship, I want to bring this lifelong joy to more women, their children and families.

Meet Krista Leaders - Long Beach

2012-04-23T15:36:38Z

What Are Your Current Passions & Interests?

My passions and interests are many and varied. I care very much for my family, my dogs and cats, my neighborhood, and the environment. I love camping in the Eastern Sierras and Joshua Tree National Park. Some of the greatest sounds are the silence in Joshua Tree and the wind in the trees in the Sierras.

Having recently sold my car and being on my bike full-time, I have been reading quite a bit about bike touring. It seems to take camping, biking, being outside, traveling, and “leaving no trace,” and rolls it all into one trip. I would like to try a short bike tour sometime this year.

I currently belong to the League of American Bicyclists. I also follow LACBC, Bikeable Communities, Women on Bikes, Streetsblog LA, and bikinginLA.com on a daily basis, as well as numerous other blogs and Facebook pages.I also work for the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association, which is a Bike-Friendly Business District.