Meet our Community Partner BikePGH
Introduction! How do you like to introduce yourself? What would you like us to know about you and your role at BikePgh
My name is Natalie Jellison and I am the Events and Volunteer Coordinator and also oversee the Women and Non-Binary Bike Program. I started with the organization in July of 2021 and took over the Women and Non-Binary Bike Program in the beginning of 2022.
Why are community organizations important |
Community organizations are the true lifeblood of Pittsburgh, we have so many nonprofits working on making this region a better place. Economically speaking, nonprofit organizations are one of the largest employers in the city. Looking through the lens of social justice and equity, community organizations lead the charge and oftentimes the city turns to them for assistance on what is best for the region.
What small and/or big picture stories can you share about BikePgh's impact |
There are so many big picture stories to choose from. BikePGH’s advocacy is responsible for the bike racks on Port Authority Buses, Oakland’s bike lanes and raised crosswalks, and so much more of the infrastructure you see in our city today. We also host PedalPGH, one of the largest bike rides in the state, as well as the OpenStreetsPGH event series which is one of Pittsburgh’s largest community events. If you’re interested in more check out our 20th Anniversary website here: https://bikepgh.org/20
One of my favorite small picture stories is that we hosted our first Women and Non-Binary Bike Program ride on March 15th. We stopped at East End Brewing for a bit of a happy hour post ride. There I met a table of lovely folks who just met that night during the ride. They exchanged numbers and joined our Facebook page to attend more events. We then left to ride to Westinghouse Park and return to our vehicles, and someone exclaimed “I feel so empowered!” and at the end of the day that is exactly what the Women and Non-Binary Biking Program is supposed to do.
What inspires you about transportation in Pittsburgh |
Pittsburgh is an extremely unique city. Our history, topography, neighborhood quirks, and ideologies all play out in transportation.
We also live in a uniquely compact city, too -- so things are much closer than they would be in some of the more sprawling cities like Houston or Chicago or Cleveland. My (driving) commute from Brookline to Lawrenceville is 7.5 miles yet consists of one tunnel and three bridges. But in my car I miss out on some of the most scenic and famous Pittsburgh places.
We’re lucky to live in a beautiful city right along the rivers with really cool old buildings and public art. When walking, biking, or using public transit around the city, it gives you the chance to really take in the charm and character so much differently than when you’re driving on the expressway. And Pittsburgh has changed a lot in the past ten years and offers an almost extensive network of transportation options. I say “almost” because I live in Brookline and the connectivity between the South Hills and Downtown leaves something to be desired -- which just goes to show that although we’ve come this far, there’s still so much more to be done!
Do you have a favorite season to commute around the city |
Riding a bike means preparing for every type of weather, and we know how that goes in Pittsburgh. That is why I enjoy riding my bike in the spring and summer. Nothing feels more freeing than hopping on a bike with some water and going to meet friends at a restaurant or a park.
Share some challenges you and BikePGH have faced, what can you share about overcoming these challenges that look bright for our future…
One of the biggest challenges we face as an organization is the ongoing process of explaining why it’s so important for us all to support biking and walking infrastructure in our communities. The topography of Pittsburgh unfortunately makes it easy for nay-sayers to dismiss biking and walking and rolling as “legitimate” means of transportation, when that’s simply not the truth! 25% of Pittsburgh households do not have access to a personal vehicle, meaning that they depend solely on biking, walking, and public transit to get around. If we alter the built environment to successfully accommodate our most vulnerable, it will enhance everyone’s experience. So, as a community, we need to make sure these modes of transportation are prioritized, funded, and that we continue to create more spaces that are centered around people, not just vehicles. It boils down to the fact that people are the heart of a community, so we look forward to the day when everyone can be united behind the mission to make our streets safer for all.
Tell us about the collaboration between Open Up and BikePGH |
Our collaborations are some of my favorite collaborations. BikePGH has worked with Open Up in several capacities. One being the Walk, Stroll, Roll Club and then the Women and Non-Binary Yoga Program. Both of these programs helped create community. The Walk, Stroll, Roll club was open to anyone that wanted to take, which I learned is much needed, midday exercise and mindfulness break. The Yoga series started as a way to keep the Women and Nonbinary biking community together in the winter months, where the fruition of group rides tends to be difficult due to weather. The Yoga series has even grown our community. People have signed up for yoga and then participated in rides. It’s awesome to see this supportive and inclusive community grow.
Explain the importance of creating space for Women and Non-Binary groups to have community together |
Trans and cis women, intersex people, non-binary, genderqueer, agender, and gender variant folks, as well as those whose gender identity falls outside of the dominant concepts of gender are marginalized in our society. BikePGH believes in equity and acceptance for all, thus we started a program for all to be welcome and build community. Fostering a space where people are able to be their full selves without worry or judgment has been one of my biggest honors at the organization.
Share your experience as a participant during the yoga experience. Why is this helpful for those who bike |
I cannot say enough good things about my yoga experience. I enjoyed all the sessions, the flow was well crafted, the teachers were amazingly supportive. The other participants in the class were great! People would hug before class and go out to Millie’s next door after class. This was and is a true community. I think this was helpful for people who bike because we did a lot of hip work, which can get tight from the same movements repeatedly, like pedaling a bicycle. We also did a lot of shoulder and arm stretches, another pressure point when riding a bike. I discovered muscles I didn’t even know I had.
Offer any additional comments, feedback on future collaborations and creating meaningful community experiences |
Working in tandem with Open Up has been amazing and I’m sure we will continue to work together in the future!