I can remember vividly growing up in the Central Valley in the country and getting my first Schwinn American bike.  Like most kids it was a day that expanded my world giving me independence and self reliance.

My brother and I rode our bikes to school and on summer days we would explore creeks and rivers marveling at the little critters like tadpoles and crawdads. In the hot afternoons we would catch blue belly lizards, “hypnotize” them and line them up on large rocks on their backs and watch one by one as they gathered themselves and scurried off to find insects to feed on. We’d head back home for lunch and then head off for another expedition until dinner.

As I grew up I always had a bike to ride. Even in the military overseas I continued to ride a bike as my main mode of transport like all the “locals” did.

As I experience the “mature” phase of my life it’s clear to me that my history and love for bikes has become profoundly essential to help cure a lot of our social ills that I’m passionate about like limiting climate change, equity across all ages and ability levels, healthier lifestyles, cost savings, community building and advocating for safe, low stress protected bike networks connecting neighborhoods. Biking has allowed me to slow down and look, listen, smell my surroundings. It makes me feel one with nature not separate and it gives great comfort.

I chose to become a volunteer board member of the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition as a way to advocate for safe bike networks for all.

Now there is a lot of momentum to make safe bike networks for all a reality throughout Sonoma County. It takes all of us in this effort. If you envision a similar future please share some “green love” to support our efforts. Any amount of your generosity is accepted and it will come back many fold.

Please donate to Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition for a better future!

With gratitude,

 Mike Lipelt

The Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition is celebrating 21 YEARS of pedal power...and we couldn't have done it without the support of our peloton of supporters!

Help us power into our next decade by making a contribution, introducing new people to our organization, and encouraging your friends & family to GO RIDE A BIKE!