Emily Slofstra, CycleWR Chair
Emily Slofstra has been an urban commuter cyclist for over 10 years, and has fond memories of her five months living and biking in Amsterdam on academic exchange. Now that her kids are cycling independently, Emily is even more aware of the need for protected, separate infrastructure. Emily is a Registered Nurse who would prefer not to see any more cycling-related injuries, and as the Chair of CycleWR she spends her spare time advocating for better infrastructure throughout Waterloo Region.
Emily on Twitter: @emilymidtownkw
Sarah-Beth Bianchi
Sarah-Beth Bianchi has become a commuter cyclist in the past couple of years mostly because it makes it easy to move around under her own steam with two kids in tow. You can see her cruising around the KW core with both kids on the back of her electric-assist longtail cargo bike, a.k.a. The Magic School Bus. Having such precious cargo aboard makes her keenly aware of the need for protected infrastructure so that more people—including families—can use biking to get outside and enjoy our awesome community. Sarah-Beth brings a background in communication, tech, and public service to CycleWR, and manages the #HumansWhoCycleWR campaign on Instagram.
Sarah-Beth on Twitter: @thegirlsageek
Mike Boos
Mike began cycling year-round in Waterloo Region over a decade ago. Since then, he’s advocated for better walking, cycling, and transit with TriTAG, taken a handful of bike touring trips, was part of and later chaired the Kitchener Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee, co-founded Smart Growth Waterloo Region, and started hauling his kids around on a double trail-a-bike. They want more bike rides.
Mike on Twitter: @mikeboos
Laura McDonald
Laura is a fair-weather bike commuter and environmentalist who wants to see fewer cars on the road and more people getting around on bikes, transit, and their feet. She’s also a super organized editor and communications specialist who works at the Faculty Association at UWaterloo.
When not at work or a CycleWR meeting, you can find her reading, rock climbing, or in the woods.
Laura on Twitter: @inhabitings
Josh Orita
Josh is a commuter and recreational cyclist. Inspired by visiting Japan, where bicycles are widely used, he began commuting at home in Waterloo Region. This experience revealed how challenging it can be to bike places, and the need to provide a growing region with safe, connected cycling infrastructure to make biking a viable option for everyone. Josh is a designer, specializing in software and the web, and enjoys the outdoors, drawing, and snowboarding.
Josh on Twitter: @josh_orita
Hayley Rutherford
Hayley is a three-season commuter/transportation cyclist. She’s been getting around on her bike, a hybrid named Sprout, since 2014 after she moved to the area following an ill-conceived year of commuting by car from Guelph on Highway 7. Hayley is much happier when she get where she’s going under her own power, especially on trails and protected cycling infrastructure. Her day job is supporting Canadian communities in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, an interconnected set of goals for peace, planet and prosperity.
Hayley on Twitter: @hjroaf
Tessa Starkey
Tessa moved to Waterloo Region in 2005, from deep suburbia in Oakville, and has since fallen in love with this vibrant area that has allowed her the freedom to get around by bike. She has enjoyed watching the region make steps towards improved bike- and walkability and has big dreams for it’s future. A software developer by trade, Tessa is right at home in this emerging tech hub.
Tessa on Twitter: @starkey_tessa
David Trueman
David has been cycling for years but grew a passion for it in the last few years. He uses his bike to get where he needs to go in all four seasons and wants more people to feel safe on the roads. He is also on the board of directors for Waterloo Cycling Club and chairs the Transportation Sector Committee of ClimateActionWR. David uses his years of experience as a technology executive to mentor startups in the region and loves to see people following their passions and reaching their potential.
David on Twitter: @DavidTrueman