Silicon Valley Bike Summit 2023 , from the opening moments onward, was about dreaming big. Of building a healthy and just world. Of removing barriers to the ability to thrive, through bicycles and connected access to community resources and transportation networks.
“As we gather, keep in mind that we're not just talking about the future – we're shaping it,” said Clarrissa Cabansagan , Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition’s new executive director, in welcoming notes that highlighted her priorities.
Outgoing executive director Shiloh Ballard handed Clarrissa a golden bike helmet, to signify the transition. She introduced Clarrissa as a senior SVBC leader well-known in the community. “She’s viewed as a thought leader in the active transportation space, serving as one of the early advocates for an equity voice,” said Shiloh. “We in the bike movement are fortunate that she’ll be taking this organization to the next level.”
Clarrissa addressed a record Bike Summit crowd of more than 320 active transportation leaders and enthusiasts – from the Bay Area’s public agency leaders and community organizers, from industry to non-profit, and from the general public to teams of volunteers. They packed the Mountain View Community Center to witness the leadership transition, and to connect, learn and share the latest ideas on active transportation, community engagement and urban design.
Growing up with six siblings in a poor and racially mixed neighborhood, Clarrissa witnessed the grinding impacts on health and well-being of public policies of neglect and isolation, on her own family and the community around her.
“It’s because of what we built,” Clarrissa told the audience, speaking to the ways cities and transportation access have been designed, often isolating and under-serving communities of color and the disadvantaged. Public policy has determined who gets to thrive – who sees the benefits of wealth and health – “and who is merely fighting to survive.”
From the opening of the Bike Summit, Clarrissa set out her agenda: To resolve health and wealth disparities, through a just and inclusive bike movement, with seamless connection to transportation, and a regional and statewide perspective. She called on those attending to take an active role, to “dream big.”
Said Clarrissa: “Let’s not underestimate the collective power that we all have to bring about the change that we want to see in our communities.”
Thank you to all who attended the 13th Annual Silicon Valley Bike Summit, held in the Mountain View Community Center on Aug. 24, 2023. The large audience and the backgrounds and qualities of attendees, presenters and sponsors made clear the strong and growing public desire for healthy communities, safe streets and healthful, affordable transportation access.
We had a great time and hope you did too!
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all our sponsors who supported us in putting together this event.
Mayor Alison Hicks of the City of Mountain View set an invigorating tone with her welcome address, vividly illustrating her visionary concept of city streets. She painted a picture of streets that prioritize people, fostering a sense of welcome, advancing climate objectives, and nurturing community bonds.
In the keynote, Andrew Fremier, the newly appointed Executive Director of Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), defined his paramount goals for the organization. These objectives encompass the development of an expansive active transportation grid linking all corners of the Bay Area, enhancing access to the Bay Trail, expanding the Bay Wheels bike-share initiative, embarking on ambitious initiatives like the connection of Oakland and the East Bay to Treasure Island, frequent electric ferry service to downtown San Francisco, and the creation of a direct West Span Path into downtown. Additionally, MTC aims to provide cities with technical expertise to facilitate the acquisition of transportation improvement funds.
A panel dialogue followed, featuring Executive Director Fremier and MTC Commissioners Cindy Chavez and David Canepa. The trio delved into MTC's potential to enhance San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties as pedestrian and cyclist-friendly regions. When asked about the possibility of implementing Viva Calle (open streets) on El Camino Real, Commissioner Chavez responded with wholehearted enthusiasm and a resounding "let's make it happen!"
Subsequently, a pair of breakout sessions unfolded, featuring six distinct sessions and two bike rides, boasting participation from over 35 diverse speakers. Refer to the session list and presentations below for more details on the topics covered.
