Getting to know the Saskatoon Cycles Board of Directors: Erin Edwards
As a non-profit, Saskatoon Cycles relies on the generous efforts of its volunteers. One of the ways you can contribute to and help shape the direction of our work is by becoming a member of our Board of Directors. Elections for a number of Board seats will take place at our Annual General Meeting on November 14th. In the lead up to this year’s AGM, we are introducing you to a number of our current Board members. In this series of Q and A posts, they share why they are involved with Saskatoon Cycles and what they find most rewarding about being on our Board. If you’d like to learn more about becoming a Board member, contact our Co-Chair, Cathy Watts (Phone: 306.664.3908 / Email: media@saskatooncycles.org)
Q: What do you do when you’re not riding your bike?
I’m an x-ray technologist at Associated Radiologists.
Q: How long have you been on the Board of Saskatoon Cycles?
One year.
Q: Besides being on the Board, what other Saskatoon Cycles activity/initiative do you volunteer your time toward?
Most of my involvement with Saskatoon Cycles has been with the bike valet. This past summer I communicated with all the festivals to coordinate the bike valets involvement with each festival. I also organized all the volunteers for each bike valet. I also look after the t-shirts that we sell. If someone orders a t-shirt from our website I will deliver it to your house by bicycle.
Q: In an average month, about how much time do you contribute to Saskatoon Cycles, between being on the Board and your other volunteer efforts?
It definitely depends on the time of year but the summer for me was busier because of the bike valet. Around 30 hours a month coordinating the bike valet and filling in for open shifts at the valet.
Q: What has been the highlight of your involvement with Saskatoon Cycles so far? What are you most proud of?
So far I am most proud of my work with the bike valet. Providing this service encourages people to ride their bikes more. Often the thought of having your bike stolen is enough to discourage you to ride. We need more bikes on the streets and less cars, I’m sure everyone can agree with that. Another highlight of the year was our first annual bike sale. It was a huge success and we are planning to have another one next spring.
Q: Why are you involved with Saskatoon Cycles? What do you get from being involved?
I love cycling. Joining Saskatoon Cycles is a great way to give back to your community, meet some like-minded people, and encourage more people to try cycling.
Q: What would you say to someone considering becoming a board member?
Saskatoon needs your help in promoting cycling! Come join Saskatoon Cycles and be part of the movement toward a more bike-friendly city.
