Getting to know the Saskatoon Cycles Board of Directors: Dr. John Dosman

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 a family physician at the Saskatoon Community Clinic. I practice the full scope of general family medicine with a special focus in obstetrics and paediatric care as well as addictions medicine.

I’m also on the board of directors for the Saskatoon Society for the Protection of Children, which oversees the Crisis Nursery and Parent Aide. As well, I’m on the board of the Saskatoon Regional Medical Association and a delegate for the Saskatchewan Medical Association.

Q: How long have you been on the Saskatoon Cycles board of directors?

3 years

Q: Besides being on the board, what other Saskatoon Cycles activities do you volunteer your time toward?

I’ve spent time on advocacy, talking at city hall and to counsellors, and doing media interviews on cycling.

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?

2 to 4 hours.

Q: What has been the highlight of your involvement with Saskatoon Cycles so far? What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the advocacy work we’ve done in increasing awareness in the city that cycling is something regular people do daily to get to school, work, and to do their daily errands. We’re helping normalize cycling as something regular people do to get around.

Q: Why are you involved with Saskatoon Cycles? What do you get from being involved?

I believe strongly in cycling as a means of addressing a lot of health and environmental issues in our world. I get a lot out of being with like-minded people fighting the good fight together. It’s far better for ones’ mental health than ranting at things by oneself!

Q: What would you say to someone considering becoming a board member?

The more diversity of people and opinions we can get involved the better. The time commitment isn’t huge, and there’s always tasty snacks at our meetings!