Getting to know the Saskatoon Cycles Board of Directors: Gwen Charman

Q: Who are you and why do you ride a bike?

I am a retired CPA who loves living in Saskatoon.  My husband Guy and I are recreational cyclists.  We have done some trails in our National Parks over the years, but most of our cycling these days is on the Meewasin Trail.

Q: Any favourite cycling rides or routes in or around Saskatoon?

South from Gabriel Dumont Park to Chief Whitecap Park.

Q: Why did you decide to join the board? 

Wouldn’t it be great day if 3,000 cars parked at the University and 3,000 cars parked downtown were replaced with bikes.  That would change our community’s carbon footprint.  Significant change requires innovation by our City, our corporations, and many individuals.  Saskatoon Cycles supports all these many efforts.

Q: What do you hope to contribute through your involvement? 

I was recruited as Treasurer and hope to ensure good management of time and resources.

Q: Have you already volunteered with Saskatoon Cycles? If so, what initiatives have you been involved in?

I was Treasurer for six months prior to standing for election to the Board.  Several years ago, I was a Director of RoadMap 2020, a non-profit organization that encouraged corporations, including the City of Saskatoon, to develop and implement their own GHG reduction policies, plans, and strategies.  The first bike valet in Saskatoon was a program of RoadMap 2020.

Q: What do you see as some priorities to make Saskatoon better and safer for cyclists?

The expansion of well-designed bike lanes in the city core and along selected arterial roads would make cycling much safer and encourage many more cyclists.  Saskatoon Cycles can give cyclists a stronger voice in the development of our community for the long term. “The difference between the difficult and the impossible is that the impossible takes a little longer time.” (Lady Aberdeen)