Meet the Bike Ambassadors

Name: Brian Davis

Age: 23

College: The University of the Arts

Hometown: Seattle, WA

What first attracted you to the Ambassadors program? “I liked that we could teach, demonstrate, and do outreach. We are really making a difference.”

What motivates you to come in every day at odd hours and be a part of this Ambassadors team? “I believe our job is something Philly really needs. There is so much tension with the transportation system.”

What do you do in the offseason? “I am a dancer and singer who teaches and performs.”

What will you do n September after the Ambassadors program?  “I will be moving to New York CIty to pursue a career in performance.”

What has been your best moment in the program? “I love improving peoples rides. Be it helmet fitting or pumping tires, the small things really make a difference.”

Name: Hannah Lee

Age: 24

College: Houghton College and Bryn Mawr College

Hometown: Lansdale, PA 

What first attracted you to the Ambassadors program? “I love bicycling and was attracted to a job that allowed me to ride my bike and talk to people about bikes. I also was excited to be able to work with the Spanish speaking community about biking in Philadelphia. “

What motivates you to come in every day at odd hours and be a part of this Ambassadors team? “Because I have bills to pay! No, in seriousness, I am passionate about advocating for bicycle rights and better bicycle infrastructure in Philadelphia. I also enjoy working within the community and meeting new people who have a shared passion in this. “

What do you do in the offseason? “I am a full time student at Bryn Mawr College. I am getting my Master’s in social services there.”

What will you do in September after the Ambassadors program? “I will start my second and last year at Bryn Mawr College.”

What has been your best moment in the program? “My best moment isn’t just one time that has come and gone; it happens every time I meet someone who is really appreciative of the work the Bicycle Coalition is doing. It makes me feel good.”

Name: Celia Marraro

Age: 26

College: Gettysburg College

Hometown: Germantown, MD

What first attracted you to the Ambassadors program? “My interest in bicycles as a mechanic.”

What motivates you to come in every day at odd hours and be a part of this Ambassadors team? “The people I work with and for help keep me motivated, plus it is a fun job. “

What will you do in September after the Ambassadors program? “Most likely teach and work as a bike mechanic. “

What has been your best moment in the program? “Helping those stranded with flat tires. We patch their tubes and send them on their merry way.”

Name: Julian Root

Age: 23

College: Temple University

What first attracted you to the Ambassadors program? “I’ve been an avid cyclist all my life, and have had bicycle related jobs for the last 5 years or so (food delivery, courier), and spent an entire summer riding from Bar Harbor, ME to Portland, OR.”

What motivates you to come in every day at odd hours and be a part of this Ambassadors team? “I care about urban cycling, and want to make it better, especially for people who aren’t as confident and experienced as myself and others like me. After all, many (if not most) urban cyclists and prospective cyclists are not couriers, racers, or zealous cycle tourists. Every time I inspire someone to even consider bicycling instead of driving or relying on SEPTA is a reminder of why I signed up for this.”

What do you do in the offseason? “I play guitar in a blues-rock band and banjo in a bluegrass band and spend a lot of time playing with them. I also play folk music on my own.”

What will you do in September after the Ambassadors program? “I haven’t a clue what I’ll be doing after this season! If I should be offered a job with the Coalition, I will probably take it. If not, I will probably take some time to do some bike touring, as well as traveling with my music.”

What has been your best moment in the program? “My best moment in the program was probably getting to play banjo during our annual Bike Freedom Valley ride, which is a group ride to Valley Forge. I stood at the end of the Manayunk tow path with my banjo and encouraged folks to keep on haulin’ up to Valley Forge.”

See our full story on the Bicycle Ambassadors here.

Gallagher is the co-Founder and President of The Haverford School Cycling Team and the editor-in-chief of his school newspaper. Last year, he and a classmate at Haverford designed an energy-producing stationary bicycle that won multiple awards in the international science competion The Pete Conrad Awards. Billy Gallagher will attend Stanford University in the fall. Contact Billy at wmg2010@yahoo.com