by Lorie Lewis Ham

With spring now here, and Earth Day just around the corner, this seemed like the perfect time to interview a group I have been interested in since discovering them a couple of months ago while doing research in the Tower District for my next mystery novel–the Fresno County Bicycle Coalition (FCBC).

Riding a bike is a great way to help the planet, and this group works to promote cycling throughout the Fresno area. According to their website, FCBC was established in 2001. FCBC believes that bicycles are literal vehicles for change, and works to help enable cycling for all through community involvement, local activism, bicycle donation drives, and helping coordinate cycling events throughout Fresno County.

Recently, we chatted with the Chair of FCBC, Edna Pedroza, to learn more. “I’ve had the privilege of leading the organization and working alongside passionate individuals who are committed to promoting cycling throughout the Fresno area.”

KRL: What specifically is Fresno County Bicycle Coalition and how and when did it come to be?

Edna: The Fresno County Bicycle Coalition (FCBC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for cycling infrastructure, promoting cycling as a viable transportation option, and fostering a cycling community. The Coalition was founded in 2001 by a group of passionate cyclists and advocates who wanted to make Fresno and the surrounding areas more bike-friendly. We work with local governments, businesses, and other organizations to ensure that cycling is safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.

KRL: How did you become involved? How long have you been cycling?

Edna: Growing up here, I noticed that Fresno, like many places, had limited cycling infrastructure and opportunities for people to safely and comfortably ride their bikes. That sparked a desire in me to make a real difference here. I’ve been cycling for most of my life, and over time, I realized just how much cycling could improve not only my own health and well-being but also the environment and our community’s overall quality of life.

My involvement with the Fresno County Bicycle Coalition grew out of that passion for change. I wanted to contribute to making Fresno a safer, more bike-friendly place for everyone. I joined the Coalition in 2016, and since then, I’ve been dedicated to advocating for better cycling infrastructure, raising awareness, and building a stronger cycling community in the area.

KRL: Are your members all volunteers?

Edna: Yes, the Fresno County Bicycle Coalition is made up of volunteers. We are a working board of unpaid volunteers that range from cyclists to community members who are passionate about promoting safe, accessible biking throughout the region. We’re always welcoming more people to become members and join us in our mission.

KRL: Please tell us about the Bike Station? What exactly do you do, and why did you feel this was important? When and where does this take place? How can the public get involved?

Edna: The Bike Station is a program designed to support cyclists, especially those who are commuting by bike or using it as their main mode of transportation. It is a DIY clinic to help you learn how to tune-up your bicycle for FREE! We have the tools and expertise to teach you how to get your bicycle back in proper riding condition. Board member Julie Conji is the program director and founder of The Bike Station. This was an important initiative for us because it’s crucial to have support systems in place to encourage people to bike more often and keep their bicycles running safely. The Bike Station is typically set up at local events, near popular cycling routes, and often in front of Tower Velo. We encourage anyone interested in volunteering, contributing, or learning more to get in touch with us via our website or social media!

KRL: How do you decide what type of rides you will go on?

Edna: We try to organize rides that appeal to a wide range of people, whether they are casual cyclists or experienced riders. The rides are often decided based on community feedback, the time of year, and any local events or advocacy opportunities. We also aim to make sure that our rides are accessible, so we plan routes that can accommodate different skill levels and emphasize safety.

KRL: Why do you feel cycling is important? What are some of the benefits?

Edna: Cycling is not only great for personal health, but it also has a tremendous impact on our environment and the local community. It promotes physical activity, reduces stress, and helps combat chronic health conditions. From a broader perspective, cycling contributes to reducing traffic congestion, lowering carbon emissions, and creating cleaner, safer streets. It’s a sustainable mode of transportation that is affordable and accessible to many people.

KRL: Do you have an Earth Day Ride every year? Why is cycling important to the environment?

Edna: Yes, we do have an Earth Day Ride each year. This year it will be on April 12, the ride will start at City Hall and will end at Fresno City College. It’s a great opportunity for us to raise awareness about the environmental benefits of cycling and encourage people to leave their cars behind. Cycling is a zero-emission mode of transportation, which is crucial in reducing our carbon footprint. By cycling instead of driving, we can reduce air pollution, minimize traffic congestion, and make our communities more sustainable. It’s a fun and impactful way to celebrate Earth Day!

KRL: What are the goals of the coalition?

Edna: The primary goals of the Fresno County Bicycle Coalition are to advocate for safer cycling infrastructure, raise awareness about the benefits of cycling, and build a strong community of cyclists. We also focus on promoting policies that make cycling more accessible to people of all backgrounds, whether they’re using bikes for commuting, recreation, or fitness. Ultimately, we want to make Fresno a more bike-friendly city where cycling is safe, enjoyable, and seen as a viable transportation option.

KRL: Where can people find you online?

Edna: People can find us online at our website fresnobike.org or follow us on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram @fresnobike. We regularly post updates on events, rides, and advocacy efforts, and we’d love to have more people join us in supporting a better future for cycling in Fresno.

KRL: What events do you have coming up?

Edna: We have several exciting events coming up! We’ll be hosting our annual Earth Day Ride, as well as some community bike rides, such as our Coffee Outside rides, our first annual Dapper Ride to the Fresno Arts Museum, Mural Ride, Bike Through History, and of course later this year, our November Bike Prom ride! We also have some advocacy initiatives where we’re working with local government to improve bicycle infrastructure in Fresno. You can check our website or follow us on social media for the latest details on all our events!

KRL: Anything you would like to add?

Edna: I just want to encourage everyone to try cycling – whether you’re new to it or have been riding for years. Cycling is a wonderful way to stay active, explore your community, and contribute to a healthier environment. And if you’re passionate about making our city more bike-friendly, there are so many ways to get involved with the Fresno County Bicycle Coalition, whether it’s by volunteering, donating, becoming a member, or simply sharing the message with others.

Thanks so much for chatting with KRL, and I hope this has inspired more people to check FCBC out and to get out there and ride a bike!

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and a contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet. Lorie’s latest mystery series is the Tower District Mystery Series. Both books, One of Us and One of You, are set in the Tower District of Fresno and the world of community theatre!