We would like to introduce Joe Franco and Miguel Santana, the newest members of our Better Bike Share Partnership (BBSP) Education team here at the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. Together, we will be engaging teenagers and adults about Indego and its free bicycle education programing in Philadelphia. They will be teaching new riders how to ride bikes in our Learn-to-Ride classes, understanding the rules of the road, and making sure riders are safe during our Community Group Rides.
Below, you can learn more about Joe and Miguel.
Full Name: Joe Franco
Pronouns: He/Him
Fun Fact: I recently became a dual citizen of Spain!
Brief Bio: Growing up in rural Vermont, I’ve loved riding bikes since I was very little. While in college in Asheville, North Carolina, I began depending on a bike as a means of transportation, and soon realized how far the country has to go to make biking an accessible and safe option for everybody. I also learned all the ways that more people biking will make the world a happier, more sustainable place. I’m so excited to be getting involved with the Greater Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition and to get to know all of you a little better. A few of my hobbies include: playing the drums, any kind of racquet sport (especially tennis and ping pong), practicing Spanish, following the NBA, reading novels, hiking, trying new food, disc golf, ultimate frisbee, and, of course, riding my bike.
Full Name: Miguel Santana (aka Mikey)
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Fun Fact: Honestly, I never know what to say for these—but I guess a fun fact is that I once biked way farther than I planned to, and kind of impressed myself.
Organization/Clubs: BlackMenRun
Brief Bio:
I got connected to Indego through the Indego’s Wheels to Work program, and that opened the door to being part of the Indego/Better Bike Share Partnership as an Educator. I really enjoy being out in my community, getting the opportunity to help people learn new things they didn’t think they could do before, especially in a space that’s supportive and free of judgment. I care a lot about connecting with people, sharing knowledge, and just doing my part to make my community stronger and more active in ways that feel good and healthy. I’d say I’m a down-to-earth, people-centered, and positive person, and I try to bring that energy into everything I do.
Meet the rest of the BBSP Education team HERE!
Meet us in person by joining our free Indego classes and rides now through the end of October. You’ll receive a free bike helmet, water bottle, swag, and a fun time.