In 2022, the BCGP piloted VeloLingo, a program that empowers immigrant, refugee, and under-represented communities both mindfully and physically through multilingual biking education classes, rides, and educational resources. We translated our BIKE NICE, DRIVE NICE resources into seven different languages and created a video in multiple languages. To bridge the gap between communities, Riman Cai (Carly) stepped in as a volunteer Community Ambassador for Philadelphia’s Chinese communities. Last week, I reconnected with Carly to donate a Burley child seat from the VeloLingo program to support her family’s choice to use biking as a means to get around the city. Learn more about Carly and her experience as a volunteer with us.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what got you interested in cycling.
My name is Riman Cai, but everyone calls me Carly. I’m from Beijing, China, and I moved to the U.S. in March 2022. In November 2022, through my friend Angel Ballestevos, I was introduced to the Bicycle Coalition and became a volunteer, serving as a Chinese Community Ambassador. In this role, I act as a bridge between Chinese immigrants and the Bicycle Coalition, helping them access cycling resources and navigate the city more confidently.
Currently, I work as the Director at Silvercare Adult Daycare Northeast Branch, and I also run a nonprofit organization: Future Path, where I assist immigrant families and students with high school planning and application strategies—continuing the work I had been doing for over a decade in China.
Coming from Beijing, a city ranked among the top 30 in global traffic congestion, I’ve experienced firsthand how rush hour can easily turn a 30-minute commute into an hour or even two. Since my husband is a passionate cyclist, biking naturally became my preferred mode of commuting—an option that is both healthy and cost-effective. In our free time, we used to ride our bikes through Beijing’s streets and alleyways, embracing the slow moments in an otherwise fast-paced city. Cycling has always been more than just transportation for me; it’s a way to explore, connect, and enjoy the rhythm of urban life.
What inspired you to become a volunteer with the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, and how has the experience been so far?
As a cycling enthusiast, joining the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BCGP) was a natural decision for me. I was eager to connect with a community of like-minded individuals who share the same passion for cycling. Additionally, when I learned that BCGP was looking for a Chinese Ambassador, I saw it as a perfect opportunity to contribute to my community. As someone who is enthusiastic about giving back and serving others, I felt it was my duty—and privilege—to take on this role.
My experience as a volunteer has been incredibly rewarding. Living in University City, I frequently commute between downtown and campus. The area is bustling, with many one-way streets, making it challenging for newcomers to navigate safe cycling routes. When I first arrived, I struggled to find suitable bike lanes, and I realized that this wasn’t just my personal challenge. Many Chinese immigrants, especially those who don’t speak English, face even greater difficulties when trying to use bicycles as a mode of transportation. BCGP provides valuable resources to address this issue, offering guidance on safe cycling routes and promoting awareness about traffic safety. Through its advocacy and education initiatives, BCGP empowers cyclists to ride safely and confidently in the city, which is something I deeply appreciate and am proud to be a part of.
What do you see as the biggest benefits of being part of the Coalition, both for yourself and the community?
For myself, it has been an incredibly enriching experience. Through volunteering, I have connected with a diverse group of passionate cyclists, advocates, and community members who share a common goal of promoting safer and more accessible cycling. It has also deepened my understanding of urban cycling infrastructure, local policies, and the challenges that cyclists face. Additionally, serving as a Chinese Ambassador has strengthened my communication and leadership skills, as I work to bridge the gap between the Chinese-speaking community and BCGP’s valuable resources.
For the community, the Coalition plays a crucial role in advocating for safer streets, better bike infrastructure, and more inclusive transportation options. Through education, outreach, and policy efforts, BCGP empowers more people to consider cycling as a sustainable and practical means of transportation. The multilingual safety education initiatives help non-English-speaking immigrants navigate the city more confidently, reducing barriers to cycling and improving overall road safety.
Can you share a memorable moment or accomplishment from your time as a volunteer that made a real impact?
There was an elderly gentleman who loved cycling and lived in the city center, but due to language barriers and unfamiliarity with using a smartphone, he had never had the opportunity to find suitable routes to ride to suburban parks. I provided him with a special cycling map prepared by BCGP, highlighting several great bike routes to nearby parks along with public transportation options. Additionally, I guided him step by step on how to use the bike racks on public buses, so that if he couldn’t ride the entire way, he could still reach his destination with the help of public transit.
I still vividly remember the moment when he mounted his bike onto the bus rack for the first time—his excitement and heartfelt gratitude were truly touching.
How do you plan to use the Burley kids’ bike seat to navigate the city with your child, and what excites you most about biking together?
First and foremost, my husband will be using the Burley kids’ bike seat to commute with our 16-month-old daughter to and from daycare every day. Since I drive to work and her daycare is not on my route, and given the heavy traffic during rush hours, it made sense for my husband to handle drop-offs and pick-ups. However, the 1-mile commute from daycare to his workplace posed a significant challenge—it takes nearly 30 minutes to walk, which is not ideal. What excites us most is that biking solves both the traffic issue and the daycare-to-work commute in a convenient and efficient way.
Additionally, as the weather gets warmer, we’re looking forward to exploring nearby parks by bike. One of the things we’re most excited about is the opportunity to experience nature more closely while spending quality time together as a family. Instead of being stuck in traffic or limited to indoor activities, biking allows us to create fun, active, and memorable moments with our daughter while enjoying the outdoors.
What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering with the Bicycle Coalition, and how can more people get involved?
“Go for it!” is my biggest advice.
The Coalition is a warm and passionate community that offers countless opportunities to create meaningful change, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or simply someone who cares about safer streets and sustainable transportation. One of the things that stood out to me the most is the unwavering support from the team. Your supervisor will be incredibly patient and enthusiastic, always ready to answer your questions and guide you along the way.
One of the best things about volunteering with BCGP is that you don’t need to be an expert—just having the enthusiasm to help is enough. There are many ways to get involved, from participating in bike safety education, advocating for better infrastructure, assisting at events, or even helping with outreach to different communities. If you have a specific skill set, such as language skills, event planning, or social media, those can be incredibly valuable as well. If you can’t volunteer regularly, no problem! You can simply stay on standby and be part of the volunteer pool. When they need help, they’ll reach out, and you can respond whenever you’re available—no pressure at all.
If you or someone you know would like to volunteer with us please fill out our interest form or contact Uma McGuire at uma@bicyclecoalition.org.