Bicycle advisory board elects chair, vice chair; interviews applicants and forms selection subcommittee

The Bicycle Advisory Board held elections and conducted interviews for open member seats during the meeting. Members approved the November minutes by motion and then completed leadership elections: Lauren was nominated and elected chair and Brian was nominated and elected vice chair by voice votes.

Board members and staff confirmed there are four current vacancies on the advisory board; several existing members’ terms will expire in June and the seat list will be reopened in roughly six months. Board members also said the minimum age for the youth/underage seat is 16. The board will form a subcommittee (up to four members) to review applicant materials and return a recommendation to the full board; volunteers were solicited and at least Pablo and two other members offered to serve.

During the meeting, the board interviewed multiple applicants for open seats. Applicants introduced themselves in short statements and answered questions from board members; highlights from interviews included:

- Dan Powell said he has commuted by bike in Spokane for decades and described experience with long commutes, club rides and volunteer work for organized cycling events. - Tyler McClain said he is head of public services at the Coeur d’Alene Library, described splitting trips between driving and bicycling, and said he wanted to learn more about local projects. - Ryan described living in multiple Spokane neighborhoods and said he is interested in integrating the Ben–(Brand’s) Edition neighborhood more fully into the city bike network. - Claudine Zender described extensive long‑distance touring experience and prior service on a regional transportation advisory committee. - Scott Gordon said he organizes a neighborhood block watch and has worked directly with the city on local traffic and signage issues. - Additional applicants (Colby, Will/Clark, Cole, Jared and others) described commuting, recreational riding and interest in outreach, maintenance and bike‑parking solutions.

Applicants emphasized a mix of practical concerns — maintaining existing corridors, adding neighborhood connections, improving bike parking and storage, and providing low‑stress routes for families. Board members encouraged applicants to continue attending meetings even if they are not appointed, noting the meetings are public and the board values community input.

Next steps: The subcommittee will meet to rank or shortlist applicants and bring a recommended slate back to the Bicycle Advisory Board; the board’s recommendation will be forwarded to the mayor’s office and city council for final appointment. The board scheduled its next meeting for the third Tuesday in February (staff confirmed a date of February 18th for the next board meeting).