Our Mission

I moved to Duluth two years ago to work at the University of Minnesota Duluth as an assistant professor of journalism. In my short time here, I’ve been inspired by those around me who embrace the outdoors, and especially those who bike year-round. I joined the board in 2017 and hope to help encourage biking as an option for recreation and communing to work. Like a lot of people, I was an avid biker and child and started biking again in early adulthood. I’d like to help others get back on their bikes too. I believe there is a lot of positive momentum in our community to make Duluth a more bike-friendly city. I think Duluth Bikes can play a big part in helping residents of all abilities feel like they can safely bike around town.

I grew up in the Netherlands riding my bike everywhere.  Bicycling is a big part of my national culture. I didn’t need or have a driver’s license until I moved to the U.S. as a college student. One of my first work projects when I moved to Duluth as a community planner was, very appropriately, developing a bike plan for North-East Minnesota. It is exciting to see that biking as a mode of transportation is becoming increasingly popular in Duluth. Promoting a safe and inviting bicycling infrastructure has become increasingly important to me. As a parent I like to see my kids having the freedom to get around town on their own and enjoy their independence. Having safe streets with good bicycle accommodations is for this reason very important to me. As a board member I aim to make a positive contribution advocating for better bike infrastructure in Duluth and help build a fun and inviting bike culture for everyone regardless of age or ability.