When Janis McDonald arrived in Portland from Houston 11 years ago, her 1974 Volkswagen camper van died. That’s when she took up bicycling and began living a life that has been mostly car-free. But for her bicycling is much more than a good way to get around, it’s also a calling. Today she effectively promotes bicycling – especially for women – in her job with the City of Portland’s Office of Transportation.

Janis, 36, probably is best known for developing the City’s Women on Bikes program, now in its third year. She started Women on Bikes because the City’s bike counts found that only about 30 percent of Portland’s bike commuters were women. The program includes informational clinics and group rides that are tailored for women who would like to gain confidence in their biking skills and knowledge.

Last year, the program drew 125 participants, ranging in age from a 14-year-old who rode with her mother to women in their 60s.

Before starting her current job, Janis was an intern for the City, reaching out to the community at street fairs and special events where she encouraged occasional cyclists to become regular riders. She was a core volunteer for Portland's Car-free Day Street Fair and has also volunteered extensively with the BTA. Last year she helped organize a 600-rider strong Women-Only start at the annual Providence Bridge Pedal. She also recently joined the Community Cycling Center’s Board of Directors.

Janis’s love of bikes is "contagious," a colleague says. "With her cheerful enthusiasm, Janis has empowered and inspired many women to use their bikes, (and) her support for new riders doesn't stop along gender lines."

Her dedication has earned her a nomination for an Alice B. Toeclips Award. Besides her work with cycling newbies, Janis enjoys the many avenues of cycling from long road rides to commuting everywhere to trying cyclocross for the first time.

Thanks Janis! We are so grateful for your work on our behalf!

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