Green Pedal Couriers has been bringing the Monterey community together one pedal at a time since 2009. Our main job is to deliver packages, court documents, medical transport, and of course, food delivery (our favorite because we get to meet people in our community). We push for safer bicycle riding in our community, which includes engaging and partnering with local officials, to encourage cyclist
s to be more cautious and drivers to be more courteous. Promoting the painting of bike lanes on major roadways, and signage directing cars to be aware cyclists are passing on the right, are both important steps in Monterey so that cyclists can have peace of mind while riding in this beautiful city. Because we live in a densely populated area, children should be able to ride their bicycle to school. Transforming Monterey to a bicycle-friendly community would mean a reduction in car traffic during peak times. If we get our way, Monterey will be known for being a safe area to cycle in, and bicycling tourism will bring added business to the local area, without contributing to pollution. This will keep Monterey more beautiful for many generations to come. Green Pedal Couriers works to bring the community together by hosting events, such as an annual Halloween costumed bike ride called “Creep the Shore,” as well as the “Ride a Bike, Plant a Tree” Earth Day ride. We distribute promotional materials for many local events, and we are always willing to cut a deal or work pro bono for a good cause—after all, we have low overhead costs, so we donate time when we can. Green Pedal Couriers built our own portable bike racks, and we host free bicycle valet parking at local events and festivals to encourage families to bike together and save money. I fear for the people in my community—especially on bikes. I have been hit by cars and “doored” more than eight times in less than four years. This is common among cyclists in Monterey; drivers are not expecting to see bikes because bicycle lanes and signage is so rare. My riders and I have repeatedly volunteered our time to repair and repaint existing bicycle trails, but have been shut down by the bureaucracy of the community. Though I devote myself full-time to the business, I must say I am very lucky to have the support of family and loved ones, as most of my hours (and those of my riders) are volunteer time. I aspire and look forward to being able to pay these guys what they deserve, and I am so lucky that they have jobs that are flexible enough to allow them to ride for me on the side. Whether it is delivering Chipotle burritos to an office full of nurses who are swamped with patients, spending a week delivering posters for free for an event to benefit disease research, or showing up to local events with a table, bike racks, and some information about the health, economic, and community benefits of bicycling, Green Pedal Couriers is determined to show how great it can be to ride a bicycle in our beautiful community. Our community needs the push that my company and other organizations are making to turn Monterey around for the better. Thank you very much for your time,
Michael Baroni
Jesse Marinez
Diego
Green Pedal Couriers
