Staff & Board of Directors

 
 

Staff

Molly Miksa, Executive Director (she/her)

In June, 2021, I was honoured with the opportunity to support the work of London Cycle Link, as executive director. LCL is a volunteer-driven organization, and I appreciate everyone’s work and contributions. As a past volunteer myself, I sat on the board of directors from 2017 to 2020, and worked on various projects, from planning events to communications to advocacy.

I have a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a master’s degree in journalism and communication. I have managed an environmental retail store, run my own business, been chief photographer for a bicycle culture magazine in Toronto (dandyhorse), and produced a podcast about London’s role as a green and resilient city.

As a cyclist, I have carried photo gear, babies and groceries on my cargo bike, and have commuted by bike all of my adult life.

I grew up north of the city, in Thorndale, but have always been connected to London and have a great love for this city. It is my pleasure to work with the community to grow a culture of safe cycling in London.

M. Jensen Didulo, Squeaky Wheel Shop Manager (he/him/they)

Jensen grew up in Vancouver and was 2-1/2 when first imported from the Philippines. He got his first bike at 4 and has never been without one since. He welded his first bike frame in 1986 and has since built a variety including recumbents, tadpole trikes, tilting trikes, tall bikes, a pedal generator and various cargo machines including an 11 foot long delivery bike and a covered cargo trike capable of transporting several kegs of beer.

His CV includes 6 aimless years bouncing around science, political science and technical filmmaking, followed by careers that include vending machine tech, shipper/receiver, engraving shop supervisor, head of design and development, and since moving to London, running a small company that contracts bike assembly for local department stores. He has volunteered for various multicultural events, university radio, a conference on bisexuality and gender, an eco festival, and of course Squeaky Wheel. When asked why he wants to be at Squeaky Wheel, he reportedly said, "I like people, and I love bikes."

Rayne Pratt, Membership Coordinator (she/her)

Hi there! I am a second-year student at Western University. My area of study revolves around making cities more environmentally sustainable, so I am super excited to be able to work with London Cycle Link. I have lived in London my whole life, and have always enjoyed riding my bike, especially along the Thames River! I'm really looking forward to learning more about active transport within the city and increasing involvement with London Cycle Link and the biking community! 

Eugeniusz Siebiesiuk, Bike Shop Assistant (he/him)

We are please to welcome Eugene to Squeaky Wheel Bike Co-op, as bike shop assistant for the winter-spring. Eugene brings a host of international experience to the co-op, and can be found supporting Jensen in the shop, and learning more about bike mechanics!

 

Board of Directors

Andrea Loewen, Chair (she/her)

This is the fourth province I have lived in and have learned a great deal from homes in previous cities about how far London could go to be more cycling-friendly. When living in Calgary in my twenties, I got the cycling commuting bug and have been riding as much as I can since then. Our family has replaced a vehicle with an electric cargo-bike and you'll find me riding that carrying whatever large, bulky, or strange items I can. It's important to me to reduce our Carbon footprint so along with advocating to reduce car trips, I'm happy to talk about all things HVAC and home envelope-related because every day is Earth day.

Laura Galvis Daza, Vice Chair (she/her)

I've lived, worked and studied abroad in stints, but ever since arriving here in 2001, #ldnont has been home. My day job is at a local tech company; on office days colleagues will see my Liv Alight City (from To Wheels), sometimes with the winter treatment (London Bicycle Café). I am mainly a commuter cyclist who loves the TVP, gets down with Forest City Bike Polo and can ride a 50K.

My involvement with the co-op and LCL as bike-fixing volunteer, key holder and general Organizer of Vibes TM began in Spring 2021 when I needed affordable, hands-on, post-winter maintenance and ended up clicking well with the manager. Members now know me for the weekly Volunteer Night and the monthly WTF Workshop (co-leading both since fall 2021). Events I’ve been present for include The Bicycle Play, trip to New Hope Bikes, Pedal Poll, Glow Ride, and London Cycle Drinks. In February, 2022 I created the Squeaky Wheel Bike Co-op Feedback Survey in anticipation of our move to Embassy Commons. Spring/summer 2023 is keeping me busy now that I’m a board member and coordinating the Forest City Slow Roll. 

I joined LCL because we’re part of the North American movement in favour of active transportation. This is capital-G good for our collective well-being. I support SWBC because its members teach/learn valuable skills on how to repair and take care of a bike. Go to the co-op and you will find folks who are willing and happy to share their knowledge and skills and who’ve built a community around a functional, lovely and welcoming space.

Michael Woodward, Treasurer (he/him)

Hi, I am Mike Woodward. I am a road cyclist who loves to go on long rides with friends and family. I have a passion for physical fitness and I believe that cycling is one of the best things to do not only for your physical but also mental health. My favourite places to ride are through the Thames Valley Parkway as well as out in Komoka.  I have lived in London for the majority of my life  and have noticed our city has not kept up with the cycling infrastructure in comparison to other cities in Ontario. My goal is to make London a better place to cycle through improving cycling infrastructure and advocating for cyclists. I am happy to have the opportunity to combine my passion for cycling and finance in order to help achieve these goals.

Colleen Murphy, Secretary (she/her)

I moved to London in 1996 and have been car-free since coming to the Forest City.  It was only in the last ten years that I started cycling again, but it is now my main form of transportation! I love the TVP and the protected bike lanes, and hope to see this type of infrastructure increase so more people can make the choice to ride.  I believe I am proof that it’s never too late to get back on a bike and I am so thankful for the supportive cycling community! 

My husband and I both cruise the city on our Downtown Breezers. We also play music in the band Westminster Park and released a song “ I just want to get home tonight” about the issues cyclists sometimes face. 

Utilizing active transportation has allowed me to see the city in a unique way and I love the small businesses and restaurants around town. It's a running joke at our house that while others are filling their gas tanks my husband and I get to fill ours once a week at one of the many amazing restaurants in the city. 

When not biking around town I work for a local non-profit, and I think that having safe bike infrastructure in the city is also important when we look at it through the lens of mental health, social justice and safety.  Being free of car ownership provides financial benefits, but it is important to remember that car ownership is out of reach for many people, and our city should reflect the needs of those who live here. I think part of the work of advocacy is just showing people not only how easy it is to do but also how fun!

Jack Spence, Squeaky Wheel Representative (he/him)

I have been cycle commuting for about 12 years and have been steadily replacing car trips with bike rides.  I enjoy rides along the TVP with my kids, and have recently dabbled into bike touring.  I have used the Squeaky Wheel since 2018 and began volunteering in 2020.    Cycling is great for physical and mental health, personal finances, the local economy, society, and the environment.  Few things have such a positive impact on so many levels.  I’m excited to use my time and energy to promote cycling in a hands on way, and by supporting advocacy efforts.  My goal as a director is to expand the volunteer base at the Squeaky Wheel.  Please reach out to me if you have any ideas, or if you want to help.

David Isaac, Director (he/him)

David is a year-long commuter cyclist, who has been biking around London since 2010. He is a lawyer who specializes in representing cyclists, and teaches a course on the Law of Urbanism at Western Law. David loves spending time outside, and when he isn't on his bike he can be found in his garden, canoeing, or hiking with his family.

Andrew Leest, Director (he/him)

Hi, I'm Andrew. I've been a cyclist practically my whole life but really fell in love with cycling whilst on a mountain bike. My earliest experience with cycle commuting was riding about 40 minutes through back roads to get to my high school summer job at a provincial park in my hometown of Alliston, ON. Cars were usually few and far between, but I remember some of the hills always made me nervous about inattentive drivers. As I've moved to larger cities this concern has only grown and is a large reason for my interest in cycling advocacy.

Sports and exercise have always been passions of mine, leading me to pursue a BSc in Kinesology at U Waterloo. While in my undergrad I started a business which led to me taking on a Master's in Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology, also at UW. I currently manage a team of business advisors helping technology companies to start up or scale up. 

Since moving to London I've resolved to ride my bike as much as possible to get around the city. The Thames Valley Parkway has become one of my favourite places to cycle either for transport or leisure. I do own a car, mostly since I travel out of London frequently. However, I find it to be a highly frustrating and expensive way to get around. I would characterize myself as a 3-season cyclist, but I've been dipping my toe into winter cycling more and more each year. I look forward to helping out more at Squeaky Wheel, taking on some tech integration work and helping with strategy to grow LCL and its impact.

Brian Shilton, Director (he/him)

I am happy for this opportunity to play an active role in London Cycle Link and to contribute to continuing successful efforts to make London a more pedestrian- and cycle-friendly city. Having lived in cities in Europe (Aachen Germany, and Uppsala Sweden), as well as Montreal, I know that the end result will be worth the effort: cities that emphasize walking, cycling, and public transit become much more pleasant, peaceful, and enjoyable for everybody.  Another important factor in this regard is the growing presence of car-sharing as a means for people to access a “personal automobile” when necessary, but without having to make the financial and psychological investments in owning a car. Altogether, I believe that London Cycle Link, with its advocacy for cycling and cycling infrastructure, as well as providing practical means for acquiring and maintaining a bicycle (i.e. Squeaky Wheel Bike Co-Op), is contributing to much more than cycling. Having more cyclists on the road will make London a better place for everybody!

Our family (my partner, Linda Bussiere, and our three children, Lucy, Zachary, and Beatrice) moved to London in 1998. I work at Western and commute by bicycle year round, using either the bike path along the river, or if it is very snowy, Colborne Street (which is especially nice with the new bike lanes). I also enjoy road-biking on some of the beautiful back-roads and small highways around London.

 

Past Board Members

Janet McAllister (past chair), Andry Wasylko (past chair), Ajith Rajesh, Jenn Gilbert, Corinne Marshall, Annie Legate-Wolfe, Brent Charlton, Greg Staiger, Luis Patricio (past chair), Becky Ellis, Kevin Van Lierop, Steve Clark, Jonny Glenn-Lynes, Hailey Tallman, Molly Miksa, Rebecca Henderson, Trevor Dias, Benjamin Durham, Rebecca Minielly, Marna Fujimoto-Pihl, Bonnie Lee (past chair), Greg Ilton, Susan Anthony, Shelley Carr, David Mitchell, Steve MacDouell, Henk Ketelaars, Graham Bird, Paul Seale

Founders & Early Champions

Tim Pearson, Anthea Rowe, Ross Graham, Jeremy Bird, Edward Mckenzie