All month long we'll be meeting #WomenWhoBike in Portland as part of our Women's Bike Month campaign. Our goal for the month is to get more women biking by providing the resources and support they need to get started.
Name: Kendall Johnson
Occupation: Professional soccer player and blogger for arrowliving.com
Years in Portland: 24 years, born and raised
Type of riding you do most frequently: Commuting to training and leisurely night strolls
1. Tell us about your first bike and/or a memorable ride.
On the day of the solar eclipse, my friends and I decided to ride our bikes 20 miles out to Canby, Oregon to experience totality. We woke up at 4:45am, rode into the sun rise, through green country hills, and ended up posting up at a random person's farm. When the eclipse went down, I unanticipatedly cried tears of joy and yelled several explicits I was so blown away. Riding our bikes definitely added to the awe-inspiring experience.
2. What are the opportunities you see for getting more women on bikes in Portland?
I think showcasing other women riding bikes is really helpful. Whenever I see someone doing something that isn't common or a societal norm, it gives me inspiration and confidence that I can do that thing too.
3. How are you currently using bikes in Portland?
Most days, I commute to training on Biketown. After training, I'll often ride somewhere to work at a coffee shop. I'm also a massive fan of leisurely night time summer strolls.
4. What, in your opinion, has BIKETOWN brought to Portland?
I think Biketown is the greatest way to see all of Portland's beauty. Not only is biking environmentally-friendly, but being outside and exercising simply feels good for the soul. It's also efficient, and can often get you places faster than driving. Plus, you don't have to worry about parking!
5. Who is/was a woman that inspired you (to ride)?
A woman that inspires me to ride is my mother. She always encourages me to be active and seize the day.
6. What have you done or what are you doing to get more women on bikes?
I'm hoping by continuing to live my life in a way that feels true to me. Riding bikes honestly makes me feel like a badass. There's no better feeling than mobbing down a hill with wind in my hair. I also just feel more connected and part of the community when I'm outside and moving. I hope when people see me riding, they can feel that too, and give riding a try themselves.