2008 Ambassadors
Drum roll please . . . here are the Curb Your Car Month Ambassadors for 2008:**Want to become an Ambassador during Curb Your Car Month (and get a cool t-shirt?). Click here for more info**
| Jeff Gaynor Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I have gone happily carless for 2 months, and plan to continue. I bus or bike to work - 11 mi round trip. (I did not buy my first car until 15 years ago - when I was 42 years old, and had children to drive).
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| Cedric Richner Richner & Richner, LLC Walk, Bike and Bus Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I want to be an Ambassador to raise awareness about the healthful, environmentally friendly, and personally financial benefits that can accrue to people if they left their cars at home more often. I also want to develop six pack abs, have a built in excuse for not wearing a suit to client meetings, and so I can feel self righteous and morally superior to everyone driving a car during the month of May.  Cedric shows off his Curb Your Car Month T-shirt and his bike. |
| Astrid Larsen US EPA on Plymouth Bus Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I finally started riding the bus to/from work this past February after living in Ann Arbor for 3.5 years. And it's been GREAT! I can't imagaine driving my car to work anymore. There's a bus stop near my house and a bus stop very near the office. My commute couldn't be anymore convenient. I'm encouraging my office "cube-neighbors" to give bus commuting a try during Curb Your Car month. Maybe wearing a T-shirt and posting signs outside my cube will inspire other's to give AATA a try. |
| Jason Voss Zingerman's Mail Order Bike Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I love riding my bike to work and hope to completely curb my car for the whole month of May, commuting entirely by bike. I would like to share my passion by encouraging others to use alternative commutes.  Bike Ambassadors Jason Voss and Jess Bratus |
| Brian Schneidewind
Here's Brian! |
| Kristen J. Cuhran Fair Housing Center of Southeastern Michigan Bus, Bike and Walk Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? Because I believe in treading lightly on the earth. Because I believe in sustainability and the power of health and well being to transform humans and consequently (or consecutively) the planet. One less car. One bigger breath.  Kristen bikes to work from Ypsi and is involvedwith Bike Ypsi. |
| Elizabeth Tidd
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| Derek Roberts Lord, Aeck & Sargent Architecture Bike and Bus Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I am a strong believer in public transit and use it year round.  Bike and Bus Ambassador Derek Roberts |
| Ron Stempihar Thomson Reuters Bike Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? Help to build the team and to motivate myself |
| Eli Cooper City of Ann Arbor Bike Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I want to show that the City can Lead by Example. |
| Lindsay-Jean Hard Ann Arbor DDA Walk Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I love my 'commute' to work and would like to sharer my enthusiasm with others, and help them explore other ways of getting downtown besides just driving alone!  Here's Lindsay! |
| Chuck Warpehoski Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice Bike Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? Because I like to bike to work and want to encourage others to do the same.  Here's Chuck on his bike. |
| Ira Lax Ann Arbor District Library Walk Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? The more we use alternative transportation, the better it will be for the health and vitality of the whole city.  Ira and the AADL are also hosting a great Curb Your Car Month Panel on May 8. Click here for details. |
| Jackie Bendsen Ann Arbor YMCA Bus and Walk Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? Since moving to Michigan, I've committed to riding the bus and/or walking as much as possible. I've really enjoyed getting to know the bus system and am so grateful that I'm able to ride the bus to and from work almost every day. Busing, carpooling, biking, and walking are terrific ways that everyone can make a positive impact in the communitiy and environment. Walking and busing are an important part of my daily committment to living a more enviornmentally, socially, economically sustainable life. This is a terrific way to introduce others to the benefts of making changes that will have a profoundly positive affect on their community, and in their individual lives as well.  Jackie is going to put up a Curb Your Car Month Banner at the Y. Look for it. And look for her walking to work! |
| Jennifer Zimmer UM - Ross School of Business - Kresge Library Bike Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? Riding my bike to work is the best part of my day. When I get to work I have a smile on my face because I just got some fabulous exercise and didn't have to drive my car. I want to share this feeling and experience with others and help them realize that they CAN commute by bike to work, especially here in Ann Arbor, and that getting to work can actually be fun and good for you at the same time! |
| Sara Tucker Washtenaw Woodwrights Walk Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I want to be a walk ambassador because I want to communicate the merits of walking - it is great exercise, it helps slow life down to "smell the roses", and it helps reduce the consumption of fuel.  Sara's got everyone at Washtenaw Woodwrights firedup about the Commuter Challenge! |
| Andrea Cohan Bike Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I would love to be a bike ambassador to pass on the great benefits of biking to my office! I will send bi-weekly emails with fun facts about why you should bike. In addition, I would like to plan bike rides for my office outside the office work day. I'm riding a 300 mile ride in July and would love to get others interested in the ride and training! I also plan on riding with the Ann Arbor touring society and filling in Michigan Googlers about upcoming rides.  Andrea is one dedicated bike commuter! |
| Andrea Steves Walk, Bike and Bus Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? Walking & Biking (or Bus when it is really cold) have so many benefits - fitness, sun, stress relief. Many employees feel that driving is quicker, but in many cases, by the time you get through traffic & park, walking/biking is much easier. One of the best reasons to live in Ann Arbor (and the reason why I looked for a job downtown) is that the city is extremely accessible by foot and bike! I look forward to my commute every day! |
| Michael Rice U of M - Kresge Business Administration Library Bus Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I have been a full-time U-M employee for just over ten years now and do not own a car. I enjoy walking to work, but the bus becomes *invaluable* in the winter and when the weather is inclement... I don't know what I would do without it! -- I am very fortunate that U-M and the AATA have an arrangement that allows me to commute to work and I use it quite often; I am therefore, very grateful to both of them and hope that this would be one way to show it. Thanks!  Not only does Mike bus to work, he's also anavid gardener. |
| Dunrie Greiling
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| Joe Wywrot
Bike and Bus Ambassador Joe says his 2 and |
| Steven Kronenberg University of Michigan Walk, Bike and Bus Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I've been an advocate for safe-routes-to-school and non-motorized transport (cycling in particular) in Ann Arbor for many years.  Steven is known for his strong bicycle advocacy. |
| Renee Chu Walk Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I enjoy my daily walk to work and want people to approach me about this commute option. |
| Robin Claucherty Lord Aeck Sargent Walk, Bike and Bus Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I think it's important to educate people on the benefits of commuting to work. It not only helps the environment but it improves health, saves money and reduces stress. With the price of gasoline going up and up commuting offers a way to make people realize there is life without a car.  Robin recently moved to Ann Arbor and is already enjoying the sustainable transportation lifestyle. |
| Rene Greff Arbor Brewing Company Bike Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I want to support curb your car month and let people know it's easy to bike from Ypsi to Ann Arbor.  Rene is the owner of Arbor Brewing Company and isalso on the DDA Board. |
| Joel Panozzo Alumni Association of U of M Walk, Bike, and Bus Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I have been involved in the CYCM for the last two years. The previous ambassador is passing the reigns. I am excited to promote sustainable forms of commuting in my workplace.  Not only does Joel walk, bike and bus, he alsomopeds! |
| Justin Schott National Wildlife Federation Bike Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I'm passionate about reducing my carbon footprint, staying in shape, and enjoying the outdoors through riding. I bike to work (4 miles roundtrip) every day spring through fall and about 50% of the winter (bus the other half). I've used my bike and trailer for trips up to 85 miles and believe we need to get more people pedaling rather than driving.  Justin and all of the folks at the NWFare all about the Commuter Challenge. |
| Georgina Hickey University of Michigan Bike Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I've been working with Bike Ypsi for several months and in just that short time I've seen how biking can energize people, build community, and just be a lot of fun. I want to ride more myself and being and ambassador will encourage me to do that by committing me to encourage others to do it too! |
| Steve Coffman University of Michigan - LSA - DMC Walk and Bus Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? Yay Bus system! Yay exercise |
| Neal Kessler JJR Bike Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I've been commuting by bike year round for about 4 years. I want to tell folks that it may seem a bit daunting at the beginning but if you make it a part of your daily routine, its a great way to save money and parking hassles, and also a different way to experience the city. Watch for me riding in a tie.  Here's Neal sporting a Lobster and Butter tie. |
| Mahaveer University of Michigan Walk, Bike and Bus Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? Primarily for exercise but it will also save money on gas and parking.  Mahaveer wants to do his part to supportsustainable commuting. |
| Alex Wyszewianski Pure Visibility, Inc. Bike and Bus Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? to spread the word of bicycle transit. |
| Jason Young Pure Visibility Bike and Bus Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I'd like to see more people riding bikes and buses in ann arbor. i love not having to drive to work; i think public transportation is an indicator of the quality of life in a city.  The picture says it all. |
| Katie Dennis Cosi Ann Arbor Walk Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I walk to work daily no matter the weather and find that it puts me in a clear frame of mind to begin my morning. Walking allows me to get moving a little right away and enjoy some fresh air while I get to work. I love living close enough to be able to walk to work and to most other destinations. It is so much more satisfying than driving! |
| Andy Brush Washtenaw County Walk, Bike and Bus Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? Because I want more people to get out of their cars.  Check out Andy's go!pass and his awesomeyellow jacket. He's a sustainable commuting machine! |
| Shari Gordon Washtenaw County Friend of the Court Bike and Bus Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? To encourage others to see how easy it is to use alternative transportation |
| Kelly O'Doherty Angelini & Associates Architects Bus Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I ride the bus because it's convenient, easy, and cheaper than driving (free with a GoPass). I'd like to encourage others to try it too |
| Craig Rominski Zingerman's Service Network Bike Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I get excited when co-workers ask me about my bike commute. I love sharing routes, tips and gear recommendations. I've done this quietly for many years, and being an ambassador is a great opportunity to lead and encourage others to explore all of their commuting options. |
| Naida Michigan Theater Bus and Walk Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I am a student and resident of Eastern Michigan University's campus, and have been working at the downtown Michigan Theatre for a few months now. Initially, when moving to Ypsilanti from Farmington Hills, I had decided to leave my car in my parents' garage and rely on more clean ways of transportation such as the Ride and my legs (though the cleanliness factor is disputable when walking and wearing flip-flops). In order to get to work, I have to make a 13 minute trip to the bus station, from one end of campus to the other. When I am out of work at 10:40, I hustle to make it to board the very last bus from downtown Ann Arbor back to Eastern's campus. It's quite a ride (no pun intended), and I feel as though it's completely physically rewarding and pleases Mother Nature! |
| Lidia Pomana Survey Sciences Group Walk Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? People living in Ann Arbor can easily use public transportation (or walk) to work. Apart from environmental benefits for all of us (less gas used), there are also personal health benefits that each person can individually enjoy by walking - it's good for us! |
| Bruce Geffen Clague Middle School Bike Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? To help folks save money by commuting using their bicycles since gas prices are so high. Also for the physical and emotional benefits. |
| Julie Weatherbee University of Michigan Walk Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I would like to help people realize what a great walking town Ann Arbor is and how easy and quick it is to get places on foot. Walking is better for the environment, better for the individual, and fun and interesting. You can't beat that! |
| Mary Hogan Veterans Hospital Bike and Bus Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I have long tried to ride my bike to work and have begun to use the bus more often as well. I would like to encourage people to give alternate transportation a try. They may find it offers more than they thought and they can really do it - at least some of the time. Taking the bus and biking adds activity to your day, allows you to interact with the world on your way to work instead of being isolated in your car. I could go on regarding the benefits... I love to bike! |
| Kendra Pyle City of Ann Arbor Bike Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I have had a "Green Slow Moving Vehicle Magnet” on my car for the last year, a grassroots initiative started in Pine County, Minnesota (visit http://greenslowmovingvehicle.com). The Drive Easy, Conserve magnet shows that I support driving slower for better fuel efficiency to conserve gasoline and to lower emissions. Rising gas prices, the cost of car maintenance and insurance, and a desire to reduce my carbon imprint have convinced me to get rid of my car completely. So, being a bike ambassador seemed like a good way to spread the word about the ease of bike commuting! |
| Shelley Salant Michigan Theater Walk Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I walk to work everyday year round (in addition to the Michigan Theater I work at Encore Recordings and the Neutral Zone teen center). Walking is usually enjoyable and in many ways easier/better than driving to work. |
| Michele Leshan Ann Arbor Observer Walk Ambassador Why do you want to be an Ambassador? I love to walk! |
Dunrie on the colorful couch.
