Volunteer to help people get around

By Melia Tichenor

Growing up in the Bay Area, I could get anywhere on public transit. My hometown of Albany, California was small and safe enough that my 10-year-old self could explore its nooks and crannies by bike. Though I learned to drive as soon as I hit 15, getting a car was not in the cards, and I wondered how long I could stave off that first auto purchase.

Nearly ten years later, a lot has changed in my life. I now call Portland my home, and am excited to officially join the Hands On Greater Portland staff this summer, after serving two years of national service as an AmeriCorps member. But some things haven’t changed. The only set of wheels I’ve ever bought belong to my new bicycle. And accessible transportation remains a passion of mine, in all its many forms.

That’s why I am excited to have organized September’s Focus On Transportation, during which we’re highlighting all the ways you can volunteer with us to help people meet critical needs for transportation. Drive a van. Deliver meals. Support bike commute workshops. Whether you love driving, rely on two wheels, or take public transit, you have the perfect tools to help connect others with the transportation alternatives they need and deserve.

When I first moved to Portland for college, I found a city criss-crossed with public transportation. Zipcars seemed to be at every major intersection. And the city’s distinction of being one of the most bike-friendly cities in America encouraged my first bike purchase. It was easy for me to stand by my decision not to own a car and consider myself lucky to live in such an accessible place.

What I have grown to understand, however, is that I am fortunate to have the physical ability to get around. Not everyone does. The convenience of public transit is only as convenient as your ability to get yourself to a stop, and assumes you can figure it out from there. Cost-saving car share options still require that one is able to drive themselves, which is a barrier for many with physical and mental limitations.

Realizing that transportation continues to be a critical need in the community, I decided to give some of my own time to help connect others with ways to get around. Since my personal passion is for the bicycle, I found my niche volunteering with the Community Cycling Center, empowering kids with the skills, knowledge and confidence to bike, while strengthening their street-savvy and problem solving skills. The experience was unforgettable, watching those shy first-timers turn into confident two-wheelers.

This month, I am fortunate to have had this chance to turn my passion and volunteer experience into Hands On’s Focus on Transportation. I hope that you will feel inspired to join with me and give the gift of mobility.

Melia Tichenor is Hands On Greater Portland’s Eastside Program Manager. When she’s not working with nonprofit partners to set up volunteer projects, she’s rallying her coworkers to earn 100% participation in this September’s Bike Commute Challenge, sponsored by the Bicycle Transportation Alliance.