Graydon Patterson - April 1998 Volunteer of the month

If you peek into any number of cycling committee meetings throughout the year where a lot of the work to improve cycling in Ottawa-Carleton actually takes place you'll frequently find Graydon Patterson actively contributing. He has been a reliable participant in the planning committees for the City of Ottawa and Regional cycling networks, constantly contributing new ideas and challenging other committee members to make progress; not an easy task at times.

During the annual planning for CfSC's Cycling Safety and Promotion Program this winter, Graydon was a valuable and active participant. He brought his skills as an analyst for the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Police Service to bear on a complex and extensive program evaluation, and design and prioritization of the 1998 work plan. He used his skills and access to tools to produce a number of professional-quality structure charts to assist committee members with their understanding of program objectives and work areas.

"Graydon always amazes us with his thoughtful analysis and fresh ideas to problems. If Graydon's on a project, you know it's moving forward, says CfSC's Cycling Safety and Promotion Program Coordinator.

In addition to planning new improvements to cycling routes, Graydon has critically reviewed detailed plans and reports on road changes and policies that affect cyclists, on an almost monthly basis.

Not one just to talk about bikes, Graydon commutes to work by bicycle all year (except on the really icy days!) In the spring he teaches CAN-BIKE and is completing his CAN-BIKE II instructor certification. In addition he often volunteers his time teaching at Kids CAN-BIKE Festivals and reviewing and improving the CAN-BIKE curriculum. He is also working on a joint police/CFSC project to better educate cyclists on the rules of the road.

Graydon is an articulate writer on cycling topics, and recently contributed an extensive article on winter cycling to the OBC newsletter and CfSC web site. He is a contributor in the CfSC newsgroup / e-mail list discussions, where he shares his unflappable, reasoned thoughts and helpful answers to people's questions.

Thank you Graydon, for many jobs well-done to improve cycling!