Advocate of the Month: Kim Bowsher

Name: Kim Bowsher

Pronouns: She/Her

Occupation: Executive Director of the Ogden Downtown Alliance, Owner of kbENT Media and Marketing, and Manager of Wildflower Outdoor

Associated Advocacy Group: Wildflower Outdoor and WomenMTB

Title at associated advocacy group: Actively enthused about biking is the only title I’ve got.

Where is your favorite place to ride in Utah? 

This is a hard one! I ride trail and road so I really love riding in Weber County and feel we have an incredible mix of opportunities for this but my most favorite is simply the Ogden River Parkway. It reminds me of being a kid and riding carefree, plus I love seeing the variety of trail users and uses along that gorgeous span of the river. It’s amazing.

What is/was your favorite bike? 

For the longest time, I was riding my mom’s bike which was something like a 1995 Giant Rincon. I still have it! It’s heavy and old school but that bike is where I fell in love with riding on my own - not because I was doing what my parents were, or anything else, just riding and exploring because it felt good. That bike will always be special to me for that reason.

How did you build your relationships with your Wildflower Outdoor and WomenMTB? 

I think meeting people where they are is huge and most people are just looking to have fun, so meeting them in that purpose first and foremost but then letting that leak into the edges of what’s going on in their day, their lives, introducing them to bike infrastructure concerns and needs, demonstrating how they can be a part of the dialogue. Letting people be whole people when they come to a ride instead of just “ride buddies” is really huge.

Additionally, there are so many new cyclists right now and I love getting to be a part of building that awareness of trail etiquette and advocacy for the systems we all are using. For me, I think this is one of the biggest ways we can be advocates for the cycling community: demonstrating appropriate use, care, and investment.

What is the most important piece to the puzzle in making cycling more inclusive for women? 

I really believe in women’s specific training and group ride opportunities. Watching other women conquer a trail feature right in front of you just teaches your body and brain that YOU CAN TOO in a way that is so much different than co-ed rides. It’s something we talk about a ton with both Wildflower Outdoor and WomenMTB, women will join these groups because they’ve old had the opportunity of riding with men and they share funny stories of why that just didn’t resonate and what it means to find a group of women to ride with - there’s something really special there.

How do you find time for this work? 

I think the work is so much a part of my life that it feels like a natural existence for me - when it doesn’t feel natural I have to ask myself if I should be there or if I should be supporting in a different way.

What do you find the most rewarding about your work? 

Selfishly and honestly: having more places to ride and people to ride with! Best!

How do you make sure you are taking care of yourself and avoiding burnout? 

I probably still need lessons in this but I am getting better at recognizing when I’m tired versus just not wanting to do something and I’m so much better these days about telling myself that rest is essential in maintaining this work long-range.

What future projects do you hope to see happen?

There are so many incredible projects coming down the line that I could easily say I want to support but I think a big gap is in signage. I would really love to see more trail signage that has etiquette reminders, especially on multi-use systems. 

What advice do you have for someone who wants to get involved with bicycle advocacy, but has no idea where to start? 

Ask questions! I got involved originally because I started asking questions in coffee shops and at bike meetups and at my local government level, people will point you to the do-ers and movers and you’ll become one too!

How can we engage future generations to continue advocacy work? 

I believe getting future generations out in nature and engaging them in recreation while educating them on the sustainability and responsibility piece are essential. The more opportunities we can get kids into nature and appreciating nature, the more they’ll be invested in protecting it. I have two boys and this is how we approach every camp adventure, hike, bike, climb, they know they are lucky to have these opportunities and they want to protect them.

Do you have a follow-up question for Kim? Would you like more info about your local bicycling advocacy group or have a specific active transportation project you’d like to see initiated? Do you know an advocate we should highlight? Email info@bikeutah.org!