Staff Spotlight: Meet Edgar Arellano
This month we are excited to introduce Edgar Arellano. As the Micromobility Program Manager Edgar will head up the Oakland e-bike program!
How did you come to GRID?
I've had my eye on the amazing team and work over at GRID. My interests have given me the opportunity to explore & implement sustainable programs & GRID has always been an inspiration to follow. It was a very difficult decision to transition from the great team at California Walks over here to GRID. GRID's work and culture to focus Equity, Inclusion and Diversity in implementing programs was key in persuading me to join this great team and the direction to expand into Micromobility Light Electric Vehicles was the "cherry on top" for a longtime bicycle & e-bicycle user and mechanic like myself. My excitement continues to grow as I get to meet the amazing team here at GRID.
What GRID value most resonates with you?
Integrity. Our work in the community, including the goals and vision must stem from responsibility, accountability and excellence particularly focused on community wellbeing. The other values, safety, equity and collaborative action can be manipulated and sometimes to the detriment of our community. Integrity in our work and its intention provides a strong foundation for the other values to shine.
What is your favorite GRID moment?
In my short time here so far, my favorite GRID moment has been the 1 on 1 interactions I've had with various team members. We've shared recipes, laughs, concerns, as well as many great ideas and solutions. The ideas have come from various different teams here at GRID and it will be awesome to integrate some of these fantastic suggestions. Thank you all for your time, ideas and comradery.
This new Micromobility role will provide opportunities for exposure to Light Electric Vehicle growth while integrating GRID's other great programs and GRID's commitment to equity in the community.
Keep an eye out for updates for the exciting e-Bike Lending Libraries programs coming to Oakland! This program will be designed by the community through digital feedback tools, as well as community presentations to gather further feedback. Keep an eye out for engagement opportunities coming soon!
Fun Facts
I have put well over 30,000 miles on my various bicycles across California, including a couple of days in Dublin, Ireland where they travel on the opposite side of the road. Most of those bicycle miles were spent carrying a lot of stuff to programs or projects as a "commuter" in Acjachemen and Tongva lands, or "North Orange County." However, I also put in a lot of miles for fun while bikepacking, or in between city streets and paved / unpaved bike trails. I'm excited to get to ride here in these Ohlone lands, or "the Bay Area," again, since this place further inspired my bicycle adventures when I was younger. I'm a League Certified Instructor with the League of American Bicyclists and can host bicycle skills workshops and group rides, let's go on a ride!