You can never have too many friends, especially as a bicycle coordinator. The nature of this position requires a network of connections in order to make meaningful accomplishments. Fayetteville is a smallish city and the cycling scene is growing but still smallish too; so it’s not impossible for me to know all of the bike advocates and organizers in town. I try to meet as many new people as possible – it’s the most fun part of my day and it makes me much more effective in my position.
As I settle into my service term, I’m learning that growing and maintaining my network needs to be just another part of my daily routine. Gaining a key new contact maybe the most important thing I can do in a given week. I try to make the most of opportunities to make new connections when I am participating in meetings and I often call up local bike organizations to see who wants to talk with me.
I can’t tell where my position will lead in the long term but I know that growing my network of contacts will help my chances of success no matter what happens.
Dane Eifling graduated from Fayetteville High School in 2003, served in the U.S. Navy from 2004-2009 and graduated from San Francisco State in 2012 with a BA in Geography with emphasis in planning and transportation. Dane champions the benefits of alternative transportation with a special emphasis on cycling. As Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator for the City of Fayetteville, Dane is developing and implementing education, outreach and planning solutions to enhance bicycle use and pedestrian experience in Fayetteville.
